OK so My family moved here when I was a kid. Poverty rate is 0.4%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Am I overthinking this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
3 upvotes
13 Replies
Santiago Brown
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 3-bedroom. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Compared to Phoenix it's surprisingly good.
37 upvotes
Piper Jones
great question, following
33 upvotes
Isla
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Worth doing your research before committing.
28 upvotes
Kai B.
haha yep pretty much
23 upvotes
desert_jonathan28
accurate
20 upvotes
Arianna Allen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 13 years ago from Seattle and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: The market is competitive but not impossible. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in Cedar Grove. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in finance. If you're in hospitality you might struggle.
People: Generally better than expected. It took about 7 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: hit or miss. Tons of options if you like Southern.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
20 upvotes
indy_grayson
Hot take but it's exactly what I was looking for. I know a lot of people disagree but after 2 years here, that's my honest assessment.
19 upvotes
Bella Jackson
I've lived in East for about 11 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 Salt Lake City, I was surprised by school system. 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 school system scene is better than expected
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Rising rent and home prices
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Would recommend to anyone considering it..
18 upvotes
Genesis M.
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a data analyst who relocated here from San Diego about 9 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Decent public transit for the size
- Active local events and festivals
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Dating scene is rough
Financially, we've found it hit or miss compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are manageable, gas is decent.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
18 upvotes
Aaron B.
hmm interesting perspective
16 upvotes
Lillian Nguyen
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a writer who relocated here from Raleigh about 1 years ago. The main reasons were weather and my partner's job.
Pros I've experienced:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Affordable housing options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Rising rent and home prices
- Not a lot of cultural diversity
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 manageable, gas is pretty good.
Socially, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
12 upvotes
Sean B.
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 15 years. Moved from Tampa for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is challenging. We bought in 2017 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are manageable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
I'm still on the fence after all this time. The outdoor scene is challenging - we have hiking trails 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 underrated. 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. Winters are long and cold. Far from beaches/mountains. And school system can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For young professionals, I'd say this is a 7/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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