Moving to Vancouver, British Columbia: Your relocation guide to buying a house

Are you considering a move to Vancouver, British Columbia? Nestled amid breathtaking mountains and the expansive Pacific Ocean, Vancouver and its surrounding areas like Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Delta, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, and West Vancouver, known as Metro Vancouver or Greater Vancouver, offer an unparalleled quality of life. Here’s your comprehensive guide to relocating to Vancouver and discovering why this region stands as one of Canada's most desirable places to call home.

High quality of life

Moving to Vancouver offers an exceptional quality of life with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant city living. From majestic mountains to the calming ocean, the scenic landscapes create an ideal backdrop for a fulfilling lifestyle. Vancouver's diverse neighborhoods, rich culture, and ample outdoor activities make it a great place to live. The city's mild weather, thriving job market, excellent schools, and diverse culinary scene add to the allure, making Vancouver a top choice for those looking to buy a home.

Vancouver real estate housing market

Vancouver's real estate market offers a wide range of homes to suit different needs and preferences. Known for its stunning natural beauty and thriving urban lifestyle, Vancouver presents options ranging from modern condos to spacious family homes. When it comes to affordability, the Metro Vancouver area provides opportunities for prospective home buyers to discover their perfect property within this sought-after area. Working with an experienced real estate agent can make navigating the market and finding available homes for sale much easier.

Thriving job market

The job market in Vancouver presents an array of opportunities for home buyers. Vancouver's thriving economy owes much to the prominence of the Port of Vancouver, making it one of Canada's busiest industrial centers. This economy heavily relies on imports and exports, which has attracted many mining and forestry companies to set up in Vancouver. Renowned for its diverse economic sectors including tech, film and television, tourism, healthcare, finance, and more, Vancouver offers a robust employment landscape. With a flourishing job market and various industries thriving, prospective home buyers have access to stable career options, making Vancouver an appealing destination to buy a home.

Top education

For families, Vancouver offers access to excellent educational institutions. From prestigious universities to a strong school system, the city prioritizes providing quality education for students of all ages. The University of British Columbia (UBC) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) consistently rank among the country's best, guaranteeing students receive top-notch education. Partner with a local real estate agent to find your dream home near these exceptional schools and navigate the home buying process smoothly.

Best weather in Canada

If you don’t like the cold, Vancouver is one of the best places to relocate to in Canada. While the country often experiences colder climates, Vancouver enjoys mild winters and sunny, warm summers. Snowfall in Vancouver is occasional during the winter, with more prevalent rain. Be prepared with an umbrella and boots between October and April. The temperate climate allows for year-round outdoor activities, making it one of Canada's most sought-after places to live.

Easy to navigate the city

One of the best parts of living in Vancouver is the ease of getting around the city without a car. Vancouver features numerous bike lanes and pedestrian pathways weaving through its scenic green areas and streets, making walking or cycling anywhere in the city effortless. The city's excellent public transportation system, operated by TransLink, includes buses, rapid transit trains (SkyTrain), commuter rail (West Coast Express), and ferries (SeaBus) connecting downtown Vancouver to North Vancouver, ensuring seamless travel across Vancouver's diverse neighborhoods and attractions. Despite the city's excellent public transit system and pedestrian-friendly pathways, driving in Vancouver is a viable choice for many residents. Additionally, Vancouver International Airport ensures easy access to both domestic and international destinations.

The top neighborhoods for first-time home buyers

For first-time home buyers considering a move to Vancouver, the city boasts a diverse array of top neighborhoods that cater to various preferences and lifestyles. Here are some top neighborhoods to consider for buying a home:

Mount Pleasant:

An artistic and trendy area boasting craft breweries, boutiques, numerous eateries, and a strong sense of community.

West End:

Nestled near Stanley Park in downtown Vancouver, the West End combines urban living with natural beauty, crafting a family-friendly haven at the heart of the city.

Yaletown:

A modern, upscale neighborhood located in the southeastern downtown area, offering a vibrant dining scene, boutique stores, nightclubs, and luxurious condos.

Gastown:

Historic district offering a mix of modern lofts, trendy eateries, and unique shops.

Kitsilano:

Known for its famous beaches, trendy shops, and proximity to the waterfront, Kitsilano is home to many young families and students.

Coal Harbour:

Known for its luxury living, waterfront views, and proximity to downtown amenities.

False Creek:

The waterfront community of False Creek is among Vancouver’s most picturesque and vibrant neighborhoods and is home to the famous Granville Island.

Dunbar-Southlands:

Family-oriented with spacious homes, great schools nearby such as UBC, and proximity to parks.

Kerrisdale:

Located south of Kitsilano, Kerrisdale is known for its peaceful streets, easy reach to UBC, and its community-oriented atmosphere.

North Vancouver:

North Vancouver, which is a city of its own, offers home buyers a harmonious blend of city living and outdoor experiences. With a strong community vibe, excellent schools, and nearby outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and skiing, it's an appealing choice for a balanced lifestyle.

City of Burnaby:

A diverse city neighboring Vancouver to the east, offers home buyers a dynamic blend of urban amenities and natural beauty. With its well-connected transit system, proximity to downtown Vancouver, diverse neighborhoods, and scenic parks, living in Burnaby provides an attractive mix of convenience and outdoor spaces for potential home buyers.

City of Richmond:

Located south of Vancouver and directly across the Fraser River, Richmond offers exceptional proximity to downtown Vancouver. Known for its fantastic restaurants, excellent shopping, top-notch schools, and family-friendly environment, Richmond is an ideal choice for families seeking a vibrant community with easy access to urban amenities.

Outdoor lover’s paradise

One of the most captivating aspects of Vancouver is its proximity to nature. The mountains and ocean create a picturesque backdrop for everyday life. Whether you're a hiking enthusiast, a beach lover, or someone who enjoys serene walks in lush parks, Vancouver has it all.

Explore Stanley Park

Discover thrilling outdoor activities that will captivate you when considering a move to Vancouver. One of the best things to do in Vancouver is to explore the world-renowned Stanley Park, spanning an impressive 400 hectares. Stanley Park offers a plethora of activities, including cycling on its scenic seawall, where you can explore the park's lush greenery and coastline. Apart from biking, you can enjoy leisurely walks, discover the park's diverse wildlife, and take in stunning views of the city skyline and mountains. With its tranquil ambiance and various attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium and totem poles, Stanley Park stands as a must-visit destination when living in Vancouver.

Easy access to beach and mountain activities

Living in Vancouver, you'll have easy access to the North Shore Mountains—Mount Seymour, Mount Fromme, and Cypress Mountain—offering opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, skating, skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers skiing, hiking, and stunning views of the city. Explore the exhilarating Capilano Suspension Bridge, suspended 70 meters in the air and stretching 137 meters across. Within a picturesque two-hour drive, you'll find Whistler Blackcomb, an exceptional world-class ski resort, ideal for an unforgettable alpine experience. Additionally, immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas from the Sea to Sky Gondola in nearby Squamish, featuring a 100-meter suspension bridge and diverse activities like hiking, snowshoeing, and tubing.

Vancouver's beaches offer a diverse range of activities, from serene sunbathing and picnics to thrilling water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding. North Vancouver's Deep Cove stands out as an ideal destination for hiking and a wide range of water activities. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, these scenic coastal spots provide the perfect backdrop for various outdoor pursuits.

Exploring the neighboring islands from Vancouver is incredibly convenient. Whether you have a day or a week to spare, these trips offer diverse experiences. Vancouver Island is a quick ferry ride, less than two hours away. Bowen Island is easily accessible from downtown Vancouver in under an hour. There are plenty of activities to enjoy such as hiking, biking, water sports, fishing, golfing, and more.

The best coffee shops in Vancouver

For those considering a move to Vancouver, the city's vibrant coffee scene is a delightful adventure. Vancouver is home to a diverse range of cafes that cater to all types of coffee enthusiasts. Whether you're after a perfectly brewed local espresso, a cozy spot to work remotely, or artisanal pastries to complement your latte, Vancouver's coffee culture has plenty to offer. Among the standout coffee shops are Nemesis Coffee, Nelson the Seagull, Pallet Coffee Roasters, Origins Coffee Roasters, and The Granville Island Tea Company for tea lovers.

The best restaurants in Vancouver

Vancouver is a haven for food enthusiasts looking to explore diverse cuisines. Alongside its award-winning restaurants and cafes, the area also hosts outstanding food markets, notably the vibrant Granville Island Public Market, and nearly 200 food trucks offering delicious fare for any appetite. Vancouver is home to some of the best sushi in the world, outside of Japan. The city's access to fresh seafood on the West Coast enhances the sushi's exceptional quality. With over 600 superb sushi spots in Metro Vancouver alone, it's the ultimate city for satisfying sushi cravings. Explore renowned restaurants like Miku Restaurant, Minami Restaurant, Fat Mao Noodles, Hawksworth Restaurant, Botanist Restaurant, Blue Water Café, Cioppino’s Mediterranean Grill, Belgard Kitchen, Joe Fortes Seafood & Chop House, and The Acorn Restaurant. These eateries promise an exquisite culinary journey when you relocate to Vancouver.

Unlimited entertainment

In Vancouver, there's an abundance of entertainment to keep you engaged. From music, sports, and film to delightful culinary experiences, the city thrives with diverse events. Don't miss out on iconic festivals like the Celebration of Light, Vancouver International Jazz Festival, Dine Out Vancouver Festival, and Vancouver International Film Festival, making sure boredom never crosses your mind in this vibrant city.

Vancouver first-time homebuyer programs

When relocating to Vancouver, take advantage of the credits and programs specifically designed to assist home buyers and first-time home buyers like yourself when buying a house in Vancouver.

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI):

Borrow up to 10 percent of your home's purchase price from the Canadian government to finance part of your first home.

RRSP Home Buyer's Plan (HBP):

Withdraw up to $35,000 of your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) tax-free to use toward the purchase of your first home

First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC):

Get a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $10,000, which could result in tax savings of up to $1,500.

First Home Savings Account (FHSA):

Work towards your goal of buying your first home with tax-free savings.

B.C. First-Time Home Buyers’ Program:

B.C. offers a full property transfer tax exception for homes priced up to $500,000, with partial exemption available for homes worth up to $525,000.

B.C. Home Owner Grant:

B.C. provides an annual property tax reduction of up to $570 for homes in Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, or the Victoria region.

Find the best real estate agent in Vancouver

Considering a move to Vancouver? Let Nobul be your trusted guide, connecting you with the best real estate agents in the Vancouver area specialized in meeting the needs of relocating buyers. Explore homes for sale, connect with experienced agents, and access valuable tips for first-time home buyers on our easy-to-use platform. Sign up with Nobul today to connect with agents and see why Nobul is the preferred choice for home buyers.