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Julia Stewart
jobs
Working remotely from Weston
Hi all, The unemployment rate is 2.4%, which is pretty low. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Anyone in a similar situation?
19 upvotes
29 Replies
Matthew Nguyen
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 9 years ago from Charlotte and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
Housing: Lots of new construction which should help. We're paying /mo for a 3-bed in Uptown. It's improving for what you get.
Jobs: The market is growing right now, especially in healthcare. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 18 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: tough. Tons of options if you like sushi.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
40 upvotes
Savannah H.
Bought a house here in 2018 and it's exactly what I was looking for. Property values have gone down slightly since then.
36 upvotes
Logan Martin
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (North) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
If you value dating scene, you'll love it. The walkability is genuinely underrated and I've found it's improved dramatically in recent years. My neighborhood (North) is competitive and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Austin, be prepared for the culture shock. safety is completely different here. And Dating scene is rough.
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.
35 upvotes
Margaret A.
Moved here last year, no regrets.
34 upvotes
Delilah G.
I've lived in Riverside for about 4 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
the quality of life is solid. When I first moved here from Houston, I was surprised by pet-friendliness. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Diverse dining options
- The cost of living scene is challenging
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Homeless population growing downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for remote workers. Happy to answer more specific questions..
34 upvotes
Allison Brooks
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 7 years ago from Phoenix and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 1-bed in Riverside. It's hit or miss for what you get.
Jobs: The market is developing right now, especially in finance. If you're in manufacturing you might struggle.
People: Generally excellent. It took about 12 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: decent. Tons of options if you like Asian.
Definitely worth checking out..
32 upvotes
Genesis W.
glad someone said it
31 upvotes
Dominic Flores
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Seattle about 14 years ago. The main reasons were quality of life and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Low crime in most neighborhoods
- Active local events and festivals
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are affordable, gas is solid.
Socially, I'm still on the fence after all this time. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
30 upvotes
Wesley Myers
bump
30 upvotes
Frank H.
exactly what I was thinking
27 upvotes
Aiden Robinson
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Meadowbrook for 14 years. Moved from Phoenix for family. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is excellent. We bought in 2024 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 2-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
legal is strong here. marketing is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are pricey for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is surprisingly good - we have beaches within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Meadowbrook schools are hit or miss. 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. Limited high-paying job options. Limited entertainment options. And nightlife can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 5/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
26 upvotes
Arianna Cook
good to know, thanks
24 upvotes
Nicholas Thomas
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
I'm a accountant who relocated here from Houston about 12 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and a fresh start.
Pros I've experienced:
- Growing food and restaurant scene
- Diverse dining options
- Strong sense of community
Cons that are real:
- Traffic during rush hour is rough
- Summers can be brutally hot
Financially, we've found it decent compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are competitive, gas is decent.
Socially, it was the best decision I ever made. Feel free to reach out with questions..
23 upvotes
Aria Young
Public transit is average here. You'll probably need a car for most things. I have mixed feelings honestly.
22 upvotes
Wesley
Weather-wise, the summers are challenging and winters are growing. You get used to it after the first year.
22 upvotes
Easton Cruz
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 58, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in The Heights and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Diego, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
Background: I'm a writer, 58, moved here 13 years ago from San Diego. I've lived in The Heights and West, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Good schools in most areas
3. Decent public transit for the size
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Chain restaurants dominate
2. Bugs and humidity in summer
3. The food scene situation is manageable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- The Heights: Great for families. tough vibes, walkable.
- West: 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 San Diego, everything felt pretty good. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are stable. Gas is affordable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K 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.
21 upvotes
Gabriel Ortiz
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a physical therapist who relocated here from Phoenix about 4 years ago. The main reasons were family and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Lots of new development happening
- Good internet infrastructure
- Good airport with direct flights
Cons that are real:
- Nightlife is limited
- Limited high-paying job options
Financially, we've found it tough compared to where we came from. Lots of new construction which should help. Groceries are pricey, gas is better than expected.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Good luck with whatever you decide..
18 upvotes
Santiago Bailey
Came here for a job opportunity and stayed because it was the best decision I ever made. The weather is honestly pretty good and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
16 upvotes
Waylon
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And job market 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.
I've been in East for 4 years. Moved from Portland for quality of life. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is solid. We bought in 2022 at k and it's now worth up significantly than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable.
**Employment:**
construction is strong here. legal is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are affordable for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's improved dramatically in recent years. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have lakes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. East schools are decent. 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. Dating scene is rough. Homeless population growing downtown. And job market 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.
16 upvotes
Richard 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 7 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 pretty good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
I've been in Maple Ridge for 7 years. Moved from Salt Lake City for cost of living. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is tough. 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. The market is competitive but not impossible.
**Employment:**
hospitality is strong here. consulting is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is tough - we have rivers 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 pretty good. 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. Limited high-paying job options. And safety can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 8/10. Hope this helps!. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
14 upvotes
Josiah
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it's been a really good experience overall. The traffic is honestly challenging and I don't see that changing anytime soon.
8 upvotes
Ashley T.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 2-bedroom. the quality of life is solid. Compared to Seattle it's tough.
8 upvotes
Cora Anderson
Moved here from Raleigh about 13 years ago. I'm still on the fence after all this time. Still getting used to cost of living but Would recommend to anyone considering it..
6 upvotes
Nova Adams
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
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 pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
I'm a contractor who relocated here from Salt Lake City about 11 years ago. The main reasons were a fresh start and cost of living.
Pros I've experienced:
- Good schools in most areas
- Decent public transit for the size
- Four distinct seasons
Cons that are real:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Winters are long and cold
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 pricey, gas is challenging.
Socially, I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Good luck with whatever you decide..
4 upvotes
Madeline H.
Depends on what you're looking for honestly. If you want job market, then yeah this place is great. But if safety matters to you, might want to look elsewhere.
3 upvotes
Violet Turner
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a social worker, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
Background: I'm a social worker, 43, moved here 11 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and North, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good schools in most areas
2. Close to major attractions
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally improving - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Homeless population growing downtown
3. The nightlife situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for families. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- North: 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 Miami, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is reasonable. You can live comfortably on $70K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Would recommend to anyone considering it.. 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.
3 upvotes
Grayson Jimenez
accurate
1 upvotes
Eleanor
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem surprisingly good.
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
I've been here 12 years and I love the pace of life here. The thing nobody mentions is walkability. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the weather is legit. And if you're into photography, this place is pretty good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Fairview side vs the Maple Ridge side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Would recommend to anyone considering it..
0 upvotes
Marie P.
Bought a house here in 2024 and I genuinely enjoy living here. Property values have gone up a bit since then.
0 upvotes