Longtime lurker here, Anyone in a similar situation? Thanks in advance! The city has invested a lot in new development.
11 upvotes
5 Replies
Hunter Cook
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Jordan Y.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Midtown for 3 years. Moved from New York for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
finance 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 exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - 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. Midtown schools are better than expected. 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. Far from beaches/mountains. And outdoor recreation 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
Lydia Adams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value nightlife, you'll love it. The healthcare is genuinely better than expected and I've found the quality of life is solid. My neighborhood (East) is pricey and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Atlanta, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
29 upvotes
Thomas D.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 14 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. When I first moved here from Atlanta, I was surprised by outdoor recreation. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Decent public transit for the size
- The school system scene is solid
The downsides:
- Nightlife is limited
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for young professionals. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
Kaylee L.
Used to live on the Eastside side, now on the Lakewood side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
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