Curious what people think. We have two kids and With a population of 8,157, Springfield is a small town. Homes are going for about $177,500 on average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Should I be concerned?
7 upvotes
3 Replies
Ethan Wilson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Riverside for 10 years. Moved from San Diego for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up a bit 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:**
tech is strong here. hospitality is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have state parks within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Riverside schools are solid. 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. Can feel isolated. Bugs and humidity in summer. And community vibe can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Good luck with whatever you decide.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
37 upvotes
born_luke37
as a local I can confirm
23 upvotes
phoenixmind2026
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 5 years. Moved from San Diego for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. legal 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:**
there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have mountains 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 traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For families, I'd say this is a 9/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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