If you plan on moving abroad to the true North, the major city and the seaport of British Columbia is an excellent choice. But before you start packing, get to know the Vancouver neighborhoods because each has a unique personality. It’s only natural since the city is among the most linguistically and ethnically diverse in the country.
Nesting amid forests and mountains and facing the ocean, this vibrant city seems to be why many people seek documents to travel abroad. Ever heard of Vancouverism? The quality of life there is so great, and the place ticks so many boxes on anyone’s moving abroad checklist that it spawned an internationally recognizable term to describe a new kind of city dwelling. The term represents an urban planning phenomenon with tall slim towers on top of a residential or commercial podium. And everything is separated with space for great views. So, where in this ideal architectural gem should you find a place to stay?
Welcome to One of the Most Livable Cities in the World
Many things about Vancouver’s living make it a desirable place to live abroad, especially for someone who speaks English. Although the country has two official languages, Vancouverites mostly speak English. Many immigrants hail to it – it’s the densest place in the country, where more than 50% of people are not native English speakers. It means that there are many expat communities, and you’re probably going to find people coming from the same part of the world like you. It also means that it would be a lot easier to break the language barrier, while you’ll have no need to learn a language abroad if you’re an English speaker.
Things You Can Do in Hollywood of the North Are Expanded Beyond the City’s Limits
The city has earned its nickname rightfully; it holds the second place right after Los Angeles in TV production and is positioned in the third place in feature film production, after Los Angeles and New York. And it’s a fantastic location, in and out, and one of the best places to live abroad, with so many things to do within its neighborhoods, and here are some of its wonders:
- Granville Island is a peninsula that has gone through a metamorphosis. It used to be a waterfront industrial site, but now you can take an Aquabus trip to it and visit a public market, restaurants, galleries, and a lovely green space. You can also go on a picnic next to False Creek, a short narrow inlet in the heart of the city.
- Stanley Park is a place you’ll love to visit often. It spreads over more than 1,000 acres. You can go biking there or get lost between ancient cedar trees, but there are also beaches in the park, a pool, a golf course, and… You get the picture.
- The Museum of Anthropology is located on the traditional territory of the Musqueam people, and it features indigenous art from all around the world.
- Pacific Arts Market encompasses a gallery that’s nearly 2,500-square-foot with products by local artists on display. You can find handmade crafts for every taste and budget there.
- Grouse Mountain is a place well worth visiting year-round. During the winter months, you can enjoy ice skating and perhaps see a grizzly bear, while you can go hiking in the summer or walk up the mountain over 2,830 stairs.
If you are a biology lover (and when it comes to whales, we are all interested), you’ll love the fact that British Columbia is rich in marine life. You can go on a Whale Watch tour and be up-close with seals, dolphins, but above all, humpbacks and orcas. - The Sea to Sky Gondola will take you up almost 2,800 feet, and getting there will take no more than ten minutes. Nothing beats that spectacular view out of the gondola.
- Richmond Night Market is open from May to October and works on weekends and holidays. Visit the largest Night Market on the continent for a unique taste of various cuisine, rummage through accessories and interesting gifts, and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Suppose you’re wondering what to pack when moving abroad to the Vancouver suburbs or any other part of the metropolis; keep in mind that you’ll enjoy oceanic climate all year round. Many people choose to move to Vancouver‘s city limits because it’s one of Canada’s warmest places, warmed by the currents in the Pacific ocean and protected by mountains. And before you contact an international moving company to move you here, and start enjoying your new surroundings, take a look at some of the most fun things to do in the following video.
From West End to South Main, Vancouver Welcomes All Newcomers
International moving to Canada is much easier if you invest in overseas shipping services and choose other convenient solutions like a packing service or a safe and secured overseas vehicle shipping service. You shouldn’t have any second thoughts about it, either, because this is one of the friendliest countries in the world and among the best countries for women (the workforce in the country is a bit more than half female.) The economy in the major city of British Columbia is vibrant, offering many jobs in Canada, with roots in forest product and mining, and lately software development, biotechnology, and aerospace. That’s why finding work in Vancouver shouldn’t be a problem at all. Newcomers can be seen all around the place, although some districts are more densely populated with non-natives than others.
#1 West End Has Both Beaches and Evergreens
The cost of living in Canada varies depending on the city of your choice, and within the city’s limits, it will depend on the district. Perhaps the most affordable of all downtown neighborhoods, it looks upon the ocean while bordering Downtown and Stanley Park. It’s the most diverse neighborhood and boasts a lively mix of native Canadians, immigrants, and people in transit of all ages. Besides, it also has a great mix of older high-rise units, large heritage houses, and townhomes that give a community feel to it.
A Welcoming Home in Davie Village for the LGBTQ+ Community
If you ask a resident – “What is the coolest neighborhood in Vancouver?” they’ll probably tell you that it’s Davie Village. You can enjoy this part of West End the best if you explore it on foot. That way, you’ll notice rainbow flags proudly presented on lampposts, on windows of homes, and in restaurants and bars. It boasts many shops, cafes, bookstores, and a perfect sunset view over the English Bay Beach.
#2 South Main Is a Hipster Haven
If you’re looking for a more residential area with a somewhat slower pace, South Main, dubbed SoMa, is a perfect choice. But despite being less active than other districts, it has its fair share of hip cafes, breweries, shops, restaurants, and art galleries. With annual street festivals and outdoor activities like yoga and picnics, it’s a paradise for younger residents.
And for those looking for more culturally fueled views, there’s the Science World Museum, just a few blocks away. You can also enjoy a park that has been given an interesting name by the community here – “Dude Chilling Park,” named after the modernist wooden sculpture of a figure located there.
#3 South Granville Has Affordable Rent
The rent prices in this neighborhood are more affordable than those in Downtown, and also has an excellent choice in restaurants and bars. It’s only five minutes away from downtown by bus, and it will take you around 15 minutes to reach Grenville Island on foot. As much as Canada’s one of the best countries to live in, this is probably one of the most attractive options for living in this metropolis. It has a perfect blend of low-rise and high-rise residential spaces, a large variety of amenities, and is close to Downtown.
#5 Downtown Is Vancouver’s Business Core
Which is the best area to live in Vancouver? Well, if you want an overseas shipping company to bring your belongings right where all the action takes place, Downtown is probably your best pick.
The central business district buzzes with the workforce during the daytime, but it’s not all about work – after the night falls, each street comes alive with live music and clubs. This district is home to the Public Library, which recently opened a rooftop garden and the Art Gallery, one of North America’s most innovative and respected institutions for visual arts.
#6 Gastown Is the Oldest District, but Still Full of Life
The Gastown tavern, founded in 1867, is the very place from which the city’s area grew. Although the neighborhood is prominent for food, entertainment, and fashion nowadays, you can still walk the cobblestone streets and enjoy the vintage style. It’s a district rich in historical architecture but also a hub for style. The Water Street holds an incredible curiosity – a steam clock that is only one of its kind in the world.
#7 Welcome to Yaletown, an Ex-rail Yard, Now a Trendy District
The railway loading docks from the 19th century have long since been converted. Yaletown is now brimming with cafes, restaurants, boutiques, and nightclubs, while warehouses have been turned into lofts. It has access to False Creek, but you can also easily get lost among the modern parks, luxury lounges, and designer shops. It’s a residential neighborhood, densely populated, but instead of taking a drive, you can grab an Aquabus from there and head on to Granville Island and Kitsilano.
Explore the Safest Areas Around the Metropolis
Let’s be honest here – anyone who plans to immigrate to Canada already knows that it’s one of the best places to live abroad with family in terms of safety and overall quality of life. If you decide to live in Vancouver, it’s no different, but like with all the other big cities, some parts are less safe than others. So here are the top districts when it comes to safety:
- Shaughnessy is the place of residence for the wealthiest Vancouverites. The cost of living in Vancouver in terms of housing here is quite high, with an average home price over $9 million.
- West Point Grey is right next to the University of British Columbia, but it has no shortage of fun because it’s nested near Kitsilano. It has a high walkability value and a variety of properties to choose from.
- Interest in South Cambie has skyrocketed since the construction of SkyTrain’s Canada Line in 2010. It now has consistently low crime rates because it has become a desirable area.
Nonetheless, the whole place is safe and one of the best places to live in Canada, whichever neighborhood you choose to call home. The following video will take you on a walk from Granville Street to Shaughnessy.
There Are Plenty of Vancouver Neighborhoods to Choose From, So Pick the One That Suits Your Style
There’s a little bit of something for everyone who plans on moving overseas, no matter what you’re looking for in a place. And since most of the city’s districts are quite approachable because of their proximity, it makes it even more appealing. Each part offers some activity and things to explore. That being said, it would be best to pay for storage service so you can be free of any unpacking and enjoy your new surroundings. If you’ve moved to Canada with pets, you can take your furry companion for a walk and get to know all the lovely areas of the place, or get to know it while you drive.
