First post here. I'm single, late 30s, and Median household income is $64,500, which feels about average for the area. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Am I wrong here? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
12 upvotes
12 Replies
Alexander
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem underrated.
I've been here 8 years and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The thing nobody mentions is public transit. It's manageable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the cost of living is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is hit or miss.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the South side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Samuel Lewis
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 2 years. Moved from Portland for school. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is surprisingly good. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. marketing 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:**
it's been a really good experience overall. 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. Maple Ridge 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. Nightlife is limited. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
36 upvotes
Zoe Gutierrez
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a pharmacist who relocated here from Atlanta about 5 years ago. The main reasons were school and quality of life.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Lots of new development happening
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it surprisingly good compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, the quality of life is solid. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Aubrey D.
as a local I can confirm
34 upvotes
Caroline Stewart
Totally agree!
31 upvotes
Declan Morris
I've lived in Highland for about 8 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it was the best decision I ever made. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by cultural scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Decent public transit for the size
- The dating scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Urban sprawl is real
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for retirees. Feel free to reach out with questions..
29 upvotes
dallas_wyatt
I've lived in Westside for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Portland, 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
- Good healthcare facilities
- The outdoor recreation scene is tough
The downsides:
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
- Can feel isolated
Overall I'd rate it 5/10 for remote workers. Hope this helps!.
28 upvotes
Joshua M.
My experience has been mostly positive. it's improved dramatically in recent years. The only thing I'd watch out for is dating scene. Other than that, It's not for everyone but it works for us..
25 upvotes
Allison Davis
interesting, hadn't considered that
24 upvotes
Xavier Moore
My experience has been mostly positive. it's been a really good experience overall. The only thing I'd watch out for is cost of living. Other than that, Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
23 upvotes
Alexa Baker
nah I disagree
15 upvotes
miami_miles
I work in legal here and there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The job market for my field is pretty good. Feel free to reach out with questions..
All Countries
