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Christina B.
housing
Studio apartments in Minneapolis — options?
Longtime lurker here, What would you do? There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
2 upvotes
2 Replies
Jameson Thompson
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 14 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 14 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up significantly 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. healthcare is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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. 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. Winters are long and cold. Rising rent and home prices. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
23 upvotes
John Kim
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
Background: I'm a contractor, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Midtown and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Limited shopping options
3. The nightlife situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for singles. improving vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Chicago, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
6 upvotes