Alright, Poverty rate is 2.9%, which is pretty low. Median household income is $61,894, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $110,000, which is actually reasonable. Homes are going for about $110,000 on average. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Is this normal for Narrows? It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
9 upvotes
12 Replies
Isaac Phillips
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a electrician who relocated here from LA about 13 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Zoey Brooks
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
Violet Rogers
lol so true
27 upvotes
Carolyn C.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
27 upvotes
Parker W.
same here
24 upvotes
Dominic B.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's not perfect but it works for me. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- The traffic scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for remote workers. No regrets on my end..
21 upvotes
Gabriel
wish I knew this sooner
21 upvotes
Adeline King
nah I disagree
20 upvotes
Adeline Williams
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 42, moved here 2 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Pine Hills and Westside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The walkability situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for remote workers. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Westside: 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 Portland, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
20 upvotes
Sofia Brown
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a sales manager who relocated here from Portland about 6 years ago. The main reasons were work and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. Older homes are where the value is. Groceries are growing, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Justin B.
I've lived in Lakewood for about 12 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from San Francisco, I was surprised by public transit. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is improving
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