Alright, Military spouse here. With a population of 39,589, Rexburg is a smaller city. The unemployment rate is 6.0%, which is about average. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. What are your go-to spots? The weather takes some getting used to. The weather takes some getting used to. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
19 upvotes
11 Replies
sunny_thomas32
following this thread
33 upvotes
houston_eva
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 47, moved here 14 years ago from Austin. I've lived in West and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Active local events and festivals
3. Close to major attractions
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Far from beaches/mountains
3. The outdoor recreation situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- West: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Austin, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $80K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
23 upvotes
Aaron 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 retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. We bought in 2023 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. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. tech 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have state parks 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 surprisingly good. 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. Limited entertainment options. And public transit can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Carson Ruiz
I'm a electrician and I've found it exceeded my expectations. The community is hit or miss and there's always something going on.
13 upvotes
Isla Brown
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 10 years ago from San Diego and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Old Town. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in retail. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: pretty good. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Luna M.
I've been living here for 6 years and I'd say I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The nightlife is average compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Hailey Howard
been saying this for years
8 upvotes
Angel Johnson
same here
8 upvotes
Natalie Campbell
I've lived in Sunset for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Denver, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Four distinct seasons
- The housing market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Overall I'd rate it 6/10 for retirees. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
7 upvotes
Oliver Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a physical therapist, 58, moved here 9 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Westside and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The traffic situation is established and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for singles. underrated vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
4 upvotes
Isla Perez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Miami about 6 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are affordable, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
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