Maple Ridge: Pros and Cons

Maple Ridge: Pros and Cons

Are you thinking about moving to Maple Ridge? Are you looking for some pros and cons of moving to there? Our expert guest author has put together some pros and cons of moving to Maple Ridge, we hope you find it useful.

From the link above:

On September 12, 1874, a group of settlers met at John McIver’s farm and decided that they should incorporate and become a municipality. At that time there were less than 50 families, but these early pioneers saw the potential of their new home as a place to raise their families and create prosperity and opportunity for future generations.

With a vote of the assembled citizens, one of British Columbia’s first municipalities was born. The choice of the name came from the trees and topography of John McIver’s farm. There was a magnificent stand of maple trees along the ridge that ran along the edge of the McIver farm and followed the line of the Fraser River. This new municipality officially became ‘Maple Ridge.’

Thus, located in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, it is a city of approximately 80,000 people (2016 Google Knowledge Graph). Unsurprisingly then known for its beautiful natural surroundings, with the Fraser River and the beautiful Golden Ears mountains as a backdrop, Maple Ridge is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Home to a number of parks, trails, and recreational facilities, making it a great place for families and those who enjoy an active lifestyle.

There are many good reasons you might be considering moving to Maple Ridge. It is a growing city with a thriving economy, and it offers a more laid-back and community-oriented lifestyle compared to larger cities like Vancouver. However, there are also some cons to consider. Here is a list of some of the pros and cons of moving to Maple Ridge:

Six Pros of Moving to Maple Ridge

Natural beauty and outdoor recreation: As mentioned, Maple Ridge is located in a beautiful natural setting, with the Fraser River and the Golden Ears mountains providing a stunning backdrop. There are also a number of parks, trails, and recreational facilities in the city, including Golden Ears Provincial Park and the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Countryside. These locations offer a wide range of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and camping.

Maple Ridge beauty: North Summit of Golden Ears seen from panorama ridge

Affordable housing: known for its relatively affordable housing prices compared to other cities in the Lower Mainland. While the housing market has been steadily rising in recent years, it is still possible to find good deals on homes in Maple Ridge. This can be especially appealing for those looking to purchase their first home or upgrade to a larger home.

Good schools: has a number of good public and private schools, making it a great place for families with children. The city is home to several elementary and secondary schools, as well as post-secondary institutions.

Strong sense of community: again refer to the official quote above, known for its strong sense of community, with a number of community centers, libraries, and recreational facilities available for residents to use. Also, a number of cultural and community events held throughout the year, such as the Maple Ridge Fair and the Maple Ridge Christmas Parade.

Close to amenities: located in the Lower Mainland, just east of Vancouver, making it easy to access a wide range of amenities and services. It is also well-connected to other cities in the Lower Mainland through public transit and major roadways.

Growing economy: has a growing and diverse economy, with a range of industries including manufacturing, retail, and healthcare. The city is also home to a number of small businesses and startups, making it a good place for entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Four Cons of Moving to Maple Ridge:

Traffic and commuting: Maple Ridge is located just east of Vancouver, and it can take some time to commute to and from the city, especially during peak traffic times. While the city has a good public transit system, it may not be as convenient as living closer to the city center.

Limited shopping and dining options: While there are a number of good shopping and dining options in Maple Ridge, the city does not have the same level of variety and selection as larger cities like Vancouver. Obviously this is true for all smaller places when compared to Vancouver like bigger places.

Nightlife: a more suburban and family-oriented city, and it does not have the same level of nightlife and entertainment options as larger cities. Whether this is a disadvantage or an advantage depends on your perspective and preference, some people would say this is not a disadvantage at all.

Limited job opportunities: there are a number of good job opportunities in Maple Ridge, but the city does not have the same level of job diversity and opportunities as larger cities like Vancouver. This may be a concern for those looking for a specific type of job or career advancement. Again, like other small places this one comes with the package you choose.

Conclusion

Overall, moving to Maple Ridge can be a great decision for anyone of any age. It is a beautiful, family-friendly city with a strong sense of community and a growing economy. However, it is important to consider the pros and cons, including the potential for longer commute times and limited shopping and dining options, before making a decision. We are here if you need reliable, insured and professional movers.

This article was written by someone outside but for RobustMove blog. Please do let us know if there is anything in this guide that is not accurate or misleading and we would happily correct it.