OK so People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
27 upvotes
7 Replies
Aaron
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if housing market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
40 upvotes
James L.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Atlanta about 2 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Lots of new development happening
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it average compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are developing, gas is improving.
Socially, it's not perfect but it works for me. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
40 upvotes
Luna Long
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
36 upvotes
Robert
been saying this for years
35 upvotes
Adeline Ross
I've lived in Oak Park for about 2 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by walkability. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The traffic scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Limited public transit options
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
22 upvotes
Isaiah Martin
yep
12 upvotes
Ryan Patel
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 14 years. Moved from New York for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. 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 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. hospitality 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:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is average - we have mountains 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 underrated. 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. Limited public transit options. Can feel isolated. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 5/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.