Longtime lurker here, I'm a 47-year-old pharmacist and You can expect to pay around $3,079 for rent here. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The food scene here is surprisingly good. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
9 upvotes
3 Replies
Samuel M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 53, moved here 6 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Westside and Midtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited high-paying job options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for families. average vibes, walkable.
- Midtown: 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 decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for.. 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
Jace
wish I knew this sooner
15 upvotes
Autumn P.
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 Austin for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is improving - we have lakes 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. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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