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Weston Perez
moving
Moving to San Rafael for work -advice?
Hi all, Average temperature is around 60--F, so the weather is moderate. Let me know your thoughts.
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Wesley Torres
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 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Old Town schools are decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Old Town for 2 years. Moved from Baltimore for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. healthcare 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 been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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. Old Town schools are decent. 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. Winters are long and cold. Limited high-paying job options. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Jose Hughes
I'm a contractor and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. The community is solid and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Gloria P.
couldn't agree more
27 upvotes
Owen Long
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Austin about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
I'm a real estate agent who relocated here from Austin about 1 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Strong job market in several industries
- Lots of new development happening
Cons that are real:
- Chain restaurants dominate
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. The market is competitive but not impossible. Groceries are competitive, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
25 upvotes
Liam Ross
it depends on the neighborhood
23 upvotes
Easton Diaz
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 Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 15 years. Moved from Atlanta for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2018 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
retail is strong here. government 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's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is excellent - 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 solid. 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 a lot of cultural diversity. Dating scene is rough. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
21 upvotes
Connor Williams
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The traffic is better than expected compared to other places I've lived. Overall Happy to answer more specific questions..
12 upvotes
Ethan Wilson
+1
11 upvotes
Greyson Green
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are established. You get used to it after the first year.
3 upvotes
Helen P.
Used to live on the West side, now on the The Heights side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
0 upvotes