Anyone else feel this way? You can expect to pay around $811 for rent here. Average temperature is around 43--F, so bundle up in winter. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
4 upvotes
7 Replies
Samuel Brown
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem hit or miss.
I've been here 10 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the outdoor recreation is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
37 upvotes
Sophia H.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from San Francisco about 8 years ago. The main reasons were retirement and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are manageable, gas is improving.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Hope this helps!.
33 upvotes
oakland_silas
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 39, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Uptown and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Uptown: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Seattle, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
24 upvotes
Evan G.
I work in marketing here and I love the pace of life here. The job market for my field is improving. Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Bella Anderson
interesting, hadn't considered that
12 upvotes
Waylon Garcia
interesting, hadn't considered that
6 upvotes
Brooklyn
Came here for weather and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The cultural scene is honestly better than expected and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
All Countries
