Experience living in Vancouver

Imagine a panorama of vast Pacific ocean, with your back resting against the North Shore mountains while a whole different country (Seattle, USA) is just 50 kilometers away. That is exactly where Vancouver rests geographically.

A coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver is a scenic haven with beautiful beaches and mountains that promise the most splendid hiking trails and adventurous snow sports. This makes it a popular tourist attraction and a wonderful place to live.

Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest cities with 52% of the local population speaking a first language other than English also making it one of the most ethnically and linguistically diverse cities in Canada.

Things To Look Forward To

Even though it rains extensively between November and March, the general climate of Vancouver is mild with a warm and dry summer, and rarely any snow.

Owing to its peninsular topography, the core Downtown area of Vancouver presents a unique way of life. With over 500,000 people living within a small downtown area, the spatial make-up of the city is very urbane and is characterized by its residential high rises and office blocks that shape an eye-popping skyline.

The entire city area is surrounded by the sea and the mountains therefore many of the beaches and parks are within a walking distance. This allows its residents to have the best of both worlds - to live in an urban metropolitan city and to be close to nature.

Education

Vancouver ranks among the best student cities in the world with the likes of the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University.

Spouses or common-law partners of international students are allowed to accompany them and are even entitled for an open work permit.

Canada strives to allocate permanent residence pathways to students and graduates.

Employment

Vancouver offers employment in a wide range of fields like engineering, construction, marketing, IT, arts, nursing, HR and teaching.

As one of Canada’s leading cities with the most competitive salaries, an average Vancouver resident earns a salary estimate of $56,603 CAD per year while the hourly living wages in the metro region is $20.91.

Lifestyle

Living in Vancouver is a fantastic experience. With an increase in immigration over the last few years, the city has grown in ethnical and linguistic diversity. Close to 30% of Vancouver’s residents are of Asian backgrounds.

Vancouver is host to one of Canada’s largest annual gay pride parades with a large gay community living in West End and Yaletown areas making it an inclusive and progressive society.

With one of the lowest obesity rates across North America, Vancouver inspires a healthy lifestyle catering a local obsession of eating well and staying fit.

Vancouver typically makes for a quieter night life owing to strict licensing and health and safety laws.

Cost of Living

Compared to other cities in North America, the cost of living in Vancouver is much higher.

In order to afford a rental home in the metropolitan area, a one-bedroom apartment costs around $1900 to $2000. Groceries and other household items can cost around $315 per month while transportation alone costs $93 per month.

Vancouver has a standard culture of tipping around 15-20% of the bill in bars and restaurants.

What Would A Day Look Like

Daily transit in Vancouver is excellent and affordable thanks to a host of bus service networks, Sky train, commuter rail and sea ferry. The introduction of the Compass card has made travel convenient.

Vancouver is known for its restaurants that often attract a lot of tourist attention. With a large Asian population living in the city, its restaurants serve one of the best Asian foods in the world. The city is also home to a variety of street carts offering world-class cuisine on the move.

The locals are ‘outdoors people’ and enjoy their day-time mostly engaging in outdoor activities in the many public parks around the city.

Evenings in Vancouver are at its best with a drink or BBQ with friends on one of the many plush beaches throughout the city.

The nightlife scene is better in the Entertainment district with a lot of cafes and disco bars attracting large young crowds.