Anyone in Vancouver?

[RomanS]

Hi all

Just got back from Seattle
WOW is all Im going to say.

Compared to Arizona, Washington is a first world country.

But I also want to check out Vancouver area soon. I just want to know what people think about living in the BC area.
What are pros and cons?

How is cost of living? Taxes, Health care?
Budget is not a problem.
Im definately set for North West.


Thanks all

[Saranof]

I'd like to know too, in the future I want to go and live there at least for a while

[nullterm]

I've lived in Vancouver for over 7 years now. I think there's a few others, so if you got questions then ask away.

Vancouver is very much like Seattle.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vancouver%2C_British_Columbia

The Lower Mainland is actually broken up into a bunch of smaller cities, including Vancouver, Burnaby (where I live), Richmond, Surrey, North Van, etc. Each area has it's different levels of urban-suburb-rural. Burnaby, Richmond, North Vancouver are all right next door to Vancouver, the last two separated by waterways. But in general, just avoid Surrey. ;)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Mainland

Summers are fantastic. Be sure to enjoy the weather and outdoors. Anything you would possibly want todo outside, you can.

Winter has only a few days of snow, where the city pretty much shuts down. But the majority of the time it's cloudy and rainy for a few months. You first year here, it can get a bit dreary but you get used to it. And the summer more than makes up for it.

Climate in general is very mild. Rarely does it get too hot or cold.

Scenery is amazing. Mountains on the north shore. And in general it's a ridiculously green city.

Traffic is decent. Narrower streets might be an adjustment, avoid driving downtown. Public transit is really good. Especially if you live along the Skytrain (above ground subway).

Taxes are higher in the states, but I've never had a problem with it given the quality of life for everyone. Rent and mortgage can be "high" but I've seen much higher in San Fran. If budget is not a concern, Vancouver won't be issue for you.

Basic healthcare is standard for everyone. But get additional insurance (dental, perscription, etc) through work or through a provider to cover all the "extras". I'm not sure how coverage works for immigrants to the country.

Also, you can take a ferry to Vancouver Island and Victoria. Which is just as beautiful.

Check out Stanley Park, Science World, UBC campus, North Vancouver, take a ferry ride, go hiking, ski/snowboard in the winter, cycle in the summer, kayaking, camping, hiking. You name it.

[punchinout]

Vancouver is nice, my ex-girlfriend is attending school at UBC, she loves it, i've been up there a few times and the entire area up there is just huge. Very nice, seems clean, i hear the crime rate up there is ****ty.

But, you should seriously consider the Seattle Area. mostly nice folk...stay away from parts of Kirkland and Bellevue, a lot of snooty bastards. And stay away from Freemont...god damn hippies. And...and parts of teh International district also some shady bastards there too. But overall Seattle is great. Vancouver is a nice place i think to visit. But then again, i'm an American.

[nullterm]

Major crime issue is car break-ins. In general, don't leave anything in sight inside your car. But never had any worries towards me or my safety.

[Hellfish]

God I want to move to the Pac NW.

[Cassiar]

Hi all

Just got back from Seattle
WOW is all Im going to say.

Compared to Arizona, Washington is a first world country.

But I also want to check out Vancouver area soon. I just want to know what people think about living in the BC area.
What are pros and cons?

How is cost of living? Taxes, Health care?
Budget is not a problem.
Im definately set for North West.


Thanks all

Vancouver is much, much nicer than Seattle. The scenery becomes even more spectacular within the interior of BC or Vancouver Island.

[pegasus]

vancouver is way overpriced house wise, so good luck on that. but its a great place, ive been there 3 times. once the brits gave hong kong back to china the floodgates opened & a lot of chinese who could went to vancouver. health care is the same as all canada free, kind off. but not for you if you arnt a citizen. better beer than usa is also a big +

[Stormy]

I heard that Van-C is filled with "exotic" looking hookers, something out of a XXX movie. A good destination to recommend for "Jack" if he was still around, nahmean.

[EvanL]

I heard that Van-C is filled with "exotic" looking hookers, something out of a XXX movie. A good destination to recommend for "Jack" if he was still around, nahmean.
After the Los Angeles area, Vancouver is the most popular destination for filming ****o movies.

[James]

Seattle has a very high cost of living. Keep that in mind if you want to live there - you shouldn't rent forever!

[Anthony91]

God I want to move to the Pac NW.

Why, so you can kill me?

[Zarathustra]

Why, so you can kill me?

Long time no see.

[Anthony91]

Long time no see.

Hello Zarathustra, how are things going for you?

[goat89]

Been here for only 8 months......ONE HELL OF A NICE PLACE!

[Zarathustra]

Hello Zarathustra, how are things going for you?


Everything's alright. Just had my forced vacation time like you had for two weeks. Back now.

[Anthony91]

Everything's alright. Just had my forced vacation time like you had for two weeks. Back now.

Well thats good.

[Zarathustra]

Yeah I guess so. Let's just be wise now.

[Anthony91]

Yeah I guess so. Let's just be wise now.

Ok Zarathustra....