Rent is about $1,000/month for a decent place. Homes are going for about $124,500 on average. Median household income is $52,512, which feels on the lower side for the area. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
58 upvotes
6 Replies
Benjamin Jones
Used to live on the Pine Hills side, now on the Sunset side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
17 upvotes
Sadie Peterson
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a software engineer, 24, moved here 9 years ago from New York. 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. Decent public transit for the size
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not a lot of cultural diversity
2. Can feel isolated
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for retirees. improving 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 New York, everything felt challenging. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are developing. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $60K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
9 upvotes
Luna T.
lol so true
7 upvotes
Ella M.
As someone who grew up here, I genuinely enjoy living here. A lot has changed in the past few years though. healthcare used to be much stable but now it's average.
6 upvotes
Jack L.
Can confirm, been here 11 years.
4 upvotes
Jaxon G.
Bought a house here in 2017 and it's improved dramatically in recent years. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
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