Relocating to Vancouver
Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – known for its stunning coastlines and mountainous vistas, people from around the world are drawn to this city that perfectly blends urban convenience with natural wonders. While you may be drawn to Vancouver for personal or professional reasons, making a move to a new city always poses challenges. Considering the housing markets in all the major centres on North America’s west coast, relocating to Vancouver often delivers a sense of sticker shock – rents and mortgages are not cheap. Nevertheless, with a few tips, the process of relocating to Vancouver doesn’t need to be overwhelming.
Neighbourhoods
Vancouver is a multi-ethnic city – rich in cultural diversity with a variety of neighbourhoods that represent different cultural milieu. The North Shore of Vancouver in the District of North Vancouver offers the best of the great outdoors. Quick access to the local ski hills does not mean you need to sacrifice beach living. Downtown Vancouver is home to neighbourhoods such as the West End which is home to a thriving LGBTQ+ community, Yaletown with chic restaurants and gastropubs, and Coal Harbour which borders the jewel of the city – Stanley Park.
On the eastern side of the city, you’ll find more affordable neighbourhoods such as Hastings-Sunrise, Commercial Drive, and Kingsington-Cedar Cottage. Each of these areas offers access to plenty of green space, excellent shopping, and some of the best entertainment in Vancouver. To the west, Kitsilano (“Kits”) and Point Grey offer a blend of luxury homes and affordable rentals. Located near the most popular beaches in Vancouver, Kits and Point Grey are also sought-after by students for their proximity to the University of British Columbia.
Rest assured whatever lifestyle you are seeking, you’re sure to find the perfect home and neighbourhood in Vancouver.
The Real Deal
Beyond the neighbourhoods of the city, many people planning on relocating to Vancouver want to know more about living in the city. With its diverse population and easy access to natural escapes, few cities in the world bring together vibrant city life with peaceful outdoor seclusion quite like Vancouver. The economy is growing, though wages tend to be on the lower average. Still, education tends to be affordable and the city offers access to excellent health care. Vancouver is also a very safe city despite its reputation for homelessness and drug use. Still, these marginalized communities tend not to contribute to anything more than petty crime, so using common sense can save you any hassle.
Ultimately, Vancouver offers many pros and cons just as any city. If you want to learn more about relocating to Vancouver, it may be helpful to contact experts that can offer advice to immigrants from within Canada and even international origins.