British Columbia is a fascinating place tucked between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. This Canadian province has a stunning landscape surrounded by snowy mountains, crystal clear lakes, and coastal rainforests. These cities, aside from their charm, have been notable for their deep sense of community and perfect access to the outdoors.

10. North Saanich, BC

This city has breath-taking views of valleys and hills. If you are looking for a place where you can connect with nature, North Saanich is the best city for you. Boasting a long coastline on three sides, the city is considered the finest rural-residential area in Canada.

With an abundance of agricultural farmlands, protected parklands, and cozy bays, living in North Saanich is the wise decision you will ever make. 

There's so much to discover in North Saanich. Whether you have a penchant for history or you're into outdoor activities, the city offers plenty of options. Sidney and Swartz Bay are going to be your best bet. Both of these places possess unspoiled charm, thanks to their vibrant community.

This thriving city has 115,000 residents and has an average home price of $577,652. 

9. Oak Bay, BC

Consisting of approximately 18,000 residents, Oakbay is an awe-inspiring city where people who want a peaceful and wealthy community have always been dreaming to relocate. With its rich heritage, it's no surprise that the city is known for its art-related events celebrated throughout the year. 

While dubbed as one of Canada's most expensive communities, having a median income of $100,000 allows for a comfortable lifestyle in this city. 

It offers everything from needs to want. Whether you're a student searching for quality education, a young family or a retired citizen, Oak Bay is an outstanding and strong community to live in. 

If you are looking into buying a vintage home or a modern property, Oak Bay won't disappoint. 

8. Richmond, BC

Richmond has an estimated population of 231,000 with an impressive mix of commercial and residential property, waterways, natural areas, industrial parks, and agricultural lands. It has been voted as the most livable and appealing community in Canada not only because of its picturesque landscape but also because of its numerous achievements and above-average financial management.

To date, Richmond has already generated 126,000 jobs in a wide range of sectors including retailing, tourism, technology industries, airport services, and much more. 

7. West Vancouver, BC

West Vancouver has been hailed as the wealthiest city in the province with more than 41,000 residents. If you're looking for a quiet and family-oriented environment, West Vancouver is the place to be. 

It has no jams and has low levels of crime rates. The city also provides a high standard of education and healthcare. While its average income is three times higher than the national average, the comfort and luxury that it provides make the city the most sought after residential location.

6. North Vancouver, BC

North Vancouver is also part of Metro Vancouver, covering three sides of the city. Being the second richest district in the province next to its neighboring district West Vancouver, North Vancouver is commended for its affluent community.

The city is the top choice of upper-middle class and high-class families. Jams are also very minimal thanks to the city's link roads. North Vancouver also offers top-notch healthcare and education services in the country. 

5. Vancouver, BC

Vancouver sits on the Pacific West Coast and has a population of 700,000 in the city and 2.4 million in the metropolitan area. It is the province's largest city and an essential base for exporting Canadian goods to Asia and the US West Coast.

While the city has always been present in lists of most expensive cities, it is also considered as one of the most livable cities globally. Its excellent status and large population have been the main attraction among job seekers. 

The endless opportunities and modern transport infrastructures have made this modern urban city one of the best places to live.

4. Squamish, BC

Though Squamish is a small town, with an estimated population of 21,000, it competes well with large cities when it comes to popularity. Squamish can be found along the Sea to Sky Highway and has so much to offer to residents and tourists alike. 

It has a calm and beautiful environment with the panoramic sight of mountains. If you want a lower cost of living, living in the town is a great option. It's also notable for its high education and health services standards. At present, the unemployment rate of Squamish is at 4.3% only. 

3. Delta, BC

Delta is situated in Fraser River with a total population of 110,000. It's 17 miles away from the major city of Vancouver, and it has been the most preferred place to settle by residents who work in the city. 

Compared to the national average, the crime level in Delta is relatively low and it also has a serene residential community. The warm climate also sets Delta apart from other cities. 

It also offers a wide range of transportation such as a metro bus system. The average income of residents in this area is $114,588 and the unemployment rate is at 4.3%.

2. Fort St. John, BC

Fort St. John is a beautiful city in the northeastern part of the province with a population of approximately 20,000. The city owes its economy to the oil and gas industry. Due to its small population, people no longer worry about long queues or traffic jams.

A mixture of the rural and urban environment, the city lives peacefully with wildlife. Residents also like the welcoming and friendly community, especially to new immigrants. 

If you're into charity and ice-skating, the city also holds these events annually. The unemployment rate in this city is at 5% and the average income is $124,134.

1. Whistler, BC

This city is known as a tourist magnet as it consistently attracts 1.5 million visitors every year. It is home to a wide range of outdoor activities like mountain biking, camping, alpine skiing, and snowboarding. 

It has also been chosen as one of the top 5 ski destinations in the world. This resort town has a total population of 13,000 and an unemployment rate of 4.3%.

Cost of Living In White Rock, British Columbia

White Rock, British Columbia is an ideal option for people who are looking for a lush suburb blessed with beautiful beaches, more sunshine and fewer rainy days. It is home to famous arts and culture events like Taste White Rock festival and Tour de White Rock. 

Before you move to White Rock, it pays to do your homework so you will know whether or not the cost of living in the area matches your preference and income. 

Housing Costs

Based on the Housing Market Report as of January 2021, the average housing costs in White Rock is C$916,764 for a two-bedroom,  detached house. 

Detached Unit

Townhouse

Condominium

Rent

If buying a home is not yet an option, you can always rent out in White Rock. Just like the housing costs, the rental rates will depend on a number of factors such as the location, size, amenities and many others. 

For instance, a one-bedroom apartment that is 13.4 kilometers away from White Rock's city center costs $1,550. The location and condo-style amenities were also factored in the cost since the apartment is located at The Point, where renting is considered a luxury. 

Groceries 

If you've got time on your hands to cook your meals, you'll also have to keep track of the current prices of prime commodities in the market. Here’s the current market pulse. 

Transportation

Your daily commute isn’t also a hassle in White Rock because of the variety of options to choose from. As for the cost of the transportation, it will depend whether you’re taking a cab or riding a train.

Gas Prices

Of course, if you are driving your own car, you’ll also have to take the gas prices into account. 

Restaurants

Whether you want a nice little wine and dine or a simple meal from fast food restaurants, White Rock also has a lot to offer for all budget ranges.

Key Takeaways

All in all, the average cost of living in White Rock, British Columbia, if you're living in a one-bedroom apartment right at the heart of the city is around C$2,180 per month. 

It's also important to note that the cost of living in this area is 12% higher than the British Columbia average and 38% higher than the national average. 

Its housing is also 118% higher as compared to the national average. 

At the heart of Metro Vancouver sits the beautiful urban community of Coquitlam British Columbia. It is home to shopping centres, theme parks and other picturesque attractions loved and admired by tourists and locals alike. 

Coquitlam is considered as Metro Vancouver's sixth largest municipality with a total population of 140,000. With neighboring cities Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, this awe-inspiring haven is known as one of the Tri-Cities. 

If you're planning to move to this area anytime soon, you should discover everything that this place encompasses. For sure, you're pretty much aware of IKEA, Vancouver Hard Rock Casino and even the Westwood Plateau, but there's more to Coquitlam than its interesting sights, parks and festivals. 

Facts about Coquitlam 

If you're fond of taking part in any type of outdoor adventures like trail running, fishing, hiking and biking, Coquitlam will never disappoint. It's a vibrant city that has a lot of things to offer whether you are into sampling food, shopping or entertainment. 

Easily accessible to vehicles, Coquitlam gives you a full view of urban amenities and recreation opportunities to keep you busy and occupied. Coquitlam, won't be a tourist magnet without its rich history. 

The city, with abundant flora and fauna, is filled with historic properties worthy of exploration. 

If this place sounds like a perfect base for building a new home, here's everything you should know about it. 

Pros

1. Great Community

If you're new in your neighborhood, you'll appreciate Coquitlam's welcoming ambiance because outdoor spaces, courtyards and greenways are mostly family friendly and quiet.

West Coquitlam for instance, has an extensive collection of one or two bedroom homes with ample space to grow. 

These residential properties can also accommodate big families. You get more than just 28,000 sq. ft. of both outdoor and indoor private amenities and schools for all ages are just a few meters away from most residential areas.

2. More dining options

Coquitlam is a busy city that keeps everyone moving. The good news is that residents who prefer to take a night off from cooking can have great access to delectable dishes as the city provides plenty of options. 

From family-friendly restaurants like JOEY, My Greek Taverna and The Wild Fig to the best micro-brews like Twin Sails Brewing, Yellow Dog Brewing Co and The Parkside Brewery, the city gets you covered. 

3. Great for outdoors

Staying active is not a problem if you're a Coquitlam resident because the city's famous Town Centre is just a few minutes away. You can also explore the trails on the Burnaby Mountain Trailhead, whichever you think suits your lifestyle. 

Without doubt, Coquitlam promotes an active lifestyle because of its endless outdoor adventure options. Mundy Park, Rocky Point Park or Burnaby Mountain are also great choices for people who want to stay active. 

4. Easy transportation options 

You don't need to drive your own car to get around Coquitlam because there are four skytrain stations to consider. 

Taxis and rental cars are also available.

Cons 

1. High cost of living 

While Coquitlam gives you unlimited access to everything you need to live a comfortable life, all of the great things come at a high price.

The city isn't for minimum wage earners, but that doesn't mean you can't have your cake and eat it too. Just do the number crunching and with everything you can get from this amazing city, all the sacrifices are absolutely worth it. 

Before you move here, be sure you have a solid plan and savings.

2. The inevitable traffic

Touted as one of the progressive cities in Vancouver where roads are constantly repaired and more high-rise buildings are surfacing, your daily commute will not be complete without surviving Coquitlam's traffic. 

The long commute and the traffic right then and there will give you a love/hate relationship with Coquitlam. 

You can beat the traffic jam if you’re an early bird though.

3. Expensive housing prices

With access to Coquitlam’s sights, sounds and tastes, moving to this city should involve careful planning. It is not just about changing your environment, but embracing a new lifestyle as most housing prices in this area are more expensive compared to its neighboring cities. 

However, Coquitlam is a dream come true for residents who want a relaxing ambiance. Every penny you spend on making Coquitlam your long-term haven will never be wasted. 

4. Very hilly

While still drivable, Coquitlam also has one of the steepest hills in Vancouver. Take extra precaution, especially when driving on hilly terrain. 

5. Rains a lot

Since it's closer to the mountains, Coquitlam is known for its damp reputation and it is considered as one of the rainiest cities in Vancouver with January as its coldest month.

Conclusion 

With endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, day trips and fine dining, Coquitlam is one of the best places to stay for good. It gives you the best of both worlds. 

You can stay isolated by taking a trip to the mountains, rivers and other outdoor attractions or you can also visit the mall, restaurants, parks and museums. 

Pros and Cons Of Living In Coquitlam

At the heart of Metro Vancouver sits the beautiful urban community of Coquitlam British Columbia. It is home to shopping centres, theme parks and other picturesque attractions loved and admired by tourists and locals alike. 

Coquitlam is considered as Metro Vancouver's sixth largest municipality with a total population of 140,000. With neighboring cities Port Moody and Port Coquitlam, this awe-inspiring haven is known as one of the Tri-Cities. 

If you're planning to move to this area anytime soon, you should discover everything that this place encompasses. For sure, you're pretty much aware of IKEA, Vancouver Hard Rock Casino and even the Westwood Plateau, but there's more to Coquitlam than its interesting sights, parks and festivals. 

Facts about Coquitlam 

If you're fond of taking part in any type of outdoor adventures like trail running, fishing, hiking and biking, Coquitlam will never disappoint. It's a vibrant city that has a lot of things to offer whether you are into sampling food, shopping or entertainment. 

Easily accessible to vehicles, Coquitlam gives you a full view of urban amenities and recreation opportunities to keep you busy and occupied. Coquitlam, won't be a tourist magnet without its rich history. 

The city, with abundant flora and fauna, is filled with historic properties worthy of exploration. 

If this place sounds like a perfect base for building a new home, here's everything you should know about it. 

Pros

1. Great Community

If you're new in your neighborhood, you'll appreciate Coquitlam's welcoming ambiance because outdoor spaces, courtyards and greenways are mostly family friendly and quiet.

West Coquitlam for instance, has an extensive collection of one or two bedroom homes with ample space to grow. 

These residential properties can also accommodate big families. You get more than just 28,000 sq. ft. of both outdoor and indoor private amenities and schools for all ages are just a few meters away from most residential areas.

2. More dining options

Coquitlam is a busy city that keeps everyone moving. The good news is that residents who prefer to take a night off from cooking can have great access to delectable dishes as the city provides plenty of options. 

From family-friendly restaurants like JOEY, My Greek Taverna and The Wild Fig to the best micro-brews like Twin Sails Brewing, Yellow Dog Brewing Co and The Parkside Brewery, the city gets you covered. 

3. Great for outdoors

Staying active is not a problem if you're a Coquitlam resident because the city's famous Town Centre is just a few minutes away. You can also explore the trails on the Burnaby Mountain Trailhead, whichever you think suits your lifestyle. 

Without doubt, Coquitlam promotes an active lifestyle because of its endless outdoor adventure options. Mundy Park, Rocky Point Park or Burnaby Mountain are also great choices for people who want to stay active. 

4. Easy transportation options 

You don't need to drive your own car to get around Coquitlam because there are four skytrain stations to consider. 

Taxis and rental cars are also available.

Cons 

1. High cost of living 

While Coquitlam gives you unlimited access to everything you need to live a comfortable life, all of the great things come at a high price.

The city isn't for minimum wage earners, but that doesn't mean you can't have your cake and eat it too. Just do the number crunching and with everything you can get from this amazing city, all the sacrifices are absolutely worth it. 

Before you move here, be sure you have a solid plan and savings.

2. The inevitable traffic

Touted as one of the progressive cities in Vancouver where roads are constantly repaired and more high-rise buildings are surfacing, your daily commute will not be complete without surviving Coquitlam's traffic. 

The long commute and the traffic right then and there will give you a love/hate relationship with Coquitlam. 

You can beat the traffic jam if you’re an early bird though.

3. Expensive housing prices

With access to Coquitlam’s sights, sounds and tastes, moving to this city should involve careful planning. It is not just about changing your environment, but embracing a new lifestyle as most housing prices in this area are more expensive compared to its neighboring cities. 

However, Coquitlam is a dream come true for residents who want a relaxing ambiance. Every penny you spend on making Coquitlam your long-term haven will never be wasted. 

4. Very hilly

While still drivable, Coquitlam also has one of the steepest hills in Vancouver. Take extra precaution, especially when driving on hilly terrain. 

5. Rains a lot

Since it's closer to the mountains, Coquitlam is known for its damp reputation and it is considered as one of the rainiest cities in Vancouver with January as its coldest month.

Conclusion 

With endless opportunities for outdoor exploration, day trips and fine dining, Coquitlam is one of the best places to stay for good. It gives you the best of both worlds. 

You can stay isolated by taking a trip to the mountains, rivers and other outdoor attractions or you can also visit the mall, restaurants, parks and museums. 

Pros and Cons of Living in East Vancouver

East Vancouver is an area with an unfortunate and undeserved reputation. People often associate the suburb with homelessness, drug use, and other problems. You'll periodically see articles on the Vancouver Sun about these problems in this area.

However, like any area, there are pros and cons of living there. And, despite its reputation, there's a lot to like about the eastside of Vancouver!

Pro: Crime in East Vancouver Is Not That Bad

Drive along Hastings St. in East Vancouver, and you might think that this neighbourhood isn't family-friendly at all. However, that's one small part of East Vancouver. Technically, East Vancouver isn't a single neighbourhood but a designation given to a grouping of areas east of the central business district. The crime statistics are not that bad.

For the year ended in 2019, Strathcona, one of the areas, had fewer sex offences than the must more prestigious and expensive West End. It had less than 50% of the offensive weapons crimes than the Central Business District (also known as downtown Vancouver). And it had fewer motor vehicle thefts than Grandview-Woodland, Mount Pleasant, or the West End. In terms of sex offences, Mount Pleasant, also a part of East Vancouver, had about the same number as Fairview, which contains the touristy and well-known Granville Island.

Most of the crime tends to be in the downtown eastside area, the area north of and including Hastings. The rest of the neighbourhoods aren't that bad at all.

Con: You'll Need To Be Careful Where You Buy Property

There are fantastic deals in east Vancouver. Property in the area can sometimes be a better deal. However, sometimes that better deal is a deal for a reason. For property that's close to the downtown eastside, make sure you check out the area before you buy. It might be close to an undesirable part of town.

Other parts of East Vancouver have a lot of charm. Mount Pleasant, for example, is well-known for its variety of stores, heritage buildings, and its arts-focused festivals. Most people enjoy living in that part of town!

When in doubt, check with your real estate agent to make sure you're purchasing something in a good part of town!

Pro: You're Close To Downtown Vancouver

Depending on where you locate within East Vancouver, you could be a bike ride, short bus ride, or a very short car ride away from being in the heart of the city. Want to catch a hockey game at Rogers Arena? No problem! Hop on a bus or get in your car. You could be at the game in a matter of minutes!

For young professionals looking for an affordable place to live while still being able to commute into the city for work, East Vancouver might be your best bet. Condo prices tend to be more affordable than other parts of the town, and they're perfect for young people looking to build some equity while not spending their entire lives commuting to and from work!

The Pros Outweigh the Cons of Living in East Vancouver

Ultimately, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to East Vancouver. You get all the fantastic amenities that Vancouver has to offer, without some of the costs. Plus, East Vancouver is a beautiful, welcoming, diverse community containing everything from young, educated professionals to working-class, blue-collar workers.

If you're interested in looking at homes or condos within East Vancouver, please contact me. I would love to assist you in your home search and find the perfect property for you!

November 2020 Vancouver Real Estate Market Update

Checkout out newest update on the Vancouver Real Estate Market!

If you want an electric vehicle, there's no better place in Canada to live than Vancouver. The best west coast city is very forward-thinking when it comes to EVs, which not only helps the environment, but these vehicles also save people money on gas and maintenance. It's a win-win for everyone!

I have an electric vehicle myself, which I use in the city. As such, I thought it would be helpful for other EV owners (or people who are considering buying one) to compile a short post with everything you need to know about owning an electric vehicle in magnificent Vancouver, BC.

So, without further ado, let's dive right into the topic!

What Are Electric Vehicles?

If you're reading this post, there's a good chance you already know what electric vehicles are, but here's a quick recap. As the name implies, EVs run on electricity, not gas, like classic cars. Since there's no gas, there's no gas engine, no fumes, and no pollution. They are zero-emission vehicles. It's a very green way to travel!

Historically, electric vehicles have had a limited range, leading to something called "range anxiety." People would fret over how many kilometers away a place was and if there were charging stations along the way.

Those days are long in the past as modern EVs have a vast range. The Tesla Model S, for example, has a 647km range. Put in perspective, that's enough for a round-trip from Maple Ridge to Kamloops. It'd be tight (only ten or so kilometers to spare), but you could, in theory, do it.

Given how far EVs can travel, for day-to-day errands, commuting to work, or taking the family up to Whistler or out to Victoria, most electric vehicles have plenty of power to accommodate those tasks. They do so without the exhaust, pollution, and other nasty things that come with traditional combustion engine cars.

They are, genuinely, the future. That's why BC has banned sales of gas cars from 2040 onward. After BC initiated this ban, California also did so, targeting 2035 instead. So, within the next 20-30 years, it's not inconceivable that the majority of us will be driving zero-emission vehicles.

Why Is Vancouver an Ideal Place for EVs?

Canada, as a whole, is very EV-friendly. Indeed, helping jumpstart the switch to electric vehicles is a core part of the current Liberal government's platform. Therefore, you might think that all of Canada might be an equally stellar place to own an EV. Unfortunately, that's not the case.

There are atmospheric and physical conditions that make Vancouver a uniquely fantastic place to have an EV in Canada.

For starters, EVs perform notoriously poorly in extreme cold. At -20 degrees Celsius, EVs only run at about 50% of their rated capacity. That 647km range we discussed above for the Tesla Model S? Cut that in half to 324km when it's -20C outside. Even at 0 degrees Celsius, EVs operate at 80% of capacity. The same thing happens with EVs in the heat. At 40C and above, these electric vehicles operate at 80% capacity or below.  Tesla, is now rolling out vehicles with heat pumps to be even be more efficient in the cold and what better place to have an efficient electric car than in Vancouver.

While much of Canada doesn't get 40 degrees Celsius (you'd probably have to fly south for that), most of Canada does see -20C at some point in time throughout the year. And, the vast majority of the country at least dips below freezing at some point in time. At each of these points, your EV will perform worse and worse.

In January of 2019, Winnipeg was -39.8C and the town of Key Lake, SK, was -47.2C. On March 2, 2019, Calgary was -31 degrees Celsius. In January, Toronto hit -22C.

As for Vancouver, the coldest temperature here was a comparatively balmy -9C. While other major cities would have seen reductions in EV capacity of 50% or more, Vancouverites would still be able to enjoy most of their electric vehicle and not have to worry about range!

The moderate weather in BC means that this city will permit you to get the most out of your electric vehicle at all times of the year!

It's Cost Effective To Own an EV in Vancouver

Love it or hate it, Vancouver has some of the highest gas prices in the country. At the time of this writing, gas prices are at around $1.20 per litre. These prices are in the middle of a pandemic, though, so they are cheaper than average. In previous times, they've been as high as $1.50 or more. Vancouver prices are about 30%-40% more than they are in Calgary ($0.95), Toronto ($0.90), and Montreal ($0.98).

Given that gas is so much here, there's the potential for so much more in savings.

Let's assume that you have the Tesla Model S with the 647km range. The average gasoline car uses 8.9 litres per 100km as per the Canada Energy Regulator. So, going approximately 650km requires about 57.85 litres.

At current gas prices, that would cost:

·       $69.42 in Vancouver

·       $56.69 in Montreal

·       $54.95 in Calgary

·       $52.07 in Toronto

As you can see, the cost to travel that 650km is significantly higher in Vancouver using a regular gas car than it is in any other city or province!

The Model S has a 100 kWh battery. According to the latest BC Hydro rates, the cost per kWh is $0.0935 for the first 1,350 kWh. For any kWh above that threshold, the price is $0.1403. Assuming you're in the higher tier, charging your EV to go 650km would cost just $14.03.

That's a $55 saving compared with gas! Furthermore, if you have a solar installation (which does remarkably well in BC even though there are long stretches of cloudy days), your cost of charging the car could be as little as $0. Effectively, your transportation is free! It is worth noting that from a purely environmental perspective, solar energy is not better for the environment in BC because most of our power comes from hydroelectricity, a relatively clean source. However, if you drive a lot and want to save on charging costs, it can be completely worth it.

Even if you don't have a charger in your home and use just public ones, there are plenty in Vancouver. There are also plenty of Tesla Superchargers in the city of Vancouver. Outside of the city, North Vancouver has a Supercharger, Surrey has one, Richmond has one, Abbotsford and there's one in Tsawwassen.  If you don’t own a Tesla and have the other EV vehicles like the Nissan Plug, Hyundai Kona or Chevy Bolt, to name a few.  There are many charging stations all over town and can be located with an app I recommend called PlugShare.  This app will indicate what is available near you.  I also recommend, you get a ChargePoint account and set up your phone to use it like a debit card to access the chargers quickly.  The other notable company is called FLO.  Lastly, gas stations around Canada and in particular Vancouver have now started to roll out fast charging stations , for example, Petro Canada now has setup a network of fast EV charging stations from Victoria all the way to Halifax.  In the lower mainland, there are currently 5 stations to charge your car quickly.  The cost is 0.27 per min.  I have not personally used it but I suspect within 30 mins of charging you should have enough power to get you to a full tank of charge.   The amazing part, it will cost $8.10 for 30mins!

Bottom line: You'll find it much easier and more affordable to charge your EV than fill up your tank with gas! If you drive a lot, the savings can add up significantly.

The Government Is Also Supportive of EVs

It's worth noting that both the BC government and the City of Vancouver support electric vehicles. They are doing everything possible to make them more affordable and accessible to people of all socioeconomic classes. Indeed, the City of Vancouver even outlined a comprehensive strategy to create an EV ecosystem that would provide a top-of-the-line experience for anyone who owns an electric car in the city. Some of the initiatives outlined in this document include expanding the public charging network, providing access to charging at work and home, and adding available charging as part of the city planning process.

Like I mentioned earlier, I personally drive the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus.  I have been driving it now for over 1year and half.  I have put approx. 50,000 kms on it.  The cost of driving this vehicle compares to my old BMW is a savings of about $400 month.  I used to pay $500 a month in gas with the BMW , which took premium gas as well.  The Tesla, I charge it at home or I got to super charging stations at ¼ of the cost of gas.  That was a game changer for me. 

The BC government also supports electric vehicles through rebates. The provincial government will kick in $3,000 when you purchase or lease a new electric car. Even if you go with a plug-in hybrid, you'll receive a $1,500 rebate. The government is serious about getting more EVs into people's hands.

Federally, all EVs can get rebates of between $2,500 and $5,000. The entry level Tesla Model 3, for example, receives the full $5,000. Therefore, any new Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus purchase will receive $3,000 back from BC and $5,000 back from the Federal government.  Now this incentive will dry up one day but to keep tabs on it, you can visit www.cev4bc.com            As of this article, the amount distributed overall is approx. $121 million and around $5 million available as incentives currently.  To download the PDF of Eligible CEVforBC™ Vehicles list, please click here.

Only BC and Quebec have rebates above and beyond what the Federal government provides. Therefore, if you want to buy an EV, those two provinces will be the cheapest places to do so!

It's the Best Way To Explore All That Vancouver Has To Offer

There are significant financial considerations for why EVs are much cheaper in the long-term. You don't need to spend as much on fuel (electricity is much less expensive than gas), and the added rebate is a huge perk of living in BC. And, as noted above, the milder weather in Vancouver means that you'll be closer to peak battery capacity in this city more often than practically any other place in Canada.

While these considerations are all fantastic, the real icing on the cake is the access to HOV lanes. Owners of electric cars can apply for a decal that permits access to HOV lanes at any time and with any number of passengers in the vehicle. As anyone who lives in Vancouver knows, traffic here can sometimes be challenging, so being able to get in the HOV lane at any time is a huge positive.

And, if you do get the Tesla, there's nothing quite like driving through Stanley Park or some of our other nearby nature attractions with that giant, gorgeous sunroof. You'll be amazed at how breathtakingly beautiful the sun, trees, and scenery can be in that car.

Given all these perks and advantages, if you want an electric vehicle, move to Vancouver! It's truly the best place in the country to own an EV. If you'd like to look at homes with EV charging or learn more about electric vehicles in this province, please contact me! I'd love to find you the right home to support your electric car! Oh and by the way, don’t forget to use my Tesla Referral Code if you plan to buy a Tesla.  This will give you 1500KMS of free supercharging. https://ts.la/solomon30745

The two biggest cities out west for Canadians are Vancouver and Calgary. The Greater Vancouver Area has approximately 2.5 million people. Calgary has roughly half that with 1.4 million. Edmonton is a close third with around 1.3 million, but, in general, when people are debating between two west coast Canadian cities, they often discuss between Vancouver and Calgary, not Vancouver and Edmonton.

To assess which city is right for you, let's look at some key metrics from both cities. We'll look at housing costs, education, job opportunities, cost of living (other than housing), and activities and entertainment.

Without further ado, let's begin the comparison!

Housing Costs: Advantage Calgary

Calgary comes out of the gate with a big win on housing costs. There's no question that Vancouver's housing has become incredibly costly. The average detached Vancouver home runs for $2.2 million now. By contrast, the average detached Calgary home goes for a comparatively meagre $525,000, or less than 25% the cost of a Vancouver property.

When it comes to condos, the picture doesn't improve. A condo in Calgary runs for about $200-300k, on average. However, there's virtually no way a condo will ever sell for that tiny sum of money in Vancouver. Vancouver condos run for about $800,000. Therefore, a Calgary condo again runs at about 25% of the cost of a similar place in Vancouver.

Of course, in Vancouver, you can mitigate this cost burden by choosing to live further away from the city (like getting a place in Maple Ridge, for example). However, if you do that, you'll find yourself spending a significant amount of time in traffic if you have to work downtown.

There's no way to sugarcoat it: Calgary has much more affordable housing (although we will see that there's a reason for that!).

Education: Advantage Vancouver, But Both School Systems Are Excellent

For the most part, the Vancouver area has quality educational systems. Vancouver is home to UBC, Simon Fraser University, Capilano University, Vancouver Film School, and many other higher education institutions. Calgary is home to the University of Calgary, SAIT (Southern Alberta Institute of Technology), and Mount Royal University. Public and private schools tend to be a little better in Vancouver than in Calgary, but both are quality choices in general.

However, education is not merely schools and buildings. Vancouver has one of the best-ranked library systems in the world. Vancouver also has a wider variety of educational opportunities outside of the classroom. The Vancouver zoo is bigger. Vancouver has an aquarium in Stanley Park, whereas Calgary lacks an aquarium in the city.

These extras, combined with the sheer number of available schools in the Vancouver area, give Vancouver the edge of education. However, your children will not have a bad experience in either city.

Job Opportunities: Advantage Vancouver

Vancouver has a much more robust job market that offers opportunities from a wide variety of sectors. Vancouver has a thriving tech scene and numerous positions across multiple different industries. By contrast, Calgary's focus is primarily still on the oil and gas industry.

Since oil companies have been earning significantly less money than in the past, Alberta's entire economic engine is sputtering. Layoffs and vacant offices plague the downtown core.

While it's possible to find a job in either place, you'll have a much easier time in Vancouver's economy than you will in Calgary!

Cost of Living: Advantage Calgary

Outside of housing costs, both Calgary and Vancouver are a lot closer in terms of living costs than you might expect. Calgary has much cheaper gas and lower prices overall for goods and services. The lack of a provincial sales tax certainly helps with this!

By contrast, the cost of gas in Vancouver is amongst the highest in the nation. Prices for goods and services have PST, making it very hard to get anything cheaper in BC than you would in Calgary.

The cost of living in Calgary is a bonus, but, unfortunately, that also comes with the loss of economic opportunity. Still, Calgary certainly has the advantage in this category.

Activities and Entertainment: Advantage Vancouver

There's quite a bit to do in Vancouver! You can visit the Capilano bridge, go hiking on some trails, go shopping, clubbing, dancing, or do anything else you desire. In Calgary, while there are certainly places to club and dance, they aren't quite the same as those in Vancouver. Calgary does have Banff nearby, but that's a 90-minute drive.

Both cities have CFL and NHL teams, however, Vancouver has an edge here because it has an MLS team while Calgary does not.

Vancouver has the edge in terms of diversity of cuisine. In Vancouver, you can get authentic food from every culture, which is fantastic. While Calgary does have options for dining out, they don't compare to Vancouver's.

Finally, Calgary's weather is so unpredictable that it makes activities hard to plan. Recently, the city had a massive hail storm that caused lots of damage - in June! With Vancouver, despite its perception, the weather is quite beautiful for most of the year. It's one of the reasons why everything is so green!

Which City Should You Choose?

Both Calgary and Vancouver have their pros and cons. Vancouver's is mostly the cost of housing. However, all the fantastic things that you can do in the city and the job opportunities available offset that problem. Conversely, Calgary has cheaper housing, but a struggling economy and fewer options for activities and entertainment can lead to frustration.

All in all, most people seem to find that Vancouver suits them more. It's a bustling city with plenty of food options, lots of job opportunities, and so much to see and do. With Whistler in our backyard, Victoria close, Seattle close, and some of the most beautiful coastline you'll ever lay eyes on just north in BC make most people feel blessed to live and work in Vancouver.

Plus, there are ways to mitigate the housing costs. If you're interested in making Vancouver your home, contact me, and we'll go over some options that will make that a reality!

Home sale and listing resurgence extends into the fall.
Home sale and new listing activity remained at near record levels across Metro Vancouver in October.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential home sales in the region totalled 3,687 in October 2020, a 29 per cent increase from the 2,858 sales recorded in October 2019, and a 1.2 per cent increase from the 3,643 homes sold in September 2020.

Last month’s sales were 34.7 per cent above the 10-year October sales average and stands as the second-highest total on record for the month.

“Home has been a focus for residents during the pandemic. With more days and evenings spent at home this year, people are re-thinking their housing situation," Colette Gerber, REBGV Chair said. “Throughout this period, REALTORS® have been working to understand and adapt to the latest safety protocols so that they can continue to help the public meet their housing needs in a safe and responsible way.”

There were 5,571 detached, attached and apartment homes newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in October 2020. This represents a 36.7 per cent increase compared to the 4,074 homes listed in October 2019 and a 13 per cent decrease compared to September 2020 when 6,402 homes were listed.

The total number of homes currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 12,416, a 1.5 per cent increase compared to October 2019 (12,236) and a 5.2 per cent decrease compared to September 2020 (13,096).

“With demand on the rise, homes priced right for today’s market are receiving attention and, at times, garnering multiple offers," Gerber said. "To understand the market conditions in your neighbourhood and property type of choice, work with your local REALTOR® to assess the latest MLS® housing market information."

For all property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for October 2020 is 29.7 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 30.9 per cent for detached homes, 43.5 per cent for townhomes, and 24.9 per cent for apartments.

Generally, analysts say downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.

The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,045,100. This represents a six per cent increase over October 2019 and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to September 2020.

Sales of detached homes in October 2020 reached 1,335, a 42.3 per cent increase from the 938 detached sales recorded in October 2019. The benchmark price for a detached home is $1,523,800. This represents an 8.5 per cent increase from October 2019 and a 1.1 per cent increase compared to September 2020.

Sales of apartment homes reached 1,570 in October 2020, a 13.4 per cent increase compared to the 1,384 sales in October 2019. The benchmark price of an apartment property is $683,500. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase from October 2019 and is unchanged compared to September 2020.

Attached home sales in October 2020 totalled 782, a 45.9 per cent increase compared to the 536 sales in October 2019. The benchmark price of an attached home is $813,000. This represents a 5.4 per cent increase from October 2019 and a 0.4 per cent increase compared to September 2020.

3 Safest Areas To Live in Vancouver

If you have a family, you know how important safety is. It's probably one of the biggest, if not the biggest, influencing factors when you buy a home. You don't want to locate in a high-risk neighbourhood, where you have to fear a break-in to your home or have someone stealing something from your car.

Vancouver, like any big city, has some parts of town that are safer than others. If you want to locate in Vancouver, here are the top three safest areas to reside.

Shaughnessy

Shaughnessy is unlike many of the other areas in Vancouver. For starters, it tends to have the wealthiest residents in the city. In the Shaughnessy Heights region, the average household has a net worth of $13.8 million, and the average household income is $700,000. Home prices tend to follow suit, and it will cost people at least a few million to locate in this area (for a relative "bargain," consider a condo in this region).

Of course, with wealth often comes lower crime rates, and this region is no exception. Couple that with homes that have character and big lots (for Vancouver), and you'll see why Shaughnessy is such a highly-sought-after region of Vancouver.

West Point Grey

This neighbourhood is over by the University of British Columbia. The fact that it is secluded and residential contributes to its low crime rates. There's no shortage of things to do in this neighbourhood since it's near Kitsilano and the Endowment Lands of UBC.

One of the nice things about West Point Grey is the variety of properties there. You can find heritage properties, contemporary homes, and everything in between. No matter where you locate within West Point Grey, it will be safe and walkable. If you have a family, this neighbourhood is hard to beat!

South Cambie

South Cambie is a fascinating neighbourhood with a rich history. It used to be an ok neighbourhood - nothing to rave about, but you wouldn't find it on one of these lists. In 2010, the construction of SkyTrain's Canada Line put this place on the map. Suddenly, people could live here and take the train to practically anywhere they wanted to go.

As such, South Cambie started to become a desirable area and, over the past decade, has had consistently low crime rates. What makes South Cambie unique is its walkability and proximity to the downtown core. If you want to take the train, walk, bike, or hop in your car, South Cambie is your destination.

Just east of Shaughnessy, you get some of the benefits of living in one of the more upscale parts of town without necessarily paying the same prices.

Overall, Vancouver Is a Safe Place To Live

While these three areas, Shaughnessy, West Point Grey, and South Cambie, are the safest places to live in Vancouver, it is worth noting that Vancouver is a reasonably safe city overall. Except for the problems in the downtown eastside area, most of Vancouver is safe for families and young professionals.

If you're interested in moving to Vancouver and finding a safe area within the city, please contact me. I'd be happy to find something safe that works for your budget!