East Central Maple Ridge Real Estate & Homes for Sale
The East Central area of Maple Ridge has been home to several new developments in recent years, bringing a host of new options for housing, including new condos and townhouses. However, this isn’t all East Central Maple Ridge offers; there are a variety of single-family homes available as well. Older homes that are very affordable are often purchased at low prices with the intent of doing small renovations in order to create a dream home, or with the idea of flipping for profit, while newer turnkey homes are purchased at higher prices by families not interested in doing any home improvements or renovations. With plenty of options for dining, shopping, entertainment and recreation, East Central Maple Ridge is a fantastic place to call home.
Maple Ridge is in the perfect location for those who want to commute to other cities for work but settle in a quaint city with plenty of lush, green areas. It also offers up excellent schools, healthcare options and safety, all of which are quite important to parents of children at all ages. The city experienced a 10.3% population growth between 2006 and 2011, and a great deal of that growth took place in the East Central area. As this growth continues, families and investors can expect their property values to increase, earning a fantastic return on investment.
East Central Homes For Sale
Employment Opportunities
As the sixth oldest community in British Columbia, Maple Ridge was formed under the convenience of the coast-to-coast railway and the magnificent abundance of natural resources. What was once an area known for logging and agriculture has transitioned to a thriving city, with business and employment opportunities flourishing. Industries that dominate the city include sales and services, business and finance, manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. The city places a priority on attracting manufacturing, high-tech and post-secondary education, in order to support a quickly-growing and well-educated population. The average annual income for those in Maple Ridge is 28,647 CAD, which is high in comparison to British Columbia’s average of 24,687 CAD. The unemployment rate is just 4.7% in Maple Ridge, while the province’s rate is 6.0%.
Shopping/Dining
East Central residents are just minutes away from excellent shopping options; heading West on Dewdney Trunk Road will lead to the Dewdney Trunk Shopping Complex and the Westgate Shopping Centre. On Lougheed Highway, which runs east to west just south of Dewdney Trunk Road, residents will find additional shopping options and retail spaces. Downtown Maple Ridge is ripe with shopping opportunities, with more than 600 stores and shops offering up everything from antiques to art and gifts.
Maple Ridge boasts restaurants and diners of all kinds and styles. Many of these can be found along Dewdney Trunk Road and Lougheed Highway. Residents can enjoy Italian cuisine, Asian dishes, and even Greek fare. There are plenty of fresh seafood restaurants and pub fare as well. In addition to the specialty restaurants, residents have their fair share of diners and chain restaurants, as well as cafes and treat shops.
Transportation
One of the most beneficial things about the city of Maple Ridge is that it’s centrally located; it’s just 45 minutes to downtown Vancouver, 15 minutes to Coquitlam, 15 minutes to Langley, and 10 minutes to Surrey. This makes it a fantastic option for commuters. Virtually all nearby neighborhoods and downtown Maple Ridge is accessible from the East Central area from Dewdney Trunk Road. Although most residents depend on their personal vehicle to get around, there are public transportation options, including the TransLink buses that operate throughout the city. It’s just a 10 minute drive to the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, for those that require air travel options.
Schools
The Maple Ridge School District 42 serves the Maple Ridge area, as well as Pitt Meadows. There are 18 elementary and 5 secondary schools to choose from. Parents who desire alternatives to public school also have a variety of private schools to choose from. However, specialized learning in the area’s secondary schools has led to more parents opting for these learning solutions. For instance, Thomas Haney Secondary School (accessible to East Central students) operates on a self-learning system which focuses on the individual child and his or her best learning path. The Samuel Robertson Technical Secondary School focuses on various technologies in addition to traditional learning, which is an excellent option for children interested in STEM careers.
For those seeking higher-learning options, Maple Ridge offers a few different options. BCIT offers courses in Maple Ridge as part of the BCIT School of Business Entrepreneurship Associate Certificate Program. Douglas College and Sprott Shaw College also offer a variety of programs for several different degrees.
The Arts
In addition to the traditional theaters and activity centers, Maple Ridge gives residents the option of focusing on art in-depth through The Act Arts Centre, which residents often take advantage of to see live shows and performances. Here, folks can also enroll in classes to experience and learn a variety of arts, including 2D drawing, pottery and more. The Poscenium and Black Box Studio Theatres offer up live art as well. A variety of historical buildings and exhibitions is available in Maple Ridge, many focusing on the town’s history and progress, such as the Maple Ridge Museum.
Recreation/Sports
Although there has been a lot of urban-style development lately in East Central Maple Ridge, the town hasn’t lost it’s abundance of green areas. Numerous parks are situated throughout the neighborhoods, and being a town nestled along the Fraser River, there are a variety of water sports available. Kanaka Creek also offers up fishing and water sports. The Trans Canada Trail is the perfect place to do some exploring, hiking or cycling, and a network of trails can be accessed near the Kanaka Creek as well.
Most neighborhoods offer recreational centers where residents can enjoy gyms, fitness facilities, parks and more. Plus, the area caters to true thrill seekers, offering skydiving at the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, skateboarding at the Thomas Haney Skateboarding Park and more.
Investing in East Central Real Estate
The East Central area has a lot when it comes to options for residents: choose from a single family home that is very affordable, or one that is lavish and modern. Opt for a townhouse or apartment situated very near all of Maple Ridge’s amenities and conveniences, or in an area where it’s more rural and quiet. Being a fast-growing area of Maple Ridge, East Central attracts investors who want to purchase and resell homes for a profit, and easy access to excellent schools, healthcare and recreational options attract families who are searching for their dream home in a wholesome and tight-knit community. It’s also an excellent option for those who work in nearby cities but desire a quiet home in a charming area. Overall, East Central Maple Ridge could be a good fit for almost anyone.
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