Okay, been in this city for over 7 and a half years. Lived in the West-End with an incredible view of English Bay and Stanley Park. The scenery is breathtaking... so much so, you overlook some details in the beginning. So here is why I do not advise anyone to move to this city, unless you are 55 and older with a load of cash.
Reason 1:
People are cold as ice. There is no fun in this place. Whatsoever. It is the land of the politically correct, offended virgins and passive-aggressiveness. Don't expect friendship. They are inexistant. Don't expect substance, the people are vapid. Don't expect fun. That means noise and the old farts populating this city don't like it. Brief, expect casual one-time encounters... if you had fun take it in... it might take a while before it happens again.
Reason 2:
Rents ever increasing. Being a good tenant is worth crap. Your corporate landlord will go full throttle with rent increase every year. No value in being well behaved. You'll get it up the chin anyway. Basically, living here does not suit the following classes : young people, families, people of working age... basically. If you want to enjoy the city, be old, be retired or semi-retired, live from your investments and enjoy the weather. Otherwise... suck up the winter and live in a place that provides you a life.
Reason 3:
The meaningful relationships you'll make come with an expiry date. Those are the foreign visa workers making this city thrive... and being exploited by employers. They pack themselves up 4 of the in a 1 bedroom suite... otherwise, they can't make it anyway. They don't care, they're travelling and having fun. They also are the major population of all the coffee shops in the city... no resting place in their apartment, therefore, free wifi is welcome.
Reason 4:
No job. Period. And because of reason 3, the employers of this city will favor a visa worker over a canadian anytime. No benefits, no wage hikes, no contribution. Unless you are freakingly highly qualified with a big diploma and many years of experience, don't expect to find a decent job. They are already promised to non demanding, turn over employees.
Reason 5:
Be rich or be squared. Who gives a rats ass about high level of vacancy in apartments when the actual tenants are overpaying so much they allow landlord to sustain it. Who gives a rats ass if nurses, policeman and the average public servant cannot even hope to achieve home ownership? No one here. They'll flaunt their ferraris and such in the open. Nobody cares... neither do they care about the increasing amount of homeless people. They pretend they do tend to the eyesores, they just contain them in one neighborhood so the tourist don't get too exposed.
Reason 6:
This is a resort city. Period. It gained from the advertisement of it being on the top 5 cities in the world. And in the meanwhile, it just did nothing but surf the wave and the influx of foreign capital. Living here means nothing unless you feel very compelled to hug a tree.
Reason 7:
Canadian cities are ranked high altogether. You'll find much better bang for your buck elsewhere and at least some culture and fun. Vancouver has nothing but good climate to offer.
Reason 8:
Good news! If you are retiring and want a Canadian Alternative to Florida or Arizona... Vancouver is for you. Come join the flock of aging people that already are rampant here. If you are anywhere else in your lifespan... don't bother. Life has more to offer than Vancouver ever will offer you.
There you go. Don't say you haven't been warned.
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