Anyone else feel this way? Military spouse here. The median home value here is around $210,800, which is actually reasonable. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Am I wrong here? Appreciate any input. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development.
22 upvotes
23 Replies
Xavier Campbell
We moved here with our family and it's exactly what I was looking for. Schools in Meadowbrook area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
40 upvotes
Evelyn Y.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, I love the pace of life here. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
40 upvotes
Thomas S.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
39 upvotes
John Richardson
big facts right here
38 upvotes
Harper Hall
Weather-wise, the summers are decent and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
36 upvotes
Lillian Turner
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Internet is excellent in most areas.
32 upvotes
Claire 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 2 years. Moved from Nashville for a fresh start. 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 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. construction 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 hit or miss - we have lakes 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Can feel isolated. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
tucson_sarah
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are improving, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
29 upvotes
Leo S.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Fairview. It's solid for what you get.
Jobs: The market is pricey right now, especially in construction. If you're in real estate you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Wyatt Walker
thanks for sharing
21 upvotes
Mia H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem excellent.
I've been here 6 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into surfing, this place is challenging.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Westside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
20 upvotes
Connor H.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are surprisingly good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
20 upvotes
Dominic P.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Compared to Houston it's solid.
20 upvotes
David H.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
18 upvotes
Gabriel Reyes
Came here for weather and stayed because I have mixed feelings honestly. The safety is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
12 upvotes
Christopher L.
hard disagree but ok
12 upvotes
Hudson Smith
I'm a pharmacist and I've found I'm still on the fence after all this time. The community is average and there's always something going on.
12 upvotes
Adam S.
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great sushi places. it's not perfect but it works for me.
11 upvotes
Aurora C.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 9 years. Moved from New York for a job opportunity. 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 a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is decent - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are decent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Far from beaches/mountains. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 8/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
7 upvotes
Paisley Nguyen
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
3 upvotes
Scarlett Nelson
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I love the pace of life here. Compared to Pittsburgh it's better than expected.
3 upvotes
Ezra Walker
100%
2 upvotes
Brooklyn Harris
I've lived in North for about 7 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 Seattle, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Good internet infrastructure
- The community vibe scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..