Moving to Vancouver – Where should I live? – 2024

With a population of around 2.6 million, the Greater Vancouver area includes different cities and municipalities, each providing diverse living options. Due to the high cost of living in Vancouver, many residents choose to settle in nearby areas for a more affordable lifestyle. This makes the entire region an attractive choice for a wide range of individuals and families.

Finding affordable and safe places to live in Vancouver can be challenging. One option is to explore areas around a bit farther out, just like the ones listed here, or consider sharing a rental with roommates to save money.

Read on to find out the top 7 areas to live in Metro Vancouver with the best quality of life.

Methodology

Based on “Best” being a subjective word, below is our methodology to compile the best places.

Using our existing ranking of the safest and cheapest places to live in Vancouver, we based our ranking on 3 criteria: safety, affordability and quality of life. 

Our safety ranking methodology is based on a careful analysis of the total number of crimes, which is derived from the official website of Statistics Canada and recorded from each neighborhood’s data in 2022. The crime rate is calculated per 1,000 people. The data are incident-based crime statistics, including detailed violations of police services in British Columbia.

Affordability takes into account the prices of housing and renting. Statistics come from Realtor.ca for the average cost of buying a property and Zumper for the average cost of rent for a 1-bed apartment.

The “Best quality of life” aspect is measured based on feedback from real people who have moved to this area in our database or real people from trusted online forums. More specifically, we look for positive feedback on job opportunities, quality of education, quality of healthcare, feeling of safety, public transportation, environment (cleanliness), as well as availability of recreational facilities and parks.

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Moving to Vancouver – Best Neighborhoods in Vancouver with the Best Quality of Life

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1. Coquitlam

Apartment in Coquitlam
  • Crime rate: 53.22 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,400
  • Average property buying cost: $1,203,300
Coquitlam, located east of Vancouver in the Greater Vancouver area, offers a well-balanced mix of urban and suburban environments. With over 80 parks and a 134-km trail system, Coquitlam is ideal for those who love the outdoors, offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and enjoying wildlife and nature. Attractions such as Como Lake Park and Coquitlam Crunch Trail contribute to its overall appeal. Its diverse population and housing options, mainly condominiums and apartments, with a mix of single-family homes, contribute to its appeal, with an average rent of $2,400 for a 1-bed apartment and an average property price of $1,203,300 as of November 2023. Coquitlam ensures a safe environment for families with RCMP police protection, featuring a low crime rate of 53.22 crimes per 1,000 people, in a population of 148,625. This contributes to its high quality of life.

Coquitlam Government (Nov 2023) & Local Logic (Nov 2023)

Coquitlam, BC

2. West Vancouver

Apartment in West Vancouver
  • Crime rate: 61.96 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,500
  • Average property buying cost: $1,203,300
Located on Vancouver’s northwestern side, West Vancouver is a municipality within Metro Vancouver known for its natural beauty, with iconic oceanfront parks such as Ambleside and Whytecliff. Ideal for those who enjoy leisurely strolls along the coastline and water-related activities. It offers a quick commute with the Blue Bus system, which works in coordination with TransLink for easy access to the GVA. Additionally, there is a strong promotion of eco-friendly travel through cycling and e-bikes. Its vibrant community, engaged in events like the Harmony Arts Festival, attracts professionals in film and tourism, promoting a robust job market in these sectors. Mostly comprising luxury condominiums, apartments and single-detached homes, West Vancouver has an average property price of $1,203,300 as of November 2023, with a 1-bed apartment renting for around $2,500. The community shows a crime rate of 61.96 per 1,000 people, in a population of 44,122, providing residents with a strong sense of security and a luxury lifestyle.

District of West Vancouver (Nov 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Realtor.ca (Nov 2023) 

West Vancouver, BC

3. North Vancouver

Apartments in North Vancouver
  • Crime rate: 64.33 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,785
  • Average property buying cost: $1,203,300
North Vancouver offers mountain scenery, forests, and waterfronts, with easy access to different parks like Loutet, Mahon, and Ray Perrault, as well as waterfront piers like Burrard Dry Dock. Ideal for families seeking recreational attractions near downtown Vancouver, just across Burrard Inlet. In terms of safety, the city has reported a crime rate of 64.33 crimes per 1,000 people, offering a secure environment for its residents. Its goal is to become “The Healthiest Small City in the World”. North Vancouver combines city and suburban attributes in a quiet area with little traffic noise. The main housing options are condos and townhomes. As of November 2023, the average property price in North Vancouver is approximately $1,203,300, while renting a 1-bed apartment costs around $2,785.

City of North Vancouver (Nov 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Realtor.ca (Nov 2023)

North Vancouver, BC

4. Abbotsford

Apartment in Abbotsford
  • Crime rate: 67.72 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $1,618
  • Average property buying cost: $1,029,200
Abbotsford in the Fraser Valley, located next to the Canada-US border and the GVA, is known as the “City in the Country” due to its agricultural landscapes. Its key economic driver is agriculture, establishing it as one of Canada’s most diverse farming areas, supporting both agricultural and livestock industries, and facilitating job opportunities in those sectors. In proximity to the City of Vancouver, Abbotsford is a good choice for living with affordable housing options. As of November 2023, the average property price in Abbotsford is approximately $1,029,200, while renting a 1-bed apartment costs around $1,618. With a reported crime rate of 67.72 crimes per 1,000 people, the city offers a secure environment and is an attractive choice for those seeking a cost-effective suburban lifestyle.

City of Abbotsford (Nov 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Realtor.ca (Nov 2023)

Abbotsford, BC

5. White Rock

Apartment in White Rock, BC
  • Crime rate: 76.18 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,500
  • Average property buying cost: $1,029,200
White Rock, located in southwest Metro Vancouver, is known for its coastal beauty and the variety of recreationaland cultural programs dedicated to its residents, despite its small population of only 21,939. With parks, trails, and the iconic White Rock Pier along its waterfront, it offers a perfect seaside living. It has a diverse community that welcomes cultural events, where arts seamlessly become a natural part of residents’ daily lives. It blends a coastal charm, surrounded by seafood dining and shopping options, offering a small-town atmosphere with modern urban conveniences and a short commute to Vancouver. With a reported crime rate of 76.18 crimes per 1,000 people, White Rock provides a sense of security. As of November 2023, the average property price is $1,029,200, and a 1-bedroom apartment rental cost around $1,618, making it an attractive choice in Greater Vancouver.

City of White Rock (Nov 2023), Local Logic (Nov 2023), Zumper (Nov 2023) & Realtor.ca (Nov 2023)

White Rock, BC

6. Surrey

Apartment in Surrey
  • Crime rate: 76.02 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,075
  • Average property buying cost: $1,029,200
Surrey, in the southeast of Greater Vancouver, is the region’s largest city by land area and the second most populous, with 568,322 residents. It offers more affordable housing options than Vancouver, despite both areas having high living costs, making it an attractive choice for a cost-effective lifestyle. Diverse housing options, including condominiums, apartments, and single family houses, define Surrey. As of November 2023, the average property price is $1,029,200, and a 1-bed apartment rents for around $2,075. Surrey elevates residents’ quality of life with access to around 20 parks, trails, and outdoor spaces. This, paired with its strategic proximity to Vancouver, makes it a good choice for Vancouver city workers. With a reported crime rate of 76.02 crimes per 1,000 people, the area maintains an overall safety record, ensuring a secure and relaxed environment to its residents.

City of White Rock (Nov 2023) & Local Logic (Nov 2023)

Surrey, BC

7. Langley

Apartment in Langley City
  • Crime rate: 180.24 crimes per 1,000 people
  • Average 1-bed apt rent: $2,000
  • Average property buying cost: $1,029,200
The City of Langley, east of downtown Vancouver, offers a diverse housing options such as single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums. As of November 2023, the average home price is $1,029,200, with a 1-bedroom apartment renting for around $2,000. Renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere, Langley features parks, trails, community centers, and valued public schools like Alice Brown Elementary School and Langley Senior Secondary. Trinity Western University, Canada’s largest privately funded public university, also adds a higher education dimension to the city. In terms of safety, Langley maintains a crime rate of 180.24 crimes per 1,000 people in its small population of 28,963, fostering a secure, small-town feel for residents.

City of Langley (Nov 2023) & Local Logic (Nov 2023)

Langley City, BC

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Conclusion

If you’re considering a move to Vancouver, it’s important to be aware that the cost of living in the city can be considerably higher than in the surrounding areas of Metro Vancouver. Opting to live in these neighboring areas not only allows you to enjoy its natural landscapes while saving on living expenses but also provides you with an easy commute due to its proximity to Vancouver City.

For a stress-free move, research the best moving companies in Vancouver in advance.

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Ann Nacario

The author

Meet Ann – our head writer with a knack for making moving and city living a breeze. From the many details of moving to picking the perfect moving company, she’s your guide. Ann has a friendly yet detailed approach to ensure your move goes off without a hitch. When she’s not writing about relocation, it will always be on her mind, but you’ll catch her spending time with her three furry friends.
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