Hi there,

I was wondering if anybody could tell me what it's like to live in Vancouver? We're still living in the UK at the present, but we're hoping to move to a Town called Maple Ridge in Vancouver in afew months time.

Does anybody know this part ? I would really appreciate your views.

Thanks for your help

The city of Maple Ridge is not in Vancouver, it is about an hour east of downtown. You might need to be a bit more specific about what it is you would like to know.

Hi,

Yep sorry, I did realise Maple Ridge is about 1hr's drive from Vancouver. I was wondering if you could tell me what you think of Maple Ridge and Vancouver City itself ?

We have employment based in Coquitlam and so will need to commute.

We're alien to BC and would just like to gather as much information as possible.

I found that buying a home in Maple Ridge for the future should be within our budget, in the meantime for a year or so we will be renting.

I have two children 9yrs and 5yrs, so schools are important.

I would just like more of a picture of Maple Ridge - peoples views.

I have researched alittle, but it would just be nice to hear from somebody who has actually been there.

Schools, lifestyle, sports, restaurants, beaches, Lake Alouette ?.. everything really.

Thanks

Oh Anyone else out there that can help ?

There is some information on Maple Ridge in this thread http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=549305. Also the wiki on Metro Vancouver is here and also has some information that might be of interest.

To avoid confusion, when you ask for information about Vancouver it is a good idea to be specific. Vancouver can refer to the City of Vancouver, or it can refer to Metro Vancouver (formally Greater Vancouver and often referred to as the Lower Mainland). Metro Vancouver includes the City of Vancouver, and many neighboring cities. Maple Ridge is in Metro Vancouver, but is quite a long way from the City of Vancouver.

My opinion is that Maple Ridge is a fine place to live as long as you can cope with the commute. Coquitlam is not far as the crow flies, but there can be a long line up for the Pitt River Bridge in the morning. You are doing exactly the right thing by renting first. If you are looking for rental properties make sure you stay on the North side of the rail tracks.

Hi there. Quite a few expats live in Maple Ridge, myself included, been here 33 years and raised my kids here. Great place for families, schools are fine, fantastic outdoors activities. Commuting to Coquitlam will be a breeze (except when there's an accident on the Pitt River bridge that is!) New bridges being built both to the west (towards Coquitlam and Vancouver) and to south of the river, to open in 2009. Property is still affordable here. Lots of lakes, parks, all sports.

Not sure what else to tell you, good luck and get in touch when you arrive if you need any help.

That's brilliant help, thanks to both of you.

Starwin - Can I pm you, if you don't mind that is ?

Thanks again for your help.

Hi Katie 76 we move to maple ridge 15th september what we saw of it last year we loved hope that helps!

Why not keep it on the boards, rather than by PM? I am sure that startwin will give you plenty of valuable information that others can also benefit from.

Katie

I've never been to Maple Ridge but I've heard of the town.

I did some serious research in to the place a few years ago, it was one of our possible destinations.

From what I recall it seemed pretty good, lots of activities and only half an hours train ride out of Vancover.

A low crime rate too!

I know it's all about vague, but every little helps.

Hi. I know Mapleridge very well. I lived there for many years.

I left BC in 2000 and returned to the UK but we have just decided to go back and Mapleridge is where we intend to go to at first.

I am 8 years out of date but I will help if I can.

It has probably changed a bit but I think I will remember.

Newspaper is Mapleridge Gazette and you can see it online.

Let me know if I cam help.

XX Jeannine