Homes are going for about $272,100 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Worth the trade-offs? Thanks for reading.
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Madelyn Green
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Old Town for 12 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for cost of living. 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 down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's exactly what I was looking for. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Old Town schools are tough. 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. Limited entertainment options. And cost of living can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For singles, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
Jameson M.
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is housing market. it's not perfect but it works for me. Worth doing your research before committing.
38 upvotes
Grayson Thomas
My experience has been mostly positive. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The only thing I'd watch out for is job market. Other than that, No regrets on my end..
37 upvotes
loving_ezekiel85
yeah no that's not right
35 upvotes
Evan F.
following this thread
33 upvotes
Nova Hill
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Portland and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Lakewood. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is competitive right now, especially in legal. If you're in tech you might struggle.
People: Generally average. It took about 6 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: excellent. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
30 upvotes
Ezra A.
Totally agree!
29 upvotes
Robert Wright
it depends on the neighborhood
29 upvotes
Isaiah Sanchez
I work in hospitality here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is underrated. Hope this helps!.
26 upvotes
lake_kai53
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to LA it's excellent.
24 upvotes
Addison Edwards
I work in finance here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is improving. Feel free to reach out with questions..
21 upvotes
jonathan_mind
Can confirm, been here 2 years.
16 upvotes
Amelia
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's exactly what I was looking for. Compared to San Francisco it's pretty good.
6 upvotes
Emilia Gomez
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 15 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. retail is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are wild for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is better than expected - 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 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. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Limited public transit options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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