The Pros and Cons of Moving to Vancouver

If you’re looking for a move to a city that still has an outdoorsy vibe, Vancouver might be the place for you. One of Canada’s biggest cities, Vancouver has it all: mountains, the ocean, high rise buildings, and a booming industry.

But there are drawbacks too. Check out the pros and cons of moving to Vancouver before making your decision.

Pro: The Views

By all accounts, Vancouver is a beautiful city nestled in between the Pacific Ocean and the Rocky Mountains. You can see one or the other, or sometimes even both, from just about anywhere in the city.

There’s also lots of greenery around the city, with lots of forests and trails for exploring. Even in downtown Vancouver, you have the green space of Stanley Park, so you never feel too isolated from nature.

Con: The Crime Rate

While Vancouver isn’t the most dangerous city in Canada, nor is it as bad as other US cities of similar sizes, there has been an increase in the crime rate, including violent crimes and property crimes. If you’re looking for a completely safe existence, you might want to stick to a smaller town.

However, the city is perfectly liveable if you are smart. Get a home security system and make sure to change the locks on your new home once you move in — you can find a local service by searching locksmith Vancouver.

Pro: The Weather

Vancouverites are some of the few Canadians who experience mild weather in the winter. While Ottawa is under six feet of snow and Winnipeg is freezing, Vancouver’s winter temperatures average around 4 to 6 degrees Celsius and the city is rarely covered in snow. It is, however, the Pacific Northwest, so you can still expect some rain.

Con: The Cost

Vancouver was ranked the second-worst city in North America for affordable housing, coming in just behind San Francisco. Land is limited in Vancouver and the population is climbing, which means housing is scarce. The average home price is close to $1 million, so you better have saved before making the big move.

Pro: The Great Outdoors

If you’re a ski fanatic, Vancouver might be the best place for you to live. Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll be in Whistler, Blackcomb, Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, or more where you can hit the slopes.

In the summer, you can climb the mountains or hike the trails. The city is very outdoorsy and health-conscious: you’re most likely to meet people doing yoga at the beach or jogging through a park!

Con: Not As Much Nightlife

If you’re moving from Montreal or Toronto, you might find the lifestyle in Vancouver a bit of an adjustment. Unlike Montreal, Vancouver isn’t all about the nightlife or party atmosphere, and unlike Toronto, it’s not all about what to see and where to be seen.

If you want fast-paced city living, Vancouver might not be the ideal place. However, if you want an outdoorsy lifestyle with craft breweries and farm to table restaurants, you’ll feel right at home.

The Metro Vancouver area is home to almost 2.5 million people, making it the largest city in Western Canada. It has natural beauty and access to the great outdoors, while still being a metropolitan area full of amenities and opportunities. Making the move to Vancouver could be the right choice for you — if you have the budget for it.

Similar Stories