Welcome to Vancouver! After your long-distance moving company helps get all your precious belongings into your new home, you may have some questions about the new city you’ve settled in. 

The most populated city in B.C. is a sought-after place to live for a reason. The ocean below, mountains above, not too hot but not too cold—it’s an outdoor lover’s paradise with all the amenities and culture of the big city. Vancouver was even named the fifth most liveable city in the world by the Economist Intelligence Unit Global Liveability Index report in 2022. Not too shabby!

Get to know Your New Home!

Weather

Grab your umbrella! The moderate temperatures—that are rarely too hot or too cold—in Vancouver come with a price: in 2022, the city had 150 days of rain. 

Job Market

Vancouver is home to many different industries, and like any major city, is where you can find the headquarters for some big names like Lululemon, Arc’Teryx and Plenty of Fish. On a really exciting note: if you love movie magic, Vancouver is a hub of VFX and animation studios, including Sony Imageworks. 

The tech industry is also booming, and WorkBC’s Labour Market Outlook says that since “the computer systems design sector grew 39% in B.C. and is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 4.8% over the next 10 years.” Exciting things are happening!

Driving

Big cities can have big traffic problems, but they also come with great transit solutions like automated, rapid trains like the SkyTrain, a comprehensive bus network and even the SeaBus!

Cost of Living

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Vancouver for a four-person family is over $4,800 before factoring in rent, 2.5% lower than Toronto. Rent prices, however, are estimated to be 7.2% higher than in the Six. 

Best Neighbourhoods in Vancouver

Vancouver really has something for everyone, so depending on your interests, there’s a neighbourhood for you. 

• For beach lovers, Kitsilano is impossible to beat, with chill vibes and multiple sandy beaches within walking distance. 

• Gastown and Chinatown (the largest Chinatown in Canada)are the places to be for history and architecture buffs, to take in the old town charm. 

• The West End is a hub for all. The proximity to Stanley Park, harbour and amazing restaurants make it not to be missed. 

Thinking of moving to Vancouver?

If you’re thinking of making a long-distance move to Vancouver, here are some moving tips to prepare you for your new home: 

Patience is a virtue

• Finding a place to live can be tricky, so start looking well in advance. 

Be prepared for sticker shock

• If you’re moving from Alberta to B.C. you’ll notice something new on your receipts. B.C. has a 7% provincial sales tax (PST) on top of the 5% GST you’ll find in many other provinces, bringing the total tax on taxable goods to 12%.  

If you don’t already love the outdoors, now’s the time to start. 

• Vancouver is a beautiful city but has a reputation for being difficult to make friends in. With the proximity to the outdoors and emphasis on healthy living, a new outdoor hobby is two birds with one stone: taking full advantage of the city and helping make social connections!

Say hello to your new city. If you’re looking for a long-distance moving company to help you take the next step, Bighorn Kelowna Moving & Storage can help. Get started with a free estimate.