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Brooks Wright
moving
Moving to St. Andrews with kids -good idea?
It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much.
6 upvotes
5 Replies
Julian Ross
Saving this thread
39 upvotes
Benjamin Brooks
As someone who grew up here, I'm still on the fence after all this time. A lot has changed in the past few years though. walkability used to be much developing but now it's underrated.
29 upvotes
Emilia Taylor
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely underrated and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
If you value community vibe, you'll love it. The cost of living is genuinely underrated and I've found it's been a really good experience overall. My neighborhood (South) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. healthcare is completely different here. And Not a lot of cultural diversity.
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.
12 upvotes
proud_hudson13
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is excellent in most areas.
12 upvotes
Grayson Wood
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 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail 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's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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 excellent. 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. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 15 years. Moved from Charlotte for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts.
**Employment:**
retail 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's been a really good experience overall. The outdoor scene is pretty good - we have ski resorts 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 excellent. 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. Limited entertainment options. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 6/10. Definitely worth checking out.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
11 upvotes