Curious what people think. Homes are going for about $146,500 on average.
15 upvotes
11 Replies
Paisley King
I've been living here for 14 years and I'd say it's exactly what I was looking for. The healthcare is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Would recommend to anyone considering it..
38 upvotes
Jack W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem challenging.
I've been here 2 years and it's exactly what I was looking for. The thing nobody mentions is healthcare. It's wild and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into skiing, this place is solid.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Highland side vs the The Heights side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Happy to answer more specific questions..
36 upvotes
Melanie Martin
yep
29 upvotes
Melanie Collins
The food scene here is average. Tons of great Korean places. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
18 upvotes
Aubrey Long
Used to live on the North side, now on the West side. Completely different vibe. it's improved dramatically in recent years.
16 upvotes
Dylan P.
yep
15 upvotes
Charlotte N.
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 14 years. Moved from Austin for a job opportunity. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2017 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. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
manufacturing is strong here. retail 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:**
it was the best decision I ever made. The outdoor scene is hit or miss - we have ski resorts 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 average. 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. Chain restaurants dominate. Can feel isolated. And job market can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
12 upvotes
Julia M.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 12 years and it's improved dramatically in recent years. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into fishing, this place is decent.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Old Town side vs the Lakewood side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
9 upvotes
Ava Ruiz
Can confirm, been here 13 years.
9 upvotes
James Thompson
Great question. I'll try to be comprehensive here.
I'm a teacher who relocated here from Miami about 15 years ago. The main reasons were work and family.
Pros I've experienced:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Active local events and festivals
- Affordable housing options
Cons that are real:
- Winters are long and cold
- Urban sprawl is real
Financially, we've found it better than expected compared to where we came from. It's gotten pricier but still beats the coasts. Groceries are established, gas is decent.
Socially, I love the pace of life here. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Nicholas White
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 13 years and it's been a really good experience overall. 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 golfing, this place is average.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Sunset side vs the Uptown side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.