Random thought, I relocated for work and The median home value here is around $199,100, which is actually reasonable. Average temperature is around 55--F, so expect cold winters. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. Has anyone dealt with this?
4 upvotes
15 Replies
Ruby Phillips
I've lived in Maple Ridge for about 6 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I love the pace of life here. When I first moved here from Tampa, I was surprised by weather. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Good schools in most areas
- Good healthcare facilities
- The food scene scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 8/10 for singles. Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Sebastian
interesting, hadn't considered that
35 upvotes
Katherine Reed
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a project manager who relocated here from Pittsburgh about 4 years ago. The main reasons were school and retirement.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good healthcare facilities
- Close to major attractions
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Can feel isolated
- Homeless population growing downtown
Financially, we've found it improving compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are established, gas is tough.
Socially, it's exactly what I was looking for. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
33 upvotes
Delilah Mendoza
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 7 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is outdoor recreation. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Meadowbrook side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
33 upvotes
Sarah Mendoza
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a accountant, 57, moved here 6 years ago from Chicago. I've lived in Westside and Downtown, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Decent public transit for the size
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally challenging - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Can feel isolated
3. The community vibe situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Westside: Great for retirees. pretty good vibes, walkable.
- Downtown: 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 pricey. Gas is competitive. You can live comfortably on $90K-$110K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. 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.
33 upvotes
Thomas Martinez
Moved here from Atlanta about 14 years ago. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Still getting used to job market but Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
32 upvotes
Ruby Foster
been saying this for years
26 upvotes
Donna M.
yeah no that's not right
22 upvotes
Grace Wood
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
21 upvotes
wild_ezekiel89
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want public transit, then yeah this place is great. But if job market matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
20 upvotes
Logan G.
I've been living here for 2 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The weather is challenging compared to other places I've lived. Overall Good luck with whatever you decide..
16 upvotes
Gabriel Gomez
This.
7 upvotes
Zoe Reed
I've lived in Downtown for about 15 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's exactly what I was looking for. When I first moved here from Pittsburgh, I was surprised by food scene. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Decent public transit for the size
- The cultural scene scene is solid
The downsides:
- Limited entertainment options
- Far from beaches/mountains
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for young professionals. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
5 upvotes
Michael Walker
Saving this thread
4 upvotes
Joshua Alvarez
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. it's been a really good experience overall. Compared to Seattle it's underrated.
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