Hi all, Military spouse here. Crime rate is something to consider -Norton Center sits at 242.7 per 100K. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Any advice would be great. The suburbs are where most families end up. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
2 upvotes
13 Replies
Brooklyn Myers
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 3 years. Moved from Chicago for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is tough - we have ski resorts 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 hit or miss. 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. Road conditions need improvement. And food scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Brooklyn Parker
The food scene here is better than expected. Tons of great Asian places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
35 upvotes
Nora R.
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Charlotte, I was surprised by healthcare. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong sense of community
- The cost of living scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. No regrets on my end..
31 upvotes
Madeline Ortiz
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great Vietnamese places. it's exactly what I was looking for.
24 upvotes
Aiden N.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 12 years ago from Baltimore and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in North. It's decent for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in government you might struggle.
People: Generally hit or miss. It took about 17 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like BBQ.
Hope this helps!.
24 upvotes
Maya H.
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Nora G.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 35, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Downtown and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The safety situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for young professionals. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 Austin, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $70K-$150K 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.
18 upvotes
Hazel H.
I've lived in Cedar Grove for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by traffic. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The outdoor recreation scene is solid
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for young professionals. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
17 upvotes
Noah C.
I've lived in Highland for about 8 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 LA, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Active local events and festivals
- The weather scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Road conditions need improvement
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for families. Hope this helps!.
8 upvotes
Joshua
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is pet-friendliness. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Worth doing your research before committing.
6 upvotes
Ethan
Bought a house here in 2023 and the quality of life is solid. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
1 upvotes
Eli Gonzalez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Pittsburgh it's better than expected.
0 upvotes
Naomi Howard
Public transit is solid here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
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