Vancouver: What makes it a Great Place to live?

Sea, City and Summits! Vancouver is the city that balances these landscapes in perfect harmony and makes it an attractive place to live. Canada itself is known for it’s outstanding natural beauty and high quality of life. And the West Coast offers everything from retail therapy and high end bars & restaurants. Then from relaxing beach, forest and lakeside walks to adrenaline seeking mountain biking and skiing. Vancouver has something for everyone so find out the top reason’s why I am moving there in May 2025.

Vancouver

Vancouver, located on Canada’s stunning west coast, is a city that effortlessly blends natural beauty, multicultural vibrancy, and urban sophistication. Whether you’re seeking career growth, an active lifestyle, or a diverse and welcoming community, Vancouver offers a unique quality of life that’s hard to match. With a backdrop of the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver attracts people wanting to hike, bike and explore the surprisingly steep climbs. And the waterfront and beaches are great to soak up the sun and relax. Now mix in the busy city lifestyle with high end restaurants, trendy bars and coffee shops, you have a city that has something for everyone. The high quality of life does come at a literal price with rental prices being high and the job market competitive. I first visited Vancouver as part of a 2 week road trip through the Canadian Rockies and fell in love with the city.

Vancouver Neighbourhoods Guide

First, let’s explore the different areas of Vancouver and where is best to settle down. One of the key selling points of Vancouver is the variety of areas to choose from to suit your needs. From the fancy and high end Downtown to the fashionable and trendy Kitsilano, they all offer a great quality of life. North Vancouver is where I am settling down thanks to the proximity to the North Shore Mountains.

1. Downtown Vancouver (Coal Harbour, Yaletown, West End)

• Best for: Professionals, singles, LGBTQ+ community, beach lovers
• Pros: Walkability, entertainment, Stanley Park, inclusivity, beach proximity, chic dining
• Cons: High cost, small living spaces, condos/apartments, older buildings, limited parking
• Average Rent: $2600 – $3500 for a 1-Bed Apartment

2. Kitsilano

• Best for: Families, beachgoers, young professionals
• Pros: Beach, community vibe, good schools
• Cons: Pricey homes, summer crowds
• Average Rent: $2400 – $3200 for a 1-Bed Apartment

3. Mount Pleasant & Fairview

• Best for: Creatives, young professionals
• Pros: Artsy feel, local cafes, breweries
• Cons: Gentrification, construction
• Average Rent: $2400 – $3200 for a 1-Bed Apartment

4. East Vancouver (Main Street / Riley Park/ Commercial Drive)

• Best for: Families, first-time buyers, students
• Pros: Lower prices, strong community, Trendy shops, Queen Elizabeth Park, affordability
• Cons: Uneven public services, tight housing market, less polished, busy
• Average Rent: $2000 – $2800 for a 1-Bed Apartment

5. South Granville & Kerrisdale

• Best for: Retirees, quiet lifestyle seekers, established families
• Pros: Shopping, galleries, central location, quiet, prestigious, good schools
• Cons: Fewer nightlife options, expensive
• Average Rent: $2500 – $3100 for a 1-Bed Apartment

6. UBC / Point Grey

• Best for: Students, academics
• Pros: Surrounded by nature, safety, UBC campus, cheap
• Cons: Isolated from downtown
• Average Rent: $2100 – $2800 for a 1-Bed Apartment

7. North Vancouver

• Best for: Nature lovers, families
• Pros: Mountains, great schools, safe, the Quay and waterfront
• Cons: Commuting, expensive real estate
• Average Rent: $2400 – $3200 for a 1-Bed Apartment

8. Burnaby

• Best for: Commuters, growing families
• Pros: More affordable, SkyTrain access, major shopping centers
• Cons: Increasing density, less character
• Average Rent: $2200 – $2900 for a 1-Bed Apartment

1. Breath-taking Natural Beauty

Vancouver is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in North America. With the Strait of Georgia, Harbours and the North Shore Mountains surrounding the city, you’re never far from beaches, forests, and snow-capped peaks. Stanley Park, one of the largest urban parks in the world, offers miles of trails, scenic views, and wildlife right in the heart of the city. Up the highway is Whistler, the world famous ski resort and mountain biking mecca. As well as fantastic hiking trails including the must hike – Panorama Ridge near Whistler! British Columbia is known for it’s natural beauty and offers world class skiing in winter. Then in summer, is a paradise for outdoor adventures.

There are multiple beaches around the city with the most popular being English Bay and Kitsilano beaches. Within striking distance of Victoria and Vancouver Island, Vancouver has strong connections to diverse landscapes. Finally, it is in close proximity to Seattle and Washington State which is known for it’s rugged mountains such as Mount Rainer. The best way to explore Vancouver is using the AllTrails app with hundreds of hiking, biking and camping trails to find.

2. Mild Climate (relatively)

Unlike much of Canada, Vancouver enjoys a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers. While it does get a fair amount of rain, the lack of heavy snowfall and extreme cold makes it an attractive option for those looking to avoid harsh winters. Typically, October through to April are the wetter months. But the Summer months is where Vancouver comes to life! In summary, the wettest months are November and December so be prepared with a quality rain jacket. On the contrary, the driest months are July and August; perfect for getting a tan going with July having most hours of sun. And for sea swimming, July is the best month with an average temperature of 14°C (57°F). 

Average Monthly Temperature

• January: Average temperature around 4°C (38°F). Expect highs of 6°C (43°F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). 
• February: Average temperature around 5°C (41°F). Highs reach 8°C (46°F). 
• March: Average temperature around 7°C (44°F). Highs can reach 10°C (50°F). 
• April: Average temperature around 9°C (49°F). Highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). 
• May: Average temperature around 12°C (54°F). Expect highs of 16°C (61°F). 
• June: Average temperature around 15°C (61°F). Highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 11°C (52°F). 
• July: Average temperature around 17°C (63°F). Highs reach 22°C (72°F). 
• August: Average temperature around 18°C (64°F). Highs can reach 22°C (72°F). 
• September: Average temperature around 15°C (60°F). 
• October: Average temperature around 12°C (54°F). 
• November: Average temperature around 8°C (46°F). 
• December: Average temperature around 4°C (39°F). 

3. Thriving Job Market

Vancouver has a robust and diverse economy. It is a key global trading hub with one of the largest harbours in North America. Key industries include tech, film and television production, tourism, trade, and green energy. As you can imagine, the tourism and hospitality are in demand with competitive hourly rates compared to other cities. The city is also home to numerous start-ups and international companies, offering opportunities for career advancement and innovation. And close by to Vancouver is Burnaby, Surrey, Richmond and Abbotsford with which are all commutable.

4. Multicultural and Inclusive Society

Vancouver is one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in Canada. Nearly half of its residents are immigrants, and over 100 languages are spoken in the city. This diversity is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and neighbourhoods, making it a welcoming place for people from all backgrounds. I have noticed how diverse the people are in the city and overall, Vancouver does feel safe. As reported, there are areas with high numbers of homeless but this is like most major cities.

Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city that has everything from high end fashion and boutiques in the city centre. Then unique markets such as Grandville Island and the trendy shops along Kitsilano. After a week living here, I was amazed by the amount of craft breweries and independent coffee shops (even more Starbucks and Tim Hortons though!). For sports fans, there is the BC Place Stadium, home of the Vancouver Whitecaps Football team. And the Vancouver Cannucks Ice Hockey Team play at the Rogers Arena where music concerts are also held. Add in the amount of galleries and museums, there is plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy!

5. Active & Healthy Lifestyle

The city’s layout and culture encourage an active lifestyle. Residents often hike, bike, ski, kayak, and practice yoga—all within a short distance from downtown. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the healthiest cities in Canada, thanks to its access to outdoor recreation, healthy food, and wellness-oriented mindset. The government and local authorities try to keep green spaces and recreational centres available for people to stay active. There are plenty of gyms, yoga classes, fitness centres and a few climbing gyms to keep your mind and body exercised. On the North Shore, there are forests, creeks and steep mountains within touching distance of residential areas. Vancouver is perfect for close proximity to mountains for summer adventures and winter sports.

6. Excellent Education and Healthcare

British Columbia boasts some of the top schools and universities in the country, including the University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU). Vancouver also benefits from Canada’s public healthcare system, which provides accessible and high-quality medical services. In BC, it can take up to 6 months of residency to be eligible for provincial healthcare. It’s best to have good quality health insurance when first moving over until you can access BC Healthcare. For more info, check out BC Services to find out about enrolling in MSP, Supplementary Benefits and Fair PharmaCare.

7. Environmentally Conscious Urban Design

Vancouver is a global leader in sustainability and green living. The city has committed to becoming the greenest city in the world, with policies promoting energy efficiency, public transit, and sustainable development. It’s also known for its walkability and extensive bike lanes. Having lived here for 2 weeks now, it’s easy to see how much thought and how many initiatives are put in place in the urban landscape. There are people out walking dogs, running and enjoying the green paces. There is much less rubbish left around and the streets are kept clean (compared to the UK). I noticed that the locals take pride in their properties with people gardening and many landscaping companies to maintain private and public areas.

8. Global Connectivity

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a major hub with direct flights to Asia, Europe, and across North America. Its location makes it a strategic base for international business and travel. As well, there are affordable internal flights which makes it easy to travel around the 2nd largest country in the world. And whilst road trips are fun to see the beautiful countryside, they aren’t the most time effective. So having a major international airport around 30mins away from the city is handy. There are public transport links to get to the terminals as well as Ubers/Taxis available too.

Final Thoughts

Vancouver offers a rare balance: a dynamic, cosmopolitan lifestyle set against a backdrop of awe-inspiring nature. While it does come with a high cost of living, many residents find the trade-off worth it for the quality of life, opportunity, and natural beauty the city provides. Whether you’re moving for work, study, or a fresh start, Vancouver is a city that welcomes you with open arms—and a view you’ll never forget.

Where is your dream location to live? Stay tuned for more updates on life in Vancouver over the next 2 years. Plus all the exploring all that British Columbia and Canada has to offer!