Do Not Move To Vancouver Without Knowing These 7 Things

Vancouver is truly one of the best places in the world in which to live. Please don't take my word for it, though. Studies consistently rate Vancouver as the fifth or sixth most livable city globally, depending on the year. In most rankings, it beats most other Canadian cities like Canada and Montreal.

Given this, it should come as no surprise that people are interested in moving to this beloved town. You might even be one of them! If you are moving here or are thinking of moving here, stop and read these seven things first!

The Scenery Is Gorgeous

Before you move here, take some time to look up just how gorgeous this city is. Research some outdoor spots and find some parks. Trust me, when you move out this way, you're going to want to enjoy all the green areas that Vancouver has to offer (check out Stanley Park, at least).

It Doesn't Rain All the Time

There's a misconception that it rains all the time in Vancouver. That's false. Summers, for the most part, are quite sunny. Spring and fall also have quite a bit of sun. Most of the rain is in the winter months when, yes, it can become dreary. However, most people find it no worse than getting copious amounts of snow in some of the other prominent Canadian cities!

Ultimately, you'll have months in the spring, summer, and fall, where you won't have to deal much with rain.

Housing Is Expensive

There's no denying it - housing is expensive. Compared with Toronto and Montreal, house prices might not have quite the same sticker shock, but if you're moving from a place like Calgary or Edmonton, you're in for a surprise. Research neighborhoods and housing before you move here, so you have a good sense of what you want.

Traffic Is Awful...

Unfortunately, the geography of Vancouver makes commuting via car a pain. Some routes require bridges, and, unfortunately, everyone else has those same routes during rush hour. Expect to spend a lot of time sitting in your car if you locate in a place like Langley and commute downtown for work.

...But the SkyTrain Is Awesome

SkyTrain is a beautiful system to move people quickly. If you can locate near a SkyTrain stop, you'll likely find that much better for commuting into the downtown area.

Housing Varies Dramatically by Neighbourhood

Each neighbourhood has a very different type of housing. Some parts of Vancouver have nothing but heritage homes and older properties. Others, like the suburbs of Maple Ridge and Langley, have newer homes and condos. Therefore, when looking at housing here, also consider what type of home you want. For example, if you wish to have a heritage home, that might limit you to specific areas within the city.

Wages Are Lower

Unfortunately, Vancouver's wages haven't caught up to other parts of Canada yet. The average income in Toronto was about $72,000 in 2017, yet the average wage in Vancouver is $62,000. However, there are many opportunities in Vancouver for tech and other educated industries. If you work in one of these fields, you'll have above-average wages and an easier time affording a home out here. However, it is something you should know before you move!

Vancouver Is an Awesome Place To Live

With the above seven things in mind, the biggest thing to remember is that Vancouver is, genuinely, a fantastic place to live. There are very few places in this world that are more gorgeous or provide a better quality of life. Moving to Vancouver will give you one of the best experiences possible!

If you're interested in making a move to this fantastic city, please contact me! I'd love to learn more about your situation and find the perfect house for you.