Beautiful, Deceptive Vancouver

Most everyone knows I consider Vancouver my home town and that it's more "homey" to me than most other places. Visitors mostly love it. And why not? It's nestled on the ocean and has the coastal mountains rising up on its edges? It's a food lovers haven and a perfect spot for people who love outdoor activities. There's a reason that Vancouver rates so highly for things like "Best Places to Live". 

English Bay at Sunset

These facts, plus others (money laundering *cough *cough) make Vancouver real estate ridiculously expensive, even after a correction due to various investment taxes put in place to "discourage" too much foreign investment. 

The Five Sails from Expo '86

The truth is that once you leave, it's really hard to get back into the market again, either as a buyer or renter. A one bedroom will set you back over $2000, on average. (A two bedroom over 3 grand!) Now the average income in Vancouver is around $78,000, not too bad, right? Well, this number is grossly skewed by the big income earners that pull down high six figures. This doesn't take into account the suburban centres around the city that earn less, either, but where property really isn't all that much different. The median income is only about $5000 more than the rest of the country, when property values, for Canada, on average are markedly less. (An example is the average 1 bedroom apartment rental for all of Canada (including the ridiculous rates of Toronto and Vancouver) is $1260.)

Vancouver skyline from North Vancouver

This is the deceptiveness that is Vancouver. It's like the weather. You'll be hard pressed to find a more beautiful city when the sun is shining.  Then the clouds come and you can't see the mountains, quite frequently, you can't see the other side of the street and the wind blows cold and damp through your bones until you wonder why you're even there. It, like all cities, has two faces and you either learn to love them both or leave. (Or you leave to go on a crazy adventure and devil take the consequences of ever returning.)

Siwash (Slhx̱í7lsh in the Squamish language) Rock

Sure the place has great parks, a good cultural scene, world famous First Nations art and traditions, plus a myriad of amazing tourist destinations and restaurants of almost every description and price point...it's just the weather and cost of living there. If you've already swung it; great! I almost envy you.

Inukshuk

Vancouver will always feel like home to me, but I don't know if I'll ever plant my shallow roots there again. It's a great town to visit, catch up with family and friends and then say good-bye when the weather turns.