Atlantic Xpat

Ah, forgot the 1/2 hour for NL timezone.

hot wasabi peas

Oh, me too!

JonboyE

We aren't in Vancouver.

120k is lots.

Yoong

Expensive real estate,have a look at www.mls.ca
Multicultural,yummy foods, wet winter,mountains and ocean ,
snowfalls lasted only1 or 2 daysand now spring has sprung.
Waiting for the cherry blossoms to bloom and soon the wild life will be
busy with their young ones.

Vancouver has its problems like any growing cities like gang violence,drugs,homelessness,etc,etc.
Hope that helps.
Yoong

Atlantic Xpat

Out of curiosity I 'mls'd' White Rock. Looks like a nice area. Even on $120k affording a house as opposed to a condo would be virtually impossible without a sizeable chunk of downpayment.

JonboyE

Well yes, we think so.

In the Metro Vancouver area an average (mean) salary is about $50,000. Teachers and nurses are on a basic of around $65,000. An experienced professional is looking at $80,000 - $100,000. $120,000 puts the OP at the top of the professional salary range. IMO it is lots.

Real estate apart, Vancouver is not any more expensive than other places in Canada. When buying a place, affordability is a real issue. There is no argument about that. $120,000 pa supports a mortgage of around $500,000. Is is possible to buy a detached house for that, but you have to be concentrating on potential rather than move-in comfort.

Broadly, I agree with you that without a substantial downpayment buying a detached home is very difficult. However, the OP is coming from Dubai. If he doesn't have a substantial dowmpaymet I think he might have missed the whole point of working there.

Tangram

Bit like your advise in another forum.....

" Originally Posted by lionheart
Why not get your boyfriend to visit you in the USA? Maybe there is a secret something holding him back, like a wife and kids or a prison cell. Yours must be one of the silliest stories I have read in many years. You are too naive for your own good, my dear. Stick to your own country if I were you...there must be thousands of eligible men over there."

Touche.

adele

Vancouver? Oh it's a terrible place, trust me you really, really, really wouldn't like it - really, you'd hate it, DON'T GO...

Steve_P

<Plonk>

ClareBC

Hm, not sure Vancouver is for you - it will be way too wet.... (piccie is of average rainfall in mm per annum)

Judy in Calgary

Although I've only visited Vancouver as a tourist and haven't lived there, I like it a lot.

In my opinion, Vancouver is one of those places that has to be seen to be appreciated. I don't think verbal descriptions can do it justice.

But I must admit that I have not yet been tested when it comes to surviving the rainy winters.

There are many articles in the Canada section of the BE Wiki that may help you -- articles about taxes, schooling, medical care, and on and on. The Wiki on Vancouver may help you. You can use the Multiple Listing Service website to find out house prices.
x

lionheart

Go and buy yourself some fruit gums, my friend...thanks to most of you for your helpful comments...it's sunny and 30degC here...oh how I miss the rain of Bristol and Manchester.

bijou

Vancouver is an amazing city... I hope this post helps you. (I am a Vancouverite)

The best neighborhoods are located on the North shore (West and North Van), DT, and the West side. To purchase a decent 3 bdrm TH or condo will cost anywhere from $800k - $3m for a respectable building - expect 1200 sq ft and up. To rent, expect upwards of $3-6k/month in these neighborhoods.

Though $120k is a respectable income, taxation will eat a good portion of your earnings and is based on numerous factors. Therefore you should discuss this matter with your potential employer and/or a CDN accountant.

I have traveled the world and consider Vancouver the most beautiful city during the summer months (mid June - mid Sept). Many international travelers will agree. Vancouvers climate is very mild compared to most Canadian climates. It is a rainy city (expect it Nov - April), that being said, very lush rainforests and when the sun come out, it really is a magical place.

Vancouver continues to rate in the top five cities to live in the world - safe, clean, fun, proximity to everything-intl airports, ski resorts & recreational lifestyle (world class) and exceptional dining.

Good luck, I hope this helps.

bazzz

Very, very, wet. Technically, not that cold, but the dampness makes it feel a lot colder than it actually is.

Very expensive. At least $1m+ for something decent.

If you're the only that's working and you've got a family to raise, then it could be tough. We survive on a joint income of $100,000, but have no kids and rent a small apartment.

I don't think Vancouver would be a very good choice for you.

Tangram

I think he should go