Military spouse here. Property taxes are high but you get good services. TIA! There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
12 Replies
Santiago Walker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 8 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 15 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Mediterranean.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Nolan Moore
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Riverside. It's challenging for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in real estate. If you're in healthcare you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like Korean.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Angel Thomas
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Seattle, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Good internet infrastructure
- The walkability scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for singles. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
37 upvotes
Joseph Morgan
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 10 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's established and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Springfield side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
32 upvotes
Aaron P.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 13 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the safety is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the Riverside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
30 upvotes
Mia Taylor
I've been living here for 13 years and I'd say I'm still on the fence after all this time. The cost of living is improving compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
28 upvotes
Owen Phillips
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely solid and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. My neighborhood (Old Town) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Nashville, be prepared for the culture shock. housing market is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
23 upvotes
Mackenzie
As someone who grew up here, it's exactly what I was looking for. A lot has changed in the past few years though. school system used to be much manageable but now it's decent.
7 upvotes
Lydia Stewart
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
4 upvotes
Addison N.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Boston about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good airport with direct flights
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, it exceeded my expectations. Happy to answer more specific questions..
2 upvotes
Paisley Walker
Hot take but it's been a really good experience overall. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
All Countries
