Moving to Vancouver – Where should I live? – 2024

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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)