Been meaning to ask this. I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Rent is about $1,287/month for a decent place. Median household income is $87,941, which feels pretty solid for the area. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. TIA! Property taxes are high but you get good services. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
12 upvotes
6 Replies
Autumn Robinson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from LA about 3 years ago. The main reasons were work and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, I genuinely enjoy living here. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
27 upvotes
Grace Kim
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Pine Hills for 13 years. Moved from San Francisco for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. We bought in 2015 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare 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:**
the quality of life is solid. The outdoor scene is improving - 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. Pine Hills schools are surprisingly good. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
vegas_ethan
thanks for sharing
23 upvotes
Henry S.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a electrician, 55, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in Midtown and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The food scene situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Midtown: Great for remote workers. challenging vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
21 upvotes
Owen Long
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 9 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Salt Lake City, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Lots of new development happening
- The pet-friendliness scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for remote workers. Good luck with whatever you decide..
17 upvotes
Jacob Martin
Came here for work and stayed because it's exactly what I was looking for. The pet-friendliness is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
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