Hey everyone, I'm originally from Chicago and Household incomes average around $87,708 in Slater. The weather takes some getting used to. The city has invested a lot in new development. Am I overthinking this? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus.
7 upvotes
14 Replies
Sarah
exactly what I was thinking
37 upvotes
Joshua R.
bump
36 upvotes
Luna H.
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 3 years. Moved from Minneapolis for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. manufacturing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is pretty good - 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 average. 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. Urban sprawl is real. And walkability can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 5/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
31 upvotes
desert_jonathan28
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Seattle about 13 years ago. The main reasons were family and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited entertainment options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
31 upvotes
Levi Garcia
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value public transit, you'll love it. The traffic is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's not perfect but it works for me. My neighborhood (Fairview) is affordable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Boston, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Summers can be brutally hot.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
25 upvotes
Christian Gutierrez
Moved here last year, no regrets.
24 upvotes
Avery R.
honestly same experience here
20 upvotes
Violet Hall
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's not perfect but it works for me. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
19 upvotes
oakland_aubrey
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want walkability, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
18 upvotes
Michael Kelly
Public transit is excellent here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
16 upvotes
Ellie Murphy
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want nightlife, then yeah this place is great. But if outdoor recreation matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
7 upvotes
Leonardo Scott
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in West for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for work. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is improving. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. government 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 wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is underrated - 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. West schools are excellent. 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. Rising rent and home prices. Bugs and humidity in summer. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 9/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
5 upvotes
sunny_nicholas44
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem solid.
I've been here 7 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Westside side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
4 upvotes
orlando_gabriella
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 5 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is excellent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Meadowbrook side vs the Springfield side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
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