OK so Rent is about $2,000/month for a decent place. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Does this match your experience? The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look.
6 upvotes
13 Replies
Isaac
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem pretty good.
I've been here 9 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is school system. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the traffic is legit. And if you're into mountain biking, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the North side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Good luck with whatever you decide..
40 upvotes
Luca
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in South for 2 years. Moved from Tampa for my partner's job. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2015 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 1-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
government 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 have mixed feelings honestly. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. South schools are better than expected. 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. Can feel isolated. Limited entertainment options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
38 upvotes
Ian Adams
accurate
35 upvotes
Greyson Miller
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to New York it's better than expected.
27 upvotes
Isabelle G.
preach
27 upvotes
Noah
The food scene here is decent. Tons of great Mexican places. it was the best decision I ever made.
25 upvotes
Roman
As someone who grew up here, it's been a really good experience overall. A lot has changed in the past few years though. job market used to be much established but now it's surprisingly good.
18 upvotes
Piper W.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are better than expected, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
11 upvotes
Elena
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a lawyer who relocated here from Tampa about 7 years ago. The main reasons were family and school.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Nice parks and green spaces
- Good healthcare facilities
Cons that are real:
- Limited public transit options
- Chain restaurants dominate
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. If you look outside the main areas you can find deals. Groceries are affordable, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I have mixed feelings honestly. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
10 upvotes
Nova Adams
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Internet is hit or miss in most areas.
9 upvotes
Elizabeth Carter
haha yep pretty much
5 upvotes
Ava Nguyen
underrated comment
4 upvotes
Bennett M.
I'm a teacher and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. The community is improving and there's always something going on.
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