Random thought, The unemployment rate is 3.7%, which is pretty low. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Thoughts? Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The city has invested a lot in new development. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
14 upvotes
11 Replies
Theodore
The food scene here is pretty good. Tons of great Vietnamese places. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad.
40 upvotes
Zoey Wilson
My experience has been mostly positive. there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. The only thing I'd watch out for is outdoor recreation. Other than that, Would recommend to anyone considering it..
39 upvotes
Noah H.
If you're remote, this place is great for cost of living. it was the best decision I ever made. Internet is pretty good in most areas.
38 upvotes
Luna Garcia
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's improved dramatically in recent years. The job market is tough compared to other places I've lived. Overall It's not for everyone but it works for us..
29 upvotes
Genesis Bennett
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value walkability, you'll love it. The housing market is genuinely decent and I've found I have mixed feelings honestly. My neighborhood (Old Town) is developing and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Phoenix, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
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.
25 upvotes
Nevaeh Campbell
I've lived in North for about 8 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 Miami, I was surprised by community vibe. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Active local events and festivals
- Close to major attractions
- The pet-friendliness scene is solid
The downsides:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Limited public transit options
Overall I'd rate it 7/10 for remote workers. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
24 upvotes
Eva Lewis
I'm a lawyer and I've found it's exactly what I was looking for. The community is pretty good and there's always something going on.
16 upvotes
Peyton B.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 4 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is job market. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the pet-friendliness is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is pretty good.
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..
11 upvotes
Joan W.
great question, following
9 upvotes
Dominic Edwards
Moved here from Phoenix about 3 years ago. it was the best decision I ever made. Still getting used to traffic but Happy to answer more specific questions..
4 upvotes
Grayson H.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 4 years and it's not perfect but it works for me. The thing nobody mentions is pet-friendliness. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the school system is legit. And if you're into rock climbing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Eastside side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.