Hi all, Poverty rate is 2.7%, which is pretty low. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. Has anyone dealt with this? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. The suburbs are where most families end up. The suburbs are where most families end up.
0 upvotes
6 Replies
Autumn W.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, it's been a really good experience overall. Definitely worth checking out..
38 upvotes
jaxnative2022
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a sales manager, 39, moved here 10 years ago from Atlanta. I've lived in North and Meadowbrook, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Decent public transit for the size
2. Affordable housing options
3. Good airport with direct flights
4. The people are generally better than expected - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Nightlife is limited
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- North: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Meadowbrook: 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 Atlanta, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is developing. You can live comfortably on $100K-$100K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. 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
Rylee Roberts
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a data analyst, 27, moved here 10 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Meadowbrook and South, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Friendly community, easy to meet people
2. Good airport with direct flights
3. Lots of family-friendly activities
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Limited public transit options
2. Limited entertainment options
3. The outdoor recreation situation is growing and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for remote workers. better than expected vibes, walkable.
- South: 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 Seattle, everything felt tough. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$110K 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.
16 upvotes
Dennis R.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are underrated, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
9 upvotes
Jean S.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 10 years and I'm still on the fence after all this time. The thing nobody mentions is food scene. It's competitive and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the dating scene is legit. And if you're into kayaking, this place is better than expected.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Maple Ridge side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
It's not for everyone but it works for us..
7 upvotes
Sebastian Y.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 38, moved here 10 years ago from Salt Lake City. I've lived in Cedar Grove and East, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Low crime in most neighborhoods
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Active local events and festivals
4. The people are generally underrated - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Rising rent and home prices
2. Urban sprawl is real
3. The job market situation is competitive and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Cedar Grove: Great for young professionals. decent 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 Salt Lake City, everything felt improving. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$120K here.
**Final verdict:**
Hope this helps!. 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.