Dwayne Hoover

I've been toying with the idea of moving to Canada for a couple of
years now. I've just recently had a child and housing and insurance
are just incredibly expensive here so I need to make a move. Has
anyone on this board made this kind of move? I'm a lifelong NYer and
wonder about the cultural changes involved as well as the financial
changes. Is the cost of living in Vancouver better or worse? What are
the biggest adjustments to get used to moving from the U.S. to Canada?

Dwayne

ngoodlad

Hi,
I'm not from NY but have family there and spent most of my summers in Queens. I find Vancouver has a lot of similarities to NY in that there are similar neighbourhoods, apartments are similar, large shopping malls, the more expensive/exclusive areas, and then "The Village" type areas.

Although I find Vancouver expensive, I believe NYC is still a lot more expensive. I also think you'll find the cost of medical insurance a lot more affordable.

I'm afraid that's all the input I can give you though. Good luck

Andrew Miller

Financially - your cost of living (including housing) will drop about 40%
compared to NY if you settle in Vancouver. If you settle in the suburbs then
your cost of living will drop more than 60% compared to NY.

Vancouver is as multicultural city as NY, but about 10 times smaller. So,
probably your first adjustment will be in that matter - to get used to
smaller metropolitan area. Next difference will be several times smaller
violent crimes and murder rate. More laid back attitude, cleaner air,
paradise for outdoor and nature activities, etc. here will also be
appreciated.

--

../..

Andrew Miller
Immigration Consultant
Vancouver, British Columbia
email: [email protected]
(delete REMOVE from the above address before sending email)
________________________________


"Dwayne Hoover" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
    > I've been toying with the idea of moving to Canada for a couple of
    > years now. I've just recently had a child and housing and insurance
    > are just incredibly expensive here so I need to make a move. Has
    > anyone on this board made this kind of move? I'm a lifelong NYer and
    > wonder about the cultural changes involved as well as the financial
    > changes. Is the cost of living in Vancouver better or worse? What are
    > the biggest adjustments to get used to moving from the U.S. to Canada?
    > Dwayne

ngoodlad

That's what I forgot to mention, Andrew just reminded me...I find Vancouver extremely laid back, whereas NYC is very hectic, so that will be a big difference for you. Also you are in easy reach of beaches, downtown, sea, mountains almost everywhere in Vancouver.

nonong

So wouldn't it be better - less of a shock or change - if a New Yorker were to move to Toronto instead of Vancouver, since Toronto (and nearby Montreal) would be more or less much more like New York than Vancouver would be?

Aaron

I have only this to add - Vancouver is supposedly the only place in
the world where you can surf, snowboard/ski and play golf - all on the
same day.

Vancouver is great if you are outdoorsy kind of person but if you are
looking for good nightlife - you are going to be disappointed. On the
plus side, crime is very low, especially violent crime like murder or
rape is rare, and you are quite safe walking around most places in
Vancouver, even late at night.

Good luck!