Hey, I'm retired and Poverty rate is 7.9%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $1,491 for rent here. It's a a smaller city city with about 66,427 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The suburbs are where most families end up. The city has invested a lot in new development. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The city has invested a lot in new development.
12 upvotes
4 Replies
eleanor_runner
this is the way
34 upvotes
nycmama2024
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 27, moved here 15 years ago from Portland. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Strong job market in several industries
4. The people are generally surprisingly good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Traffic during rush hour is rough
2. Rising rent and home prices
3. The weather situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. tough vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $40K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with questions.. 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.
26 upvotes
Harper Young
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Charlotte about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Four distinct seasons
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are developing, gas is tough.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Definitely worth checking out..
10 upvotes
Wesley Mendoza
I'm a teacher and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. The community is challenging and there's always something going on.
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