First post here. My partner and I are Household incomes average around $41,782 in Somerset. You can expect to pay around $673 for rent here. The weather takes some getting used to. Anyone in a similar situation? The city has invested a lot in new development. The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
12 upvotes
10 Replies
Wesley Martin
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 15 years. Moved from LA for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. construction 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:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is improving - we have national forests 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 surprisingly good. 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. Can feel isolated. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
35 upvotes
Luca Lewis
As someone who grew up here, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much stable but now it's decent.
31 upvotes
Thomas Garcia
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I love the pace of life here. Internet is solid in most areas.
26 upvotes
Claire Morris
As someone who grew up here, it was the best decision I ever made. A lot has changed in the past few years though. cultural scene used to be much developing but now it's hit or miss.
15 upvotes
portland_cooper
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 13 years. Moved from Dallas for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. 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. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. finance 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 genuinely enjoy living here. The outdoor scene is average - we have beaches 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 challenging. 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. Summers can be brutally hot. Rising rent and home prices. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Logan Wright
same here
12 upvotes
Jordan Smith
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are pricey. You get used to it after the first year.
10 upvotes
Grace Miller
been saying this for years
8 upvotes
Allison Carter
I've lived in Meadowbrook for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it exceeded my expectations. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- The food scene scene is average
The downsides:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Dating scene is rough
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Happy to answer more specific questions..
5 upvotes
Reagan White
I work in finance here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is pretty good. Would recommend to anyone considering it..