Vancouver

Vancouver

Vancouver is a coastal, seaport city located on the British Columbia lower mainland in the west of Canada. It gets its name from its first-time explorer, the British Captain George Vancouver.
This gorgeous city is bound to the north by English Bay and the Burrard Inlet. The Fraser River binds it to the south. This is the third-largest city in Canada and its largest, most populous one in the south-western Canadian region.

It is famous for its breath-taking landscape with towering mountains and azure waters that surround the city.
Vancouver houses the third-largest film production center in the entire of North America and is the hub for many amazing events and international games. Its residents love to indulge in outdoor activities like winter sports, kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.

The most famous landmark here is Stanley Park which covers more than 400 hectares. If you are a seafood lover, you will adore Vancouver for its fresh seafood, especially the scrumptious salmon.

Living Costs

Vancouver is not cheap to live in. Its housing market is quite expensive to buy into. So, most residents look at renting, which too isn’t inexpensive. In fact, the cost of living here can be easily compared to Toronto.

One aspect of relief is that electricity and communication services rates are below the national average, which makes the rents a bit more affordable.

In case you want to drive around, do know that fuel prices are the highest in the country here. Food expenses are on the higher side too. The only silver lining in the cloud is the cost of childcare which is much lower than most big cities, such as Toronto.

Weather

Vancouver has a moderate oceanic climate. Its summers are short and comfortable which last for about three months from June to September. This time is typically dry, often resulting in moderate drought conditions. July is the hottest month here.

The winters here are cold and wet. This season is around four months and the skies remain mostly cloudy then. December is the coldest month of the year. The period between October and March is rainy.

Public Transportation System

The public transportation system in Vancouver is quite efficient and convenient. There is a Translink system here that comprises buses, the SkyTrain (light rail), and the SeaBus ferry. These are reliable, cheap, and ecologically friendly.

You can get around by bike or on foot too. You can take cabs too, depending on your pocket and rush factor.

Pros and cons

Vancouver is a city with an enchanting outdoorsy vibe. It is among Canada’s biggest cities and offers a beautiful blend of the rugged with the sophisticated. Mountains and oceans rub shoulders with high-rise buildings and a thriving economy. However, moving to this city does come with its set of pros and cons. Let’s check some out here.

Pros

Exquisite Views

If you are enamored with natural beauty, you will never ever tire of the views offered by Vancouver. As it is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains, this city will show you either of the two or even both at the same time from almost everywhere.

Vancouver is superfluously green and residents love exploring its forests and trails. You will feel like you are in the lap of nature at all times.

Wondrous Weather

While winter is cold here, it is milder than the freezing Winnipeg or Ottawa. This city is almost never covered in snow. This makes it far more liveable than many other Canadian cities.

Outstanding Outdoors

As mentioned, Vancouver has a lot to offer to those who love being in the great outdoors. You can ski in Grouse Mountain, Blackcomb, or Cypress Mountain anytime you want.

Summers here see many people hiking or climbing mountains.
Now, the cons!

High Crime Rate

Vancouver has been seeing a climbing crime rate, which includes violent and property crimes too. So, while it is not the most dangerous city in the country, it is not a completely safe one too.

Expensive Living

Housing is scarce in this city and that makes it quite expensive to buy. In case you want to buy a house, you will have to save big before you start thinking about it.

Slow Living

The nightlife in this city is definitely not rocking. This place is not exactly known for its fast-paced living. So, unless you prefer the outdoors at almost all times, you can give it a miss.

This large city has a population of close to 2.5 million people who love its natural beauty that’s intertwined with metropolitan facilities and burgeoning opportunities. If you would like to move to it, let us help you do that with the least discomfort possible. Contact us today!

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