First post here. I work in construction and The median home value here is around $150,200, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 4.2%, which is about average. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Any advice would be great. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Property taxes are high but you get good services. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Night life is decent if you know the right spots.
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Savannah King
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a chef, 32, moved here 10 years ago from LA. I've lived in Maple Ridge and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Great outdoor activities nearby
3. Growing food and restaurant scene
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Can feel isolated
3. The healthcare situation is wild and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for singles. average vibes, walkable.
- East: 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 LA, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
Feel free to reach out with 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.
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