Moving to Vancouver…

Vancouver is often called “one of the most beautiful cities in the world.” That’s one of the reasons why so many popular TV shows are filmed there. In addition to the scenic mountains and seaside vistas, Vancouver also boasts high bikeability, a bustling port, and a laid-back west coast vibes. The city tops a number of global livability scales, and it’s often cited as one of the top ten cities in the world. If you’re thinking about moving to Vancouver, consider these eight things before you call the local movers.

1. It’s a foodie’s paradise.

Vancouver is regularly cited as one of the food capitals of the world, right next to London and New York. The city boasts a number of culinary adventures, but it’s seafood and sushi are among the best options. Vancouver also has thriving scenes for coffee growers, food truck lovers, and wine connoisseurs.

2. Vancouver is expensive.

Vancouver’s popularity has caused rental and real estate prices to skyrocket. It’s not unusual for two bedroom apartments to run north of $1,500 per month. It’s not just the rent either. Food prices are high too. While you might pay $8 for cheese in another Canadian city, you can pay up to $15 in Vancouver. According to one source, Vancouver’s minimum living wage is $19.14 per hour or $40,000 per year. If you’re serious about moving to Vancouver, make sure you can afford rent before you start calling for moving estimates.

3. The outdoors are spectacular.

We’ve already mentioned that Vancouver is beautiful, but the beaches and mountains are more than just eye candy. Vancouver is an adventurer’s paradise. Grouse Mountain is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in Vancouver, and it’s located right across the water from downtown Vancouver. The mountain’s signature activity is a 2.9 kilometer hike known as “The Grind.” If you’d rather relax, check out the Seawall, a 5.5 mile stretch around Stanley Park. This stretch of land offers sailing, biking, and swimming options.

4. Cyclists are everywhere.

If you’re serious about moving to Vancouver, you should probably invest in a bicycle. Vancouver is an older city, and it’s growing popularity has left the streets congested with automobiles. Ride sharing services like UBER are also unavailable in Vancouver. As such, bicycles have become an inexpensive, popular, and effective way to get around the city.

5. Rain is a way of life.

You should also know that rain doesn’t stop anyone in Vancouver. On average, Vancouver receives 43.9 inches of rain per year, which is less than both Portland and Seattle. If you’re planning to live there, you’ll have to get used to the rain. Especially, if you purchased a bicycle like we recommended in the last paragraph.