Anyone else feel this way? It's a a smaller city city with about 68,141 people. The median home value here is around $1,058,200, which is pretty steep. Homes are going for about $1,058,200 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Am I wrong here? There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The food scene here is surprisingly good. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The suburbs are where most families end up. The weather takes some getting used to. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly.
20 upvotes
13 Replies
Kathryn W.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a software engineer who relocated here from Atlanta about 7 years ago. The main reasons were school and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good internet infrastructure
- Lots of family-friendly activities
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are pricey, gas is hit or miss.
Socially, it's been a really good experience overall. Good luck with whatever you decide..
37 upvotes
Kai R.
seconding this
37 upvotes
Ellie Rodriguez
nah I disagree
34 upvotes
Arianna Howard
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from Austin about 11 years ago. The main reasons were family and weather.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- Diverse dining options
Cons that are real:
- Property taxes are high
- Far from beaches/mountains
Financially, we've found it challenging compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are reasonable, gas is surprisingly good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Happy to answer more specific questions..
30 upvotes
Sara R.
Hot take but there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. I know a lot of people disagree but after 6 years here, that's my honest assessment.
29 upvotes
Zoe Mitchell
accurate
27 upvotes
Adam M.
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I genuinely enjoy living here. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good internet infrastructure
- The healthcare scene is excellent
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Road conditions need improvement
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. Definitely worth checking out..
26 upvotes
Quinn L.
Used to live on the East side, now on the Fairview side. Completely different vibe. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now.
22 upvotes
Isaiah Torres
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want cost of living, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
18 upvotes
Henry Young
Used to live on the Springfield side, now on the Cedar Grove side. Completely different vibe. it's been a really good experience overall.
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