I grew up here but left for a while. Poverty rate is 24.2%, which is higher than I expected. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Does this match your experience? The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
58 upvotes
3 Replies
Elijah Williams
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value cost of living, you'll love it. The nightlife is genuinely solid and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Lakewood) is growing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Salt Lake City, be prepared for the culture shock. cultural scene is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
36 upvotes
Luna M.
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 3 years. Moved from Raleigh for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
marketing is strong here. construction 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:**
I love the pace of life here. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have national forests 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 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. Not very walkable outside downtown. Property taxes are high. And dating scene can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 8/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
27 upvotes
Genesis
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 1 years ago from Atlanta and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 2-bed in Lakewood. It's average for what you get.
Jobs: The market is wild right now, especially in retail. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally challenging. It took about 5 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: improving. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
All Countries
