My family moved here when I was a kid. The unemployment rate is 1.0%, which is pretty low. It's a a smaller city city with about 38,018 people. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Would love some local perspective. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. The city has invested a lot in new development. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable.
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axel_soul
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a marketing manager, 41, moved here 8 years ago from New York. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Summers can be brutally hot
2. Nightlife is limited
3. The safety situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 New York, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are reasonable. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $80K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
No regrets on my end.. 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.
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