Alright, My partner and I are Rent is about $1,577/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 1.9%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. What would you do?
9 upvotes
11 Replies
sarah_native
Can confirm, been here 9 years.
40 upvotes
Joseph S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 37, moved here 14 years ago from Phoenix. I've lived in South and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Four distinct seasons
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The dating scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- South: Great for young professionals. improving vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 Phoenix, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
36 upvotes
Bennett Johnson
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
33 upvotes
James W.
literally same
28 upvotes
Caleb B.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is tough - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are surprisingly good. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Dating scene is rough. Far from beaches/mountains. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Hailey Howard
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 7 years. Moved from LA for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have rivers within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Maple Ridge schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Can feel isolated. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
18 upvotes
Sophia Rivera
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is solid in most areas.
17 upvotes
Theodore Hall
Hot take but I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. I know a lot of people disagree but after 11 years here, that's my honest assessment.
17 upvotes
Aria Kelly
spot on
14 upvotes
Cooper Williams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a chef who relocated here from Seattle about 11 years ago. The main reasons were work and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are stable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
6 upvotes
Hailey
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. the quality of life is solid.
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