Longtime lurker here, The median home value here is around $127,000, which is actually reasonable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. What neighborhoods would you suggest? Cheers. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
4 upvotes
3 Replies
Catherine C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 2 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the nightlife is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
39 upvotes
Benjamin H.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 58, moved here 13 years ago from Denver. I've lived in Sunset and Uptown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Lots of new development happening
2. Affordable housing options
3. Strong sense of community
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Can feel isolated
3. The public transit situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Sunset: Great for young professionals. solid vibes, walkable.
- Uptown: 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 Denver, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
30 upvotes
Paisley W.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is outdoor recreation. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
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