Been meaning to ask this. I'm originally from Tucson and Rent is about $1,636/month for a decent place. The unemployment rate is 5.2%, which is about average. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I wrong here?
24 upvotes
9 Replies
Nevaeh Cook
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from LA, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Active local events and festivals
- The outdoor recreation scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited shopping options
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Isaac
interesting, hadn't considered that
31 upvotes
Nova Phillips
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 29, moved here 4 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Fairview and Riverside, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally hit or miss - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The weather situation is stable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for young professionals. average vibes, walkable.
- Riverside: 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 Portland, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. 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.
29 upvotes
Adam C.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a social worker who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it pretty good compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are wild, gas is improving.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. No regrets on my end..
24 upvotes
Jonathan Lewis
Weather-wise, the summers are better than expected and winters are affordable. You get used to it after the first year.
21 upvotes
Aurora
preach
18 upvotes
kai_girl
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 24, moved here 11 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Fairview and Springfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Limited shopping options
3. The cultural scene situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for families. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- Springfield: 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 Portland, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$150K 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.
17 upvotes
Victoria Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 28, moved here 15 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Lakewood and Greenfield, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Growing food and restaurant scene
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Property taxes are high
2. Road conditions need improvement
3. The school system situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Lakewood: Great for retirees. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Greenfield: 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 Houston, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are growing. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $40K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
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