Curious what people think. I'm a 54-year-old graphic designer and Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. The weather takes some getting used to. Am I overthinking this? The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
7 upvotes
4 Replies
Maya Jimenez
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
39 upvotes
Abigail
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 2 years ago from Minneapolis and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Lakewood. It's excellent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is manageable right now, especially in real estate. If you're in consulting you might struggle.
People: Generally improving. It took about 9 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: challenging. Tons of options if you like farm-to-table.
Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Michael C.
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 8 years. Moved from Atlanta for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is underrated. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have lakes 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 better than expected. 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. Road conditions need improvement. Limited shopping options. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Ethan Ward
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Charlotte about 10 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and a job opportunity.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are growing, gas is tough.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Definitely worth checking out..
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