Hi there

Im heading out to Van in March and am considering burnaby, new west and coquitlam to base myself, probably room share for while until (hopefully ) i can find work.

Just wondered what you guys though of these areas - eg which are good for reasonably priced accommodation, transport links, low crime, community spirit etc

Would really welcome some advice

Jack

we likely need more info to help you. Take a look here for some general area information: http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Vancouver

Personally, as a new import, seeking work, enjoying easy transit links, being right in the city and being well placed to enjoy it, look no further than the west end, for reasonable rentals.

Great area, next to downtown, near stanley park, the beach at english bay, as many restaurants as you can handle.....also close to skiing in the winter months...i lived in the west end and Kitsilano (another great area but more pricey) for the better part of 20 years and still miss it at times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5KPIfp8oX-k

the other areas you have noted are the burbs and not the best for a new arrival in my view. The rent is not much cheaper really, and the extra you pay in the west end is well worth it.

Crime ought not be a major decider in one area over another, nor is it a major concern when emmigrating here.

To give a rough idea:

a one bed would go for about 1100 a month, which includes principal bills (heat, hotwater, garbage removal etc)...there are no council taxes for renters in Canada.

Apartments are generally not furnished (do have stove, fridge)

Studios are cheaper...not sure about shared accom...but likely exists. Out of downtown, basement suites can be a great option.

check out vancouver craigs list for an idea:

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/searc...1150&bedrooms=

Burnaby, being the nearest suburb east of Vancouver, is handy enough for getting into town - especially if you get a place near the Skytrain lines. I found the cheaper rent there was worth being further out.

Depends what you're looking for, if you're young and doing the work-visa thing, then share a house in Kits or on Commercial Drive. If older and actually going there to live, then you'll get a nicer place in Burnaby or New West.

I'd take dboy's advice. The west end is the place I'd check out.

Hi both,

I did a recce last year and all the accommodation in the west end appeared to b every expensive and for very little - your usual box room / den for $800 in a fairly grotty concrete high-rise.

It does seem a little further out gets you so much more. You can pick up a 1b flat on burnaby or new west for a similar price.

I do agree that the west end is a great area though, especially kits

Thanks for your help so far, Jack

New West is a compete dump and Brunaby is fine if you attend or lecture at SFU. Your pigeon though.

New West a dump, really?!?!?!?

Yes, imo. Scruffy, dirty and crime ridden.

+1

The money you save on rent will be taken up with transport costs

Yeh i know transport will be an issue. Just in terms of comparison, how does Coquitlam compare with Burnaby and New West?

I don't mean to sound like a downer all the time but are you on your own or with your family? If its the former, then any of the suburbs are going to be bloody boring.

Where will you be working? What do you want to do in your spare time? Do you want to be in a more social area, walking distance to beaches/shops/hikes or closer to strip malls where a car is a must?

Kits, West End, and Fairview would be my choices if i were single and coming to live in Vancouver proper. If overall costs were similar in all areas you mention, living downtown would be a no brainer for me.

I personally wouldn't live in New West or Coquitlam. Burnaby maybe if i had a family and wanted to settle down close enough to downtown.

What draws you to Coquitlam, Burnaby, and New West in the first place? Internet or experience?

Queens park is nice, but spendy

Say what you think Kiwilass, don't hold back...

haha.

No, I agree with the others we need to know more about what you're looking for. Maybe Coquitlam will be your everything.