6 Realities of Life in the Lower Mainland

We all have stories of financial hardship. The discrepancies from case to case are the circumstances by which we’re subjected to those hardships. Family illness, falling behind on bills, job loss.

You know what? You’re not alone. If you live in Vancouver or in the area, you live next to someone else who’s had to find a creative way to make ends meet. That’s a reality we’re affecting all of us.

And there’s nothing wrong with that. Here’s a few more common elements with which everyone living on BC’s southwest coast is faced.

1. House Prices

Whether you’re buying a detached single family home or a two-bedroom condo, Vancouver is an expensive city when compared with the rest of our country. Montreal and Toronto have similar challenges, too. Choosing to set down roots in the lower mainland means your budget will largely be dictated by what you choose to buy.

2. Living Options

One common misconception about Vancouver is that young families have no choice but to spend obscene amounts of money on their living situation. However, where there’s a will, there’s a way. A loft in Gastown or a 1500 square foot home in North Vancouver would be nice, but if you’re willing to commute, bedroom communities such as Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey represent value for controlled budgets.

3. Transportation

Now we’re rolling, literally! One of the best aspects of living in the greater Vancouver area is the access to public transportation. So if you do choose to live further from the downtown core to save on your budget, you’ll easily be able to find a place to live that’s within walking distance of a train or bus station.

4. The Cost of Living

There’s nothing like spending a night in one of Vancouver’s countless entertainment hot spots – the Orpheum Theatre, Yaletown’s restaurants and bars, a night downtown with the Vancouver Canucks – but these things all cost money, too. For people living in the lower mainland who like to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city, it’s one of the main reasons to keep your budget in check where you can.

5. Free Entertainment

The good news is that there are multiple free ways to enjoy our small corner of the world as well. We’re nestled between the Pacific Ocean and a glorious mountain range, and nature doesn’t cost a thing. There’s hiking, beaches, mountains to ski on, lakes to float on; the elements are available for anyone to enjoy at any time, and are a great way to stay active without spending a dime.

6. Job Opportunities

One of the great things about the lower mainland is the sheer range of occupations in the area. People move to Vancouver to work in the financial district, in the film industry, the construction industry and on and on. It’s one of the reasons so many people live in the region – the balmy winters and sunny summers don’t hurt either! But it’s also a primary reason the average home costs what it costs.

We live in a glorious climate with countless options related to where we live, how we live and how we work.

The reality of life in the lower mainland is its pretty special – once you get the hang of it.

Looking for a new home in the lower mainland (or beyond)? Give us a call!