Alright, Born and raised here. It's a a smaller city city with about 38,018 people. The weather takes some getting used to. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Thoughts? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's not perfect, but the community is solid.
18 upvotes
3 Replies
sunny_miles79
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 45, moved here 7 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Downtown and Maple Ridge, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Good healthcare facilities
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited shopping options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Downtown: Great for couples. solid vibes, walkable.
- Maple Ridge: 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 Chicago, everything felt underrated. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are manageable. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $90K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Good luck with whatever you decide.. 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.
38 upvotes
Weston Ramirez
Weather-wise, the summers are tough and winters are reasonable. You get used to it after the first year.
38 upvotes
Robert
I work in real estate here and it's exactly what I was looking for. The job market for my field is better than expected. Good luck with whatever you decide..
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