lionheart

Despite several searches, I have been unable to find any down to earth views about life in Vancouver for a British expat. All I read is about the various suburbs, which mean bugger-all to a complete newbie. The fact is that, after 10 years in Saudi/UAE, an opportunity has arisen which I would like to explore further. So how cold and wet does it get? How much for a 3-bed town house? Would a pre-tax salary of USD 120,000 be enough? What is the normal rate of taxation? The usual stuff...any observations would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

lionheart

Thanks for all your help guys...people over here are evidently right about Canadian hospitality.

Atlantic Xpat

Might one point out that you posted your original post during the night and then, 6 hours or so later you got sniffy 'cos no-one replied. In vancouver as I type this it's 6:23am. Who do you think is going to be answering your post, insomniacs?

High numbers

You pipped me to the post!! I was just going to say that its not even 7am yet and a holiday weekend.

If the poster had waited he may have had a responce now I doubt it!!

wizzard

I don't think as many people are moving to Vancouver as used to, especially with recent property prices soaring and those that do are most likely out in the suburbs which is the case with most of the poepl moving to Toronto or Calgary etc. it is mostly about suburbia.
I've only been to Vancouver once, but I am going there again in a week or so with work but I really liked it as a city. I grew up next to the sea in England so I like places that are on water, the city is small but has a lot of distinct areas and neighbourhoods.
The hardset thing about mving there is finding somewhere to live as I understand it. They just did an affordability survey in Canada and housing is at it's most expensive since the late 80's boom. For example to live in Toronto and buy a standard detached two storey house would take up about 48% of your income, in Vancouver it was more like 76%. It's going to come down at some point, maybe, they are on a building boom as far as condos go, cranes everywhere.
I couldn't give you much advice on areas to live in Vancouver as I've only visited, apart from that you want to avoid the East end where Vancouver gets it's bad rep for drugs etc. and I know that West Vancouver over the Lion's Gate Bridge is a farily upscale expensive place.
It rains much more than it snows, unlike the majority of Canada. I guess it would be like living in Manchester but with much better views. When I was there it rained everyday. I will see what it is like at the beginning of April. However after getting on 200cm of snow this winter in toronto and endless shovelling I wonder how much worse rain would be, but then growing up in Northern England rain isn't exactly an unfamiliar thing.
You aren't going to get broiled to death in 35 degree plus humidity temperatures and you won't freeze in winter in -30 wind chills.
A pre tax income of 120K is pretty good and you would need it given Vancouvers cost of living. Is that for just one person, or to support a family? For one person I think you would be doing pretty well. For two people you could do pretty good too if you were lucky to find somewhere affordable to live. If you were adding kids etc. then you would be starting to have to make sacrafices to get by I think. We live downtown in Toronto and there are just two of us with no kids and household income just over 100K and we have managed to buy a fairly ordinary house in a lower cost neighbourhood and we aren't struggling much but we don't have a car or anything.

startwin

Well at least he got an answer from someone in Ontario - always amazes me how people who don't live in an area come up with so much qualified (?) info. But, with an attitude like that I hope he doesn't come here.

Steve_P

Obviously you've never heard of time zones.

The4BellsLondon

Well - was going to reply - but all seems to be answere now!

I can tell you more when i go in May !

lionheart

Thanks for the helpful comments, Wizzard, very much appreciated...as for the attitude, we are all like that in Dubai...

Steve_P

Then perhaps you should stay there.

hot wasabi peas

Hmmm.... and the posting timing is 6:54 am.

Scotty!!??

The4BellsLondon

We are off for a recce in May - so should get some ideas - if you scan the threads there are quite a few relating to Vancouver and environs.

lionheart

Calgary was the place I was specifically warned about by the oil industry guys over here so I will take your comments with a pinch of salt...its my wife and daughter who really want to move. Who am I to disagree? Family should come first I believe.

Tangram

The Uk is full of people with your attitude, perhaps you would feel at home there.

The4BellsLondon

Calm down peeps!