First post here. Born and raised here. The unemployment rate is 3.8%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 39,174 people. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that.
16 upvotes
2 Replies
Lily Brown
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 8 years here, that's my honest assessment.
14 upvotes
Sebastian C.
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 San Francisco for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. legal 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is better than expected - we have biking 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 better than expected. 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. Winters are long and cold. Urban sprawl is real. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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