Been meaning to ask this. Just moved here 4 months ago and Average temperature is around 53--F, so expect cold winters. With a population of 24,940, Smithtown is a small town. The unemployment rate is 2.2%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level.
14 upvotes
13 Replies
Quinn Cruz
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 10 years. Moved from Dallas for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2015 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. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
finance is strong here. education is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are reasonable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have rivers 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Property taxes are high. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
39 upvotes
indy_madeline
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are excellent, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
37 upvotes
Noah T.
Used to live on the Highland side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
25 upvotes
Isabelle Diaz
I've lived in Old Town for about 10 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Portland, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- The cost of living scene is surprisingly good
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for singles. Good luck with whatever you decide..
24 upvotes
wild_logan9
This.
21 upvotes
William H.
As someone who grew up here, it's improved dramatically in recent years. A lot has changed in the past few years though. weather used to be much growing but now it's hit or miss.
20 upvotes
Christian King
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a marketing manager who relocated here from Phoenix about 5 years ago. The main reasons were a job opportunity and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Limited shopping options
Financially, we've found it underrated compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are reasonable, gas is decent.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
19 upvotes
Leonardo Baker
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 3 years ago from San Francisco and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in The Heights. It's pretty good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in tech. If you're in education you might struggle.
People: Generally pretty good. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: better than expected. Tons of options if you like Indian.
No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Skylar J.
I've been living here for 7 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The cost of living is decent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
17 upvotes
Scarlett Brown
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value pet-friendliness, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely better than expected and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Eastside) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Raleigh, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Winters are long and cold.
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.
16 upvotes
Carson Reyes
I've been living here for 5 years and I'd say I genuinely enjoy living here. The food scene is surprisingly good compared to other places I've lived. Overall Hope this helps!.
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