Sign In Register
Stella Collins moving

Moving to Oak Island with kids -good idea?

Hey, Military spouse here. Median household income is $83,483, which feels pretty sol
1 upvotes

9 Replies

Ryan Davis
+1
37 upvotes
Landon Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.

I've been in East for 11 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.

**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. real estate 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.

**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are challenging. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And public transit can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 8/10. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
30 upvotes
David T.
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 7 years. Moved from New York for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:

**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.

**Employment:**
retail is strong here. engineering is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.

**Quality of Life:**
I genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is challenging - 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 challenging. 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. Limited entertainment options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And cultural scene can be frustrating.

**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Landon S.
I've been living here for 10 years and I'd say the quality of life is solid. The cultural scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Jacob
I'm a social worker and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
7 upvotes
Kaylee L.
This.
5 upvotes
Michael
facts
4 upvotes
Victoria W.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is tough in most areas.
0 upvotes
Miles Bennett
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Salt Lake City it's challenging.
0 upvotes
← Back to Oak Island Community