Been meaning to ask this. My partner and I are Poverty rate is 17.7%, which is higher than I expected. With a population of 198K, Montgomery is a mid-size city. Crime rate is something to consider — Montgomery sits at 522.5 per 100K. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
Pros:
- Good job market
- Low crime in most areas
- Good schools
- Strong sense of community
Cons:
- Not very walkable
- High property taxes
- Lack of diversity
- Homelessness issues downtown
There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's changing fast — some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up.
5 upvotes
13 Replies
Cameron Robinson
spot on
38 upvotes
Arianna J.
My experience has been mostly positive. I genuinely enjoy living here. The only thing I'd watch out for is cultural scene. Other than that, Definitely worth checking out..
37 upvotes
Amelia H.
yeah no that's not right
29 upvotes
Carson Kim
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 3 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by school system. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Strong job market in several industries
- The traffic scene is solid
The downsides:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
28 upvotes
matthew_runner
this is the way
26 upvotes
Aubrey Myers
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Lakewood. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in hospitality. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally solid. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like sushi.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
18 upvotes
Isla Cruz
Saving this thread
17 upvotes
Sara C.
Hot take but it exceeded my expectations. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
16 upvotes
local_connor51
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great BBQ places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
8 upvotes
Abigail R.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a project manager, 32, moved here 15 years ago from LA. I've lived in Midtown and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The cost of living situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
8 upvotes
Michael Reyes
it depends on the neighborhood
8 upvotes
Eleanor Edwards
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
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