We're a young couple and Rent is about $974/month for a decent place. Household incomes average around $66,350 in Normal. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Any help is appreciated. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
30 upvotes
27 Replies
Michael R.
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in The Heights area are pretty good. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Jose M.
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 1 years. Moved from Portland for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2023 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have hiking trails 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 underrated. 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Lillian Jones
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's exactly what I was looking for.
38 upvotes
Valentina Alvarez
not my experience at all
37 upvotes
Axel W.
Used to live on the Lakewood side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. it's exactly what I was looking for.
33 upvotes
Genesis M.
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely average and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is manageable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Pittsburgh, be prepared for the culture shock. job market is completely different here. And Road conditions need improvement.
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.
33 upvotes
Adeline King
noted, appreciate it
31 upvotes
Willow L.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Good luck with whatever you decide..
31 upvotes
Silas Mendoza
it depends on the neighborhood
30 upvotes
Genesis Thomas
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want school system, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
29 upvotes
Eleanor P.
Used to live on the Fairview side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
29 upvotes
Joseph Rogers
Bought a house here in 2019 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone about the same since then.
28 upvotes
Genesis Ramos
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 33, moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in West and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The healthcare situation is developing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for families. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: 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 Atlanta, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
26 upvotes
Reagan Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value job market, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely solid and I've found there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. My neighborhood (Highland) is established and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. weather is completely different here. And Limited public transit options.
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.
25 upvotes
Alice Brooks
Public transit is hit or miss here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
25 upvotes
Everly M.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is better than expected in most areas.
24 upvotes
Theodore White
Bought a house here in 2015 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
21 upvotes
Miles Wood
hard disagree but ok
21 upvotes
Logan Carter
it depends on the neighborhood
18 upvotes
Paisley F.
lol so true
14 upvotes
Paisley Hernandez
same here
14 upvotes
lake_mason26
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 15 years. Moved from Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance 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 excellent - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Midtown schools are improving. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Nightlife is limited. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes
Genesis C.
Hot take but I genuinely enjoy living here. I know a lot of people disagree but after 12 years here, that's my honest assessment.
6 upvotes
Jackson Young
Moved here from Tampa about 8 years ago. I genuinely enjoy living here. Still getting used to cultural scene but Definitely worth checking out..
5 upvotes
Dominic W.
Bought a house here in 2022 and it's been a really good experience overall. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
4 upvotes
Evelyn Lee
I'm a physical therapist and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is underrated and there's always something going on.
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