Vancouver is undoubtedly a big city. It currently has a population of 2.581 million people, many of whom are foreign residents who come from all over the world, further proving the city's major draw within the global landscape. It helps that the city has one of the mildest weather patterns in all of the country, which itself is known to be quite a cold region. Though you can still expect snowy winters here, rainfall is a lot more common in Vancouver. And during summer, the city is one of the hottest (literally!) spots in the country.
Seeing as Vancouver is a major city, you can expect that its public transport will help you travel around much faster and easier. The city's light rapid transit system, more commonly known as the Skytrain, goes through most of the districts here. No matter where you're going to within in Vancouver, you can be sure that there will be a Skytrain station not too far from the place. Though you can always take a taxi instead. Hailing one off the street is much easier here than in the likes of New York or Los Angeles. And with the help of a transportation app, you can also book one in an instant!
Of course, a major city is bound to be a diverse one. Vancouver is no different! The many neighborhoods and districts here differ from each other in more ways than one. So when you do get relocated here, it's essential you choose a place that fits your specific lifestyle. Are you more into urban living? Downtown Vancouver might prove to be perfect for you in the long run. but if you're very keen on a city's nightlife since you're one to go out every night yourself, the quaint district of Gastown will fit you better. The Kitsilano neighborhood, on the other hand, is perfect for a peaceful stay, preferably with the whole family.
The similarities of Vancouver with those of the likes of New York and Los Angeles are also within the living costs. It's pretty expensive to live in this city so expect that you'll need to shell out a ton of money to be able to maintain your lifestyle. Renting along will already cost you thousands of Canadian Dollars. If you go for a luxurious apartment, expect to pay around C$1,300.00 to C$5,000.00 every month. But if you intend to buy your own place instead, get ready to pay C$7,007.31 to C$16,145.87 per square meter here! Yep, it's that expensive to live in Vancouver!
It's easy to think you'll probably have an easier time getting a job in Vancouver (or in Canada in general!) than in the USA. And you know what? That's relatively true. Canada is much more welcoming to immigrants than its southern neighbor. Just look at its job market! Employment among immigrants is rising by 60.5%. Add to that the fact that Canada's current unemployment rate is at a low 5.41%. They all bode well for anyone planning to move to any city here to work and live a full life. It also helps that job-hunting in Canada is pretty doable!
Don't worry about your kids if they're moving to Vancouver with you! The city has enough schools to fit all children of expat families who get relocated here. Mind you, they're pretty prestigious schools at that! Some of the finest in the country. So you can expect that your kids will get the highest quality of education you can provide them with. Who knows? It's possible that because of institutions like the Lord Byng Secondary School, Mulgrave School, and West Point Grey Academy, your children might just get into the top universities of the world! All your blood, sweat, and tears for them would have been worth it!
It's no secret that Canadian Healthcare is one of the best in the world. Or, at the very least, better than that of its southern powerhouse neighbor. Since it operates on a universal system, practically all people in Canada get access to it. This will include you as long as your Canadian visa shows that you're residing in the country legally. At least, there's still the private insurance option for those waiting to be granted residency in Canada. Still, moving to Vancouver means you pretty much get access to some of the finest hospitals in the country too. The likes of which include the Vancouver General Hospital and British Columbia's Children's Hospital, among many others.
Now that you're health is ensured (and should be insured!) in Vancouver, will your safety be as well? Pretty much! Vancouver's crime rate is pretty low, only at 37.80% as of the moment. On its own, it's not one to write home about, but since it's a major city, it's remarkable how low it is. Especially when compared to other North American cities of its kind and of similar size. The safety rates of walking around Vancouver are also quite noteworthy. It at a high 83.56% during the day and drops to a moderate 56.78% at night.
Before you even step foot into Vancouver, you really ought to learn a lot about Canada's tax system first. Sure, the way they do taxes here is practically similar to those in other countries, but still. Canada is Canada and the more you understand about the way the country operates, the better your stay here will be. All you really have to worry about as an expat here is your income tax. Note that it's normal that your employer will already deduct your monthly contribution from your paycheck before he/she will give it to you. That's probably a difference between Canada's tax system and that of your home country!
In order to be a local in Vancouver, you need to get local things. Not the least of which is a local SIM card. How else will you be able to get in contact with your friends and co-workers here (as well as family if they moved here with you)? After all, Canadian mobile networks are generally pretty trustworthy. You'll have no reason not to join one. At the same time, you also need to get a local bank account. The good thing here is that the process of setting up one is pretty simple, easy to do, and many local Canadian banks are welcoming of foreign clients.
Moving to Vancouver is quite easy as long as you know what to do, you get when you need to get. and you understand the way they do things around here. Fortunately, this guide can help you will of that and more. Trust that you can settle down here seamlessly with it!
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