Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
#1
Fancy a Cuppa?
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Vancouver
Posts: 438
Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
So we are trying to find a house, and have seen a few places we like in the Coquitlam/Port Moody area, however we can't help but be pulled by the prices and land available in Maple Ridge.
Is this a good future move, or just the worst idea ever? We know the schools arnt as good, but the thought of a couple of acres for a horse is appealing.
So if theres any Expats in the area, or out, your thoughts would be very appreciated.
RL
Is this a good future move, or just the worst idea ever? We know the schools arnt as good, but the thought of a couple of acres for a horse is appealing.
So if theres any Expats in the area, or out, your thoughts would be very appreciated.
RL
#2
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
So we are trying to find a house, and have seen a few places we like in the Coquitlam/Port Moody area, however we can't help but be pulled by the prices and land available in Maple Ridge.
Is this a good future move, or just the worst idea ever? We know the schools arnt as good, but the thought of a couple of acres for a horse is appealing.
So if theres any Expats in the area, or out, your thoughts would be very appreciated.
RL
Is this a good future move, or just the worst idea ever? We know the schools arnt as good, but the thought of a couple of acres for a horse is appealing.
So if theres any Expats in the area, or out, your thoughts would be very appreciated.
RL
Last edited by Aviator; Sep 25th 2012 at 2:00 pm.
#3
Banned
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,088
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
So we are trying to find a house, and have seen a few places we like in the Coquitlam/Port Moody area, however we can't help but be pulled by the prices and land available in Maple Ridge.
Is this a good future move, or just the worst idea ever? We know the schools arnt as good, but the thought of a couple of acres for a horse is appealing.
So if theres any Expats in the area, or out, your thoughts would be very appreciated.
RL
Is this a good future move, or just the worst idea ever? We know the schools arnt as good, but the thought of a couple of acres for a horse is appealing.
So if theres any Expats in the area, or out, your thoughts would be very appreciated.
RL
House prices with acerage can be very good value. As for schools and other amenities i should imagine it's fine.
It really comes down to where will you be working.
#4
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
The big drawback to Maple Ditch is the distance from Vancouver (think brutal, 3 hour a day commute by car) But if you're not working in Vancouver/Burnaby/Richmond it's probably okay.
I don't know why the schools in MD are any worse than the Tri Cities? Who told you that? I've never heard that.
I don't know why the schools in MD are any worse than the Tri Cities? Who told you that? I've never heard that.
#5
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2010
Location: Maple Ridge BC
Posts: 309
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
Maple Ridge is an hour each way during rush hour, less than that on a quiet day. There is the option to use the West Coast Express or to drive to New West and get the skytrain in. the benefits of it are that it is less dense than some of the other places, and has access to some fantastic lakes, parks etc. it is on the doorstep of Golden Ears provincial park. The centre could do with a bit of tarting up but there is access to everything you need. It covers a huge area so you don't need to live near the centre. We find it has a real sense of community.
If you ski you can go west to the North Shore in an hour, (longer during rush hour) or east to Hemlock (30 minutes).
Easy access to the border, Aldergrove or Peace Arch. Sorry can't comment personally on schools as daughter is at uni, but friends seem happy with their childrens' schools.
Another plus point is you get a lot more house for your money, often with space between you and your neighbours
If you ski you can go west to the North Shore in an hour, (longer during rush hour) or east to Hemlock (30 minutes).
Easy access to the border, Aldergrove or Peace Arch. Sorry can't comment personally on schools as daughter is at uni, but friends seem happy with their childrens' schools.
Another plus point is you get a lot more house for your money, often with space between you and your neighbours
#6
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
I live in MR.
- Downtown isn't very nice, but it's got shops and a few decent places to eat.
- There are lots of cookie cutter subdivisions, small lots, big houses that fill almost the entire lot. Places look like you can shake hands with the person next door while having a dump. If you don't mind this you can get a 3000sqft house with all the granite style bling for about $600k
- If you want rural and land then it's east and more like a 90 min commute each way.
- Land being affordable is still a relative term. 5 acres with something you'd actually want to live in is still going to be at least $700/800k and probably more. There is a LOT of shit housing on acreages. Places look ok on mls, but turn out to be need $$$ spending on them when you go and see. Don't skimp on the home inspection.
On the plus side, the rural areas are very quiet, it's not far to places like golden ears park, pitt lake etc, and you can probably get cheap drugs off your next door neighbour.
PM if you'd like specifics.
- Downtown isn't very nice, but it's got shops and a few decent places to eat.
- There are lots of cookie cutter subdivisions, small lots, big houses that fill almost the entire lot. Places look like you can shake hands with the person next door while having a dump. If you don't mind this you can get a 3000sqft house with all the granite style bling for about $600k
- If you want rural and land then it's east and more like a 90 min commute each way.
- Land being affordable is still a relative term. 5 acres with something you'd actually want to live in is still going to be at least $700/800k and probably more. There is a LOT of shit housing on acreages. Places look ok on mls, but turn out to be need $$$ spending on them when you go and see. Don't skimp on the home inspection.
On the plus side, the rural areas are very quiet, it's not far to places like golden ears park, pitt lake etc, and you can probably get cheap drugs off your next door neighbour.
PM if you'd like specifics.
#7
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
Home inspections are a waste of time, money and not worth the paper the are printed on. They give a false sense of security too. And before Alan gets all up in arms, that said, if you're going to get one, do some research on the one you pick, maybe even ask around - there's lots of shady ones.
Hell, they'll probably help you set up your own grow-op
Hell, they'll probably help you set up your own grow-op
#8
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
Home inspections are a waste of time, money and not worth the paper the are printed on. They give a false sense of security too. And before Alan gets all up in arms, that said, if you're going to get one, do some research on the one you pick, maybe even ask around - there's lots of shady ones.
#9
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
Of course, if you think you don't need one then fair enough. But when I'm spending hundreds of thousands of dollars I do my due diligence.
Last edited by Alan2005; Sep 26th 2012 at 1:07 am.
#10
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
#11
slanderer of the innocent
Joined: Dec 2008
Location: Vancouver, BC
Posts: 6,695
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
we had excellent home inspectors. The first one saved us from buying leaking condos, 3x.
The second one - every single thing he said was an issue turned out to be accurate.
#12
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
I can understand peoples scepticism because there are a lot of dodgy ones associated with realtors. Or there are the kind that just check boxes - these probably aren't worth bothering with if you know what you are doing.
Still, I don't see how anyone can, in good conscience, recommend that somebody who has never bought or sold a house in Canada not get one. They might not catch everything, but they may spot something that gives you a negotiating position or makes you think twice.
#13
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
My reason for not recommending one is 'cus there are lots of dodgy ones and they can give a false sense of security. Everyone should do their own due diligence. That said, if you haven't got a clue, do some research and make sure you get a "non-dodgy" one.
And my opinion is a little skewed as my Dad was a very handy guy that did all his own house reno's (and he did a lot) so looking over a house is not a big deal for me - personally speaking, of course.
#14
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
This is my experience also - except with houses.
I can understand peoples scepticism because there are a lot of dodgy ones associated with realtors. Or there are the kind that just check boxes - these probably aren't worth bothering with if you know what you are doing.
Still, I don't see how anyone can, in good conscience, recommend that somebody who has never bought or sold a house in Canada not get one. They might not catch everything, but they may spot something that gives you a negotiating position or makes you think twice.
I can understand peoples scepticism because there are a lot of dodgy ones associated with realtors. Or there are the kind that just check boxes - these probably aren't worth bothering with if you know what you are doing.
Still, I don't see how anyone can, in good conscience, recommend that somebody who has never bought or sold a house in Canada not get one. They might not catch everything, but they may spot something that gives you a negotiating position or makes you think twice.
#15
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Maple Ridge OR Maple Ditch??
My view is that almost everyone involved in property is dodgy - right the way from builders to realtors to mortgage brokers. You've got to do your research - but fortunately the internet has made that a bit easier with review sites like homestars. The thing to remember is that home inspectors that screw up too many deals won't get referrals from realtors. So any referral from a realtor is immediately suspect.