Hi All,

I finally have a job offer in BC (Delta, Vancouver) so am starting the BC PNP process which I hope to be submitting in the next couple of weeks.

I now have to start researching best areas to live. We are looking to rent initially (Wife, 12 YO son and myself - 42) Any suggestions based on my work being in Delta area?? Not sure until I get started if I have to go there every day as they do maintenance in and around Van.

We fell in love with Squamish on one of our recce trips but I supect that will be too far for a daily commute unless anyone think otherwise??

Port Coquitlam seem to be drawing me for some reason. Thoughts????

Thanks for any help.

Cheers

Steve

Good news about the offer

Cant quite believe it, all happened so quick. It does show that you have to keep trying.

What's wrong with Delta?

Some nice towns in that area: Ladner, Tsawwassen.

Squamish would be a hellacious commute to Delta. Poco is also pretty far.

This is it you see, I don't know. Will have a look at these thanks.

Whereabouts in Delta will your work be?

It is a lovely drive, but you are looking at about four hours a day in your car. On a good day.

Annacis Island

You said you're planning to rent, right? That's a good idea. This gives you time to check everything out before committing to an area.

I can recommend Ladner and Tswawwassen. I'm very familiar with both. Nice towns, good amenities, not too far from the Canada line to DT vancouver and close to the ferry for Vancouver ISland/gulf islands. Tswawwassen has areas that are right on the beach and it has better weather than towns like Poco or Squamish - more sun, less rain, and warmer.

Oh, Annacis?

Then I'd recommend New Westminster or Richmond. Way closer.

Actually, scratch that. Try New West or Burnaby.

Thanks for that. So difficult knowing where to focus. Obvioulsy want a decent area without having to pay through the nose.

Agree with most of what Exkiwilass has said. To the west, Tsawwassen and Ladner both have something of a village feel being separate communities surrounded by water and green fields. They are both quite affluent, "nice", places. The drive to Annacis Island is along River Road through Tilbury and is a brute at the moment. However, the South Fraser Perimeter Road will be opening soon which should improve things considerably.

East Richmond or the New Westminster part of Lulu Island is a possibility. It is the only place you can access Annacis Island without getting on the 91/91A highway. That said, there is nothing about the area that would tempt me to live there. West Richmond has some very desirable residential areas with prices to match. Renting might be affordable but you will need a decent wedge if you are looking to rent in an area you might subsequently buy into.

South of Annacis Island you can look at North Delta. The north of North delta can be a bit run down but Sunshine Hills (in the south of North Delta, if you see what I mean) is very pleasant. A bit further away is South Surrey. This is close to where I live and, obviously, is a place where people of intelligence, charm and sophistication tend to gather. It is a pleasant, and quite affluent suburb close to beaches and countryside. Worth a look IMO.

East of the Island is North Surrey. It gets a bad rap and some is deserved. There are also perfectly good places to live but don’t rent sight unseen. New Westminster also has some very good areas to live in and some less so.

Trying to keep within 30 minutes commute in rush hour traffic, south east Vancouver and south Burnaby are also possibilities but I don’t know much about them as residential areas.
IMO Port Coquitlam might be too far for a comfortable daily commute.

Thats interesting. Thank you for your time. This is just the sort of feedback I need. Its so tricky. Keephaving a look on web/street view etc but can't tell you what the area is really like. Think we'll come out a couple of weeks before start date and research on the ground so to pseak. Its just nice to get some ideas. Thanks again!