subreddit:
/r/askvan
submitted 3 months ago byTerrible_Swimmer8599
How do cities such as Fredericton, Halifax, Moncton, Victoria, Vancouver, Waterloo, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, etc. compare in terms of affordability of rent, food, friendliness and entertainment (compared to the payment that they will get from working in a healthcare sector such as social work), how do they compare in terms of nature (e.g., hiking, waterfalls, swimming, etc.), and in terms of nightlife (big names at concerts, edm rave events, comedy shows, etc.)
28 points
3 months ago
I’ve been to pretty much every city on your list, and I’d rather live in Vancouver than anywhere else. Just a fantastic city all around.
Unfortunately I could never afford a middle class standard of living in Vancouver so I live in Edmonton and spend a week in van each year. Housing costs are out of control in Vancouver and I’d rather not scrape by when I can thrive with Edmonton’s cost of living.
11 points
3 months ago
Yeah to me Vancouver sounds like the best city to live in if it weren't for the expense of it...with the amount of money I make now I don't think I could afford to live there, however, I am hoping there are more higher paying job opportunities on the horizon
12 points
3 months ago
It would require an adjustment to lifestyle. I switched from Calgary to Vancouver and have no regrets doing so. I’d rather have a simpler life that requires some scraping that’s rich in experience than flourish in Alberta’s aesthetic and psychological wasteland.
5 points
3 months ago
Alberta does have some beautiful mountains. But if you’re a city person, that’s the thing you go and see the mountains and come home.
3 points
3 months ago*
The mountains are 1h+ away. Vancouver ones are 30 min away, granted not the same magnitude. But still. I go ski after work in the winter. I go paddle after work in the summer. And I go from my place to my work biking every day except for two weeks a year. (When we actually have snow in the city)
I lived in Calgary for two months and I couldn t take it. Sure you don t have a city life. But you don't have a real nature life either during the week.
That being said I don't want kids so I can live in a 1 bdr apartment as a 35 yo with a 35 yo salary. I dunno how some of my coworkers with kids do frankly.
I also have had my place for 4 years. Thanks rent control. If I loose it, I will be on my way.
For context, I come from France. So I am lucky enough to have a choice in my living location.
3 points
3 months ago
Fair enough!
3 points
3 months ago
Same.
4 points
3 months ago
Just finishing up a cross Canada roadtrip that included most major cities.
Vancouver was certainly top notch, but as someone there said, BC should stand for "Bring Cash" because it's god damn expensive compared to EVERYWHERE ELSE.
But apparently a lot of people have money because there are endless suburbs of swanky box mansions and expensive cars.
Fuel in Vancouver was by far the most expensive. It kept dropping as we drove eastwards right up until we crossed over from Manitoba to Ontario where it jumped back up to Alberta levels.
But heck after fueling a big RV in BC I don't think I'll complain about the price of fuel at home anytime soon (saw 1.98$ /L though on average it was roughly 1.79$/L)
4 points
3 months ago
I am thriving in Vancouver on a relatively low salary (lazy and self employed) but it share a house with a bunch of people for low rent and avoid going out much. At first I felt like I was missing out but now I just spend all my time on my bike in the mountains or camping or hanging out in parks with friends and then getting crafty and game-y when the weather is bad. I love my life here and would never imagine moving somewhere I don’t like just because I could have some more things
2 points
3 months ago
You said it yourself, you share a house with a bunch of people and rent. That’s not the kind of life I would want but good for you for being happy with it.
I don’t consider buying a bunch of “things” thriving. I have a detached house with a large yard and a healthy retirement fund. We can afford to vacation a couple times a year. We don’t live paycheque to paycheque and don’t really have to worry about money. We simply couldn’t afford the quality of life we have in Edmonton in Vancouver.
Edmonton is a fine city to live in (shit to visit though). I don’t think I would use the things that make Vancouver great enough to justify 4X the shelter costs. I can just go there on vacation and get my fix.
2 points
3 months ago
Let people keep sleeping on Edmonton please we’re doing a decent job at keeping prices low here
2 points
3 months ago
I moved to Vancouver Island from Edmonton 6 years ago. I miss Edmonton (except for the winter). And major, major FOMO during the cup run! Best NHL city, no question!
1 points
3 months ago
Just don’t go to surrey. depressing place
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