Hi all, Rent is about $1,315/month for a decent place. Crime rate is something to consider -Lyman sits at 83.5 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Am I wrong here? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The food scene here is surprisingly good. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
9 upvotes
2 Replies
Wesley D.
thanks for sharing
31 upvotes
Sofia A.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 47, moved here 14 years ago from San Francisco. I've lived in West and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The cultural scene situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. average vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from San Francisco, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $70K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.