DumbasSi

The wife has a possible job opportunity in North Vancouver and I was wondring what everyone's thoughts were on the city. From what I have been told, it's a beautiful place to live.

I've heard downsides about the cost of living being higher, but taxes and things like insurance are cheaper. The weather is better, it's cleaner and there's lots to do if you're the out doors type.

My job and family here mean very little to me, so I have no problem moving. I would just hate to spend the time, money and effort to move there and not like it.

Your thoughts...

J

i'd try it for sure, i've never been myself, but my boss can't say enough good things about it, not so much vancouver but surounding areas.

and if you go out there you can join VCC, then as clubs are concerned...you'll be bi

Cynikal.Mindset

vancouver is 1 of 3 places I would live in Canada

beautiful weather, nice people...great place to live...just beware that a huge quake could happen there at any time

imported_bevboyy

Yes, the downside you mention is true. Houses are expensive - about the same as buying a house in Toronto proper. Rents are cheap though, and rent control is still enforced there.

You pay more for fuel. But much, much less for insurance.

People are much more "relaxed" than they are here. I know - I come from there.

It rains far more than here. That I don't miss at all since I moved here over 21 yrs ago.

What should be your concern is finding suitable employment for you. Jobs there are more scarce than they are here, but that also depends on your skill set.

I will be moving back there in a few years as my family business will be needing me at that time.

spracingsports

i went to vancouver when i was 2.. i dont remember it though

DumbasSi

Keep it coming.

I work for the Government, so finding a comparable job shouldn't be a problem. I'll probably be going back to school anyway and sponging off my Sugar Momma.

North Vancouver is a part of the main city and apparently it's very nice. I'm told houses are more, but rent is cheaper. I can't imagine it would be any different then living in downtown T.O. cost wise.

white92d15b7

i was in vancouver i discovered a few nice things overall it was a pleasent and wicked experience. it was february and we were driving through in a crx with the sunroof open, windows down, the sun was shinning , the grass was so green, and it was 12 degrees in february we ventured through downtown for the day then headed off to our final destination whistler. a few months later when i left and me friend stayed i took a bus back down on the sea to sky highway, went to the bus terminal downtown and took a bus to the airport, then took a bus from there to the mall with a group of people i met waiting for a flight, the city was so clean smelled of ocean great place to be , the public transport was something like 2.00 for 2 hrs of riding and it was so fast never waited for a bus more than 5 minuites, traffic wise i noticed the cops drive a broad array of vehicles such as mini vans and honda accords i loved it there and if i didn't have a daughter here in ontario i would have been back there a long time ago

on the downside BEER is more expensive!!!!!!!!!!!!

imported_cet_civic

Hey Mike,

I lived there for about 2 years, and then moved over to Victoria.

North Van is very nice...actually I lived in Lynn Valley apart of North Van. And also right down by the Lonsdale Quay (Key) on 5th Street.

From what I remember the crime rate in that particular area is low. Beautiful scenery! I'd go back in a heartbeat, actually I'm trying to get some contracts out there.

Summers are awesome, and winters lows are about an average of 6-9 degs, but lots of rain. Lately they've been getting some freaky weather, but then again so have we.

Rent is pretty decent, but yeah homes are crazy prices, but the standard of living is higher too. The last time I was there was in 1998, and min. wage was around 8.50/hr

Ferio Vi-RS

I lived in the Richmond area for a couple of years and it wasn't bad, just a couple minutes away from Vancouver. North Vancouver is kinda a different story from Vancouver. I think its kind of a bit cheaper to live in North Van instead of Vancouver. There is plenty to do if you're the outdoors type.

You have no choice as far as car insurance goes cuz its run by the government, ICBC. You can say goodbye to your Health Card cuz they have BC Care Card.

If you plan on driving a sweet ride. keep it away from the Surrey area cuz plenty of cars get jacked there (I know from experience).

Gas prices seem to be more expensive there then Ontario. There are plenty of people there who can't drive worth sh*t!!! You'll notice by the "L" stick-on they have on their car.

Other than that the weather is great, Seattle is just a couple minutes away, the SkyTrain is very convenient, and best of all you can reach Las Vegas in less than a day!

wormburner

My sister lives in Coquitlam... short drive from Vancouver. When I visited, I found the whole experience to be very very wet. It rained... and when it stopped raining, it stormed. Really freaking depressing. But I jumped when I saw this post because my company is now offering me a significant promotion to head out to Vancouver. I've been looking at real estate and the prices are crazy. For a new family, living in Vancouver-proper is out of the question unless you're willing to take a condo. I am attached to my family here in the GTA, and really can't stand my sister out in BC, so I really don't want to go.... and sometimes money isn't worth the sacrifices. Toronto is home, and I think I'm going to keep it that way. Good luck with your decision.

imported_bevboyy

Yes it rains disproportionately there. Also I forgot one key thing. I was there last year and the commute to downtown Vancouver is absolutely NUTS!!

Nova_Dust

I was there last May for my brother's wedding. I liked it, unique city.

I wish we have mountains in Toronto.

imported_Danno

Its a real nice, friendly too. Downside is the weather, its always dark and rainy and has the highest sucide rate in Canada (so I hear)

But you wake up to a nice view of the mountians, a few hours away from some of the worlds best resorts and a real friendly place. i'd move back if the opternutity came up

imported_Bruce Fee

go on vacation there and see the city for yourself.... nothing compares to experience.

lots of unemployed potheads and seasonal workers though..

g0 LEAFS g0

the citys nice lots of friendly white folks, the night scene isnt too great, same faces each time, lots of asians but theyre good folks too,.. nice clean air if I may say.. lots of mountains, its good if you like camping and sitting on the lawn chairs drinking beer with your buddies. I suggest getting a place with a front porch and a backyard.

shlammed

JDM parts galore!

I wouldn't like the whole rain deal. Houses are most expensive in Canada with an average of something like $340,000. Rent might be cheaper, but I want a house not a stinking apartment.

I guess the cost of living kinda balances out when you compare houses rates with other **** you save on like insurance.

As for the health card thing, no kidding, OHIP = ONTARIO HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN DUH lol.

Anyways, I second the "take a trip there" notion and see for yourself.