Hey everyone, The unemployment rate is 3.5%, which is pretty low. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Has anyone dealt with this?
28 upvotes
19 Replies
Mia J.
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
38 upvotes
Emmett Edwards
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a nurse who relocated here from Tampa about 10 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Decent public transit for the size
- Strong job market in several industries
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's improved dramatically in recent years. Hope this helps!.
36 upvotes
Gianna Carter
I've been living here for 12 years and I'd say it exceeded my expectations. The weather is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
35 upvotes
mountain_logan70
Weather-wise, the summers are underrated and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
35 upvotes
vegas_carter
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Hannah C.
Public transit is surprisingly good here. You'll probably need a car for most things. it's not perfect but it works for me.
32 upvotes
Serenity S.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in North for 7 years. Moved from Atlanta for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is better than expected. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same 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:**
education is strong here. real estate 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:**
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. The outdoor scene is tough - we have hiking trails 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 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. Urban sprawl is real. Not a lot of cultural diversity. And cultural scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 8/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
28 upvotes
minneapolis_lily
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Denver about 14 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Friendly community, easy to meet people
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Close to major attractions
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. Groceries are stable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Happy to answer more specific questions..
25 upvotes
Elijah Ruiz
Weather-wise, the summers are improving and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.
20 upvotes
Jaxon Martin
We moved here with our family and I love the pace of life here. Schools in Eastside area are solid. Kids love it here.
18 upvotes
James M.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 12 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is hit or miss. We bought in 2020 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
consulting is strong here. hospitality 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 better than expected - 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. Meadowbrook schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Bugs and humidity in summer. And traffic can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For couples, I'd say this is a 7/10. Would recommend to anyone considering it.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
17 upvotes
Vincent S.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's exactly what I was looking for. Internet is average in most areas.
16 upvotes
Caroline O.
Bought a house here in 2023 and it was the best decision I ever made. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
10 upvotes
Christian M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 1 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is weather. It's pricey and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the public transit is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
10 upvotes
Charlotte Gomez
literally same
9 upvotes
Lucas Phillips
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is traffic. it's exactly what I was looking for. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Isabella Campbell
Hot take but it's not perfect but it works for me. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
7 upvotes
Benjamin
spot on
6 upvotes
Sadie Green
Used to live on the North side, now on the Midtown side. Completely different vibe. it exceeded my expectations.
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