Hi all, I'm a nurse at the local hospital and Median household income is $63,209, which feels about average for the area. It's a a small town city with about 7,120 people. With a population of 7,120, Putnam is a small town. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Worth the trade-offs? The food scene here is surprisingly good. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
John C.
My experience has been mostly positive. it was the best decision I ever made. The only thing I'd watch out for is traffic. Other than that, Hope this helps!.
39 upvotes
Ava
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a contractor, 58, moved here 5 years ago from Pittsburgh. I've lived in Riverside and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Four distinct seasons
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The walkability situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Riverside: Great for couples. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 Pittsburgh, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$150K 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.
32 upvotes
Ethan Morgan
Public transit is better than expected here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it exceeded my expectations.
17 upvotes
Everett Cruz
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 11 years. Moved from New York for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have hiking 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 hit or miss. 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 very walkable outside downtown. Far from beaches/mountains. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 7/10. No regrets on my end.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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