I'm a 29-year-old software engineer and Crime rate is something to consider -Spring House sits at 92.1 per 100K. It's a a small town city with about 5,068 people. Rent is about $2,833/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $668,400, which is pretty steep. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. What are your go-to spots? Thanks! The weather takes some getting used to. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
3 upvotes
10 Replies
Doris M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Austin and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Pine Hills. It's surprisingly good for what you get.
Jobs: The market is reasonable right now, especially in consulting. If you're in retail you might struggle.
People: Generally decent. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: solid. Tons of options if you like seafood.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
40 upvotes
Samuel Smith
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a pharmacist, 36, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Good internet infrastructure
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally decent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Dating scene is rough
3. The outdoor recreation situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. average 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 LA, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $50K-$80K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. 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.
39 upvotes
Emilia Collins
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is food scene. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
38 upvotes
Aiden S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 5 years. Moved from Pittsburgh for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is average. 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 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
real estate is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is average - we have biking trails within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook 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. Rising rent and home prices. Road conditions need improvement. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 6/10. It's not for everyone but it works for us.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
emmett_girl
noted, appreciate it
36 upvotes
Mateo King
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 6 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are growing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I have mixed feelings honestly. 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. North 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Homeless population growing downtown. And healthcare can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 6/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
25 upvotes
Lillian Hughes
Hot take but it was the best decision I ever made. I know a lot of people disagree but after 4 years here, that's my honest assessment.
12 upvotes
Christian Watson
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it was the best decision I ever made. The dating scene is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
8 upvotes
omaha_allison
Public transit is challenging here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I genuinely enjoy living here.
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