We are heading out to Anacortes for a couple of days, hope the weather holds out!

We sure needed it that's for sure. The ground is like concrete.

ffs it was a joke.

From, meaning constantly.

Can u send it on to Aviator when you've finished with it.

I'll have some once everybody has finished with it

This is a dept you seem to be sadly lacking in old chap Maybe all that traveling took it out of you. Go have another Guinness.

Hahhaaahhaaaaaaa

I see the postman hasn't arrived yet.


Guinness, good idea.

Wouldn't know, have you not checked your mailbox yet?

Hi Vikty,

You've got many replies and views on Vancouver, that's good.

I didn't get the chance to read them all, sorry if this is repeated:

Yes, the summer on the Pacific coast in Vancouver can be incredible. Very attractive waterfront, we find most of the people friendly, though it's a busy bustling place, by Canadian standards. Very international, variety of people, fantastic library, parks good. Airport clean, spacious, buses clean, drivers friendly...

On the other hand, there's a lot of hype about Vancouver....world city...etc. But it's expensive, someone said 'you need a good job' too true. Restaurants, pubs pricey.... depends where you are in the UK, London of course is dear, if we compare.

Overrated attractions, e.g. aquarium - expensive, but dull. Housing, as you know, is insanely priced. Partly the lack of land now, with sea / mountain parameters, and part greed- watch Realtors (estate agents), they say they'll represent you... in our experience, they represent themselves with high commission...(from the seller, you don't pay the commiss. directly, but the price is kept high on the property....). Some realtors on here will be defensive, but believe me, we've been through the process twice, both no good, and know others with similar stories.

Not to put you off, there are many outlying areas with varying degrees of housing, I guess you need to visit and experience it.

Naturally your commuting distance will play a big part, the Vancouver bridges get blocked, coming to downtown.

These are our experiences anyway.

All the Best with your choices.

Cheers,

Andy.

Not sure that knowing the price of admission to the aquarium is really useful for moving somewhere. I've been twice in 17 years - yes its overpriced - every city has its tourist traps.

True livability comes from where the city is situated and how it is laid out. Vancouver is a very walkable city with access to endless seaside walks, beaches and parks. Great for kids. Very easy access to the outdoors.

I agree that booze is 'London' expensive (6 - 7 bucks a pint) but restaurants are very reasonable - I found eating in Manchester way more expensive than Vancouver.

Real estate is the real killer here. We are still in a massive bubble and have not (yet) experienced the price declines that the UK and US have.

Yes you need a well above average wage in Vancouver - wages have not kept pace with the increased cost of living here. Having said that, outside of buying property, i don't see a great deal of difference in the day to day costs as in the UK. With the collapse of the pound, prices seem higher when visiting, but living here and earning dollars, standard of living is much the same. Quality of life here is where manchester (and most other Brit cities) is beaten hands down. That's the upside to moving here.

I would recommend a visit - and do research - feel free to pm if you have any specific questions.