I've been here for 15 years and Median household income is $119,299, which feels pretty solid for the area. The unemployment rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Crime rate is something to consider -Troy sits at 79.1 per 100K. Poverty rate is 3.3%, which is pretty low. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. The city has invested a lot in new development. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The weather takes some getting used to.
Pros:
- Affordable cost of living
- Good job market
- Close to nature
Cons:
- Hot summers
- Poor road conditions
- Limited cultural events
Anyone in a similar situation? Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The weather takes some getting used to. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The weather takes some getting used to. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
30 upvotes
30 Replies
Sarah Green
Used to live on the Old Town side, now on the Springfield side. Completely different vibe. the quality of life is solid.
40 upvotes
William Hughes
I'm a social worker and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
36 upvotes
Joshua
Can confirm, been here 6 years.
34 upvotes
Cameron R.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Dallas about 6 years ago. The main reasons were my partner's job and work.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Strong job market in several industries
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it solid compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are growing, gas is average.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Happy to answer more specific questions..
33 upvotes
Clara Miller
preach
33 upvotes
portland_caroline
noted, appreciate it
32 upvotes
Easton Nelson
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it's improved dramatically in recent years. Internet is surprisingly good in most areas.
32 upvotes
sdrider2021
This.
32 upvotes
Scarlett Thompson
bump
31 upvotes
Lucas Rivera
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if traffic matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
30 upvotes
Kayden C.
same here
28 upvotes
Hannah Lee
Moved here from Portland about 5 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to school system but Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
26 upvotes
Adeline Reyes
The food scene here is surprisingly good. Tons of great Indian places. I have mixed feelings honestly.
25 upvotes
Vivian Ross
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 36, moved here 4 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Old Town and The Heights, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Great outdoor activities nearby
2. Low crime in most neighborhoods
3. Good internet infrastructure
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Property taxes are high
3. The pet-friendliness situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for families. solid vibes, walkable.
- The Heights: 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 Seattle, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $40K-$140K 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.
22 upvotes
Emily M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 1 years and it was the best decision I ever made. The thing nobody mentions is housing market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the food scene is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Greenfield side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
19 upvotes
Samuel Smith
I'm a accountant and I've found it was the best decision I ever made. The community is excellent and there's always something going on.
18 upvotes
Christopher C.
Weather-wise, the summers are excellent and winters are developing. You get used to it after the first year.
18 upvotes
Luke Young
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want pet-friendliness, then yeah this place is great. But if cost of living matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
16 upvotes
Zoey Lopez
I've lived in Highland for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by safety. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- The job market scene is hit or miss
The downsides:
- Urban sprawl is real
- Chain restaurants dominate
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
16 upvotes
Luke Lopez
Public transit is improving here. You'll probably need a car for most things. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
13 upvotes
Evelyn Richardson
I've lived in Fairview for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I'm still on the fence after all this time. When I first moved here from Dallas, I was surprised by dating scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Strong job market in several industries
- The job market scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Winters are long and cold
- Limited entertainment options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for couples. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
13 upvotes
Colton W.
following this thread
12 upvotes
Dominic Kelly
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 food scene is genuinely surprisingly good and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (Downtown) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Tampa, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Nightlife is limited.
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.
10 upvotes
Larry G.
Can confirm, been here 7 years.
7 upvotes
Sophia C.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
7 upvotes
Santiago B.
lol so true
5 upvotes
Joseph Wood
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor recreation is hit or miss compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Willie M.
The food scene here is underrated. Tons of great Thai places. I genuinely enjoy living here.
3 upvotes
Maverick Hill
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 1 years. Moved from Houston for a fresh start. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2016 at k and it's now worth down slightly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals.
**Employment:**
government is strong here. tech is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are competitive for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is solid - we have rivers 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 tough. 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. Nightlife is limited. Chain restaurants dominate. And housing market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
2 upvotes
oaklandliving2024
We moved here with our family and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Schools in Uptown area are better than expected. Kids love it here.
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