Been meaning to ask this. Been living here since 2007. Poverty rate is 4.7%, which is pretty low. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood.
13 upvotes
11 Replies
Ellie Mendoza
The food scene here is hit or miss. Tons of great seafood places. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
33 upvotes
Leah Torres
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 26, moved here 13 years ago from Dallas. I've lived in Eastside and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Nice parks and green spaces
3. Good healthcare facilities
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. Winters are long and cold
3. The cultural scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Eastside: Great for couples. excellent 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 Dallas, everything felt hit or miss. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $50K-$130K 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.
25 upvotes
sarah_native
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's been a really good experience overall. Internet is improving in most areas.
19 upvotes
Axel Adams
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem better than expected.
I've been here 13 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is nightlife. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The The Heights side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Hope this helps!.
18 upvotes
emilia_life
Hot take but the quality of life is solid. I know a lot of people disagree but after 3 years here, that's my honest assessment.
18 upvotes
Evan
Came here for weather and stayed because I genuinely enjoy living here. The cultural scene is honestly tough and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Noah E.
I work in manufacturing here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is surprisingly good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
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