I'm going through this right now with my GF and the price of two beds has seen us reassess and start looking at one beds instead
They're still all expensive as fuck, and this is with two incomes and a $100k downpayment ready to go
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Vancouver-Age |OT| 125 Years
- Thread starter Firestorm
- Start date
I'm going through this right now with my GF and the price of two beds has seen us reassess and start looking at one beds instead
They're still all expensive as fuck, and this is with two incomes and a $100k downpayment ready to go
Lone_Prodigy
Member
I'm trying to convince my girlfriend to move out of Vancouver, which is a bit ironic since she's not from here and I am. I just don't see a viable future for us here with housing prices the way they are. I know there's a lot of "unsustainable" and "bubble" talk around, but there are plenty of others in our situation (dual income, down payments ready, waiting for a drop) who will swoop in if a correction ever happens.
Thanks to everyone for all the congratulations. We've been here for about a week, and while still unpacking, are setting in. It feels weird to have so much more space than our highrise in downtown. While I miss the view and the convenience, the space is pretty awesome. Also the cat is incredibly happy here. She has so much more room to run around and play.
New West has been fine, the area hasn't been too bad. Fun story, on our second day after moving shit in all day, my gf's mom is done helping us and finally is ready to leave our parking garage, only for the damn door to not fully open. She backs off and parks, and someone else tries to get out. It opens just enough for him to get through, and the gate starts tearing itself apart and collapses. I call the emergency number to strata, and they get it all fixed. But yeah... Helluva Day 2....
Anyways, the one thing that kinda sucks is just how early everything closes around here. I was in downtown for 5 years, and even when I was in North Van, there was stuff open late if I needed it. Here? Everything is closed by 12. Need some batteries? Shoppers is closed before 12. Wanna get a late night coffee? Tim's or Waves or whatever is closed before 12. Need a vitamin water? Even the fucking Mac's closes at 12. We live somewhere where a fucking Mac's closes. That has literally never happened to me. Versus my old place, if I want fucking poutine at 3 AM on a goddamn weekday? I can fucking get it. So in that respect, it's a bit of a downer. I mean acouple pubs are open, but I work late at night, and sometimes just need something to snack on or a slice of pizza. Hopefully, as New West grows and develops (especially around here), more options will be made available.
That all said, the view of the water, the super nice people, the insanely easy access to transit, and of course the spacious apartment, have all been fantastic.
I'm getting more used to calling this place home now.
I guess it depends on your needs, but my gf and I managed to make it work on a $70k downpayment. That isn't the full 20% of the total cost you would obviously ideally want, but it was enough to give us a foot in the door.
New West has been fine, the area hasn't been too bad. Fun story, on our second day after moving shit in all day, my gf's mom is done helping us and finally is ready to leave our parking garage, only for the damn door to not fully open. She backs off and parks, and someone else tries to get out. It opens just enough for him to get through, and the gate starts tearing itself apart and collapses. I call the emergency number to strata, and they get it all fixed. But yeah... Helluva Day 2....
Anyways, the one thing that kinda sucks is just how early everything closes around here. I was in downtown for 5 years, and even when I was in North Van, there was stuff open late if I needed it. Here? Everything is closed by 12. Need some batteries? Shoppers is closed before 12. Wanna get a late night coffee? Tim's or Waves or whatever is closed before 12. Need a vitamin water? Even the fucking Mac's closes at 12. We live somewhere where a fucking Mac's closes. That has literally never happened to me. Versus my old place, if I want fucking poutine at 3 AM on a goddamn weekday? I can fucking get it. So in that respect, it's a bit of a downer. I mean acouple pubs are open, but I work late at night, and sometimes just need something to snack on or a slice of pizza. Hopefully, as New West grows and develops (especially around here), more options will be made available.
That all said, the view of the water, the super nice people, the insanely easy access to transit, and of course the spacious apartment, have all been fantastic.
I'm getting more used to calling this place home now.
I guess it depends on your needs, but my gf and I managed to make it work on a $70k downpayment. That isn't the full 20% of the total cost you would obviously ideally want, but it was enough to give us a foot in the door.
Warm Machine
Member
I wanted to know if his apartment was available for a film shoot actually.
Good to hear that everything went smoothly for you guys, aside from what you've mentioned.
I'm considering getting a place with a friend that I know, but I need to know first if my next contract is definite or not.
I'll go watch the Fireworks and have free drinks everywhere, that's about it
Bard on the Beach will be playing 'The Winters Tale', which my friends and I are going to go to.
Watching the fireworks, and going to a Whitecaps viewing party to celebrate Canada 150 with my Southsider brethren.
TurtleSnatcher
Member
Moved from Vancouver. Will miss Canada Day..!
Subpar Spatula
Banned
So there's an anime convention inside the convention center on Canada Day.
BlueBadger
Banned
Has anyone here had Lasik/laser eye surgery done anywhere in the Lower Mainland? In the New Year I'll have some coverage for it and I'm on the hunt for a really good specialist. My sister wasn't too happy with her guy so I wanted to start asking around.
TheWorthyEdge
Member
So I've always wanted to move and live in Seattle. But then I watched an expedia travel video on Vancouver and it won me over big time. It seems like a better Seattle honest to God. It's seemed magical, and incredible.
As those who live in this city, what's it like? Is it easy for an American (who'd be moving into the city after college) to get residence and a job here? Do you love/hate the city? Is Vancouver a better Seattle or is Seattle a better Vancouver?? I want to hear what you think about the city that has been in my mind since last week.
As those who live in this city, what's it like? Is it easy for an American (who'd be moving into the city after college) to get residence and a job here? Do you love/hate the city? Is Vancouver a better Seattle or is Seattle a better Vancouver?? I want to hear what you think about the city that has been in my mind since last week.
I love Vancouver and prefer it to Seattle, but I was pretty much raised here in Vancouver so I'm very, very biased. As for whether or not it would be easy for an American to get residence and a job here: shouldn't be too hard to get residence, and as for getting a job, it depends what field of work you're in or looking for.
TheWorthyEdge
Member
Why do you prefer it over Seattle? I'm curious. Also, I'd be looking at broadcasting/film or Public Relations for jobs. I saw that Vancouver Film and Television spending has never been higher so that's awesome!
Vancouver most likely has more jobs in the film/TV industry than Seattle, it's a reasonably big centre in North America (third biggest I believe?) so it's got that going for it! A few of my friends work for Sony Pictures etc here and they seem to be doing alright. You need a job offer to get a work permit and some jobs don't want to "sponsor" someone (since they have to "prove" that they can't find a qualified Canadian to do the job first), so that will be your major limitation. Do you have an advanced or specialized degree? that always helps.
As for the city - I moved here from Europe when I was 19 and I love it. The city is unbelievable green - it's one of those cities that to visit there isn't that much to do, but to live in it's beautiful. If you're outdoorsy and/or active there's just so much to do, and there's beaches and trails and parks everywhere. the downtown core is VERY condensed and walkable and public transit easily gets you everywhere else.
The only downside is that the cost of living is pretty high and wages/salaries have NOT kept up, so don't expect to be building up your savings moving here... sadly.
TheWorthyEdge
Member
I'll be graduating with a Major in Media Arts (Radio, TV, and Film) and hopefully a minor in Public Relations.
I am a super active person and the nature aspect of the city is incredible. Hiking, biking, rafting...it all seems like a giant playground of awesomeness.
I love cities like Boston that are super walkable so this seems like such a great fit.
What are the best affordable places to get an apartment?
Burnaby and New Westminister are probably most affordable with easy access to downtown Vancouver where a lot of filming is likely to take place. In all honesty the west end of downtown Vancouver is actually pretty affordable relative to other parts of Vancouver... I pay less rent than some friends I know in Marpole for a one bedroom (though mine is a bit smaller).
The biggest issue with Vancouver is the cost of living vs average wage here. It's not pretty. I'm considering moving largely because of that but living here is amazing (which is why it costs so much to live here).
The biggest issue with Vancouver is the cost of living vs average wage here. It's not pretty. I'm considering moving largely because of that but living here is amazing (which is why it costs so much to live here).
My friend used Pacific Laser with Dr. Lin earlier this year and recommends it. He said Coal Harbour and London Eye are the other two he considered and didn't want to go to anything but those 3.
One thing's for sure: don't live in Coquitlam/ the Tri-Cities unless you're making a ton of cash. I grew up in Coquitlam, went to SFU, and when I came back to Coquitlam to look for a place to live (out of curiosity)... I was flabbergasted. It's ridiculously expensive, which is a shame because it's a lovely place to live. That's the case for almost all of Vancouver, but with the Sky Train stations opening in Coquitlam/Port Moody, I think all my friends who live there are fucked because the prices are gonna skyrocket.
As Firestorm said above, Burnaby and New West are the most affordable places to live in Metro Van as of now (and likely for the next little while).
As Firestorm said above, Burnaby and New West are the most affordable places to live in Metro Van as of now (and likely for the next little while).
BlueBadger
Banned
Hmm.. It looks like those places do PRK. I'm torn between that procedure and Lasik. Lasik is much cheaper with less down time..
Yeah he hadn't heard great things about Lasik so didn't wanna go with that. My cousin did Lasik and seemed fine with it though?
BlueBadger
Banned
It probably depends on the person and their eyes.. I'm not really sure what direction to go in, but PRK can go up to like 5 grand, which is a massive hole in my wallet lol
South China Morning Post and all that, but
http://www.scmp.com/news/world/unit...hina-linked-crime-probe-vancouver-student-his
China-linked crime probe: the Vancouver student, his luxury UBC apartment, and a 7kg bag of ‘drug money'
Xing Wei was found with C$140,000 in cash during an investigation into a crime group that allegedly ran illegal casinos and laundered proceeds of drug trafficking, loan sharking, kidnapping and extortion
WE'RE IN A CHINESE ACTION MOVIE PLOT NOW BOYS
http://www.scmp.com/news/world/unit...hina-linked-crime-probe-vancouver-student-his
China-linked crime probe: the Vancouver student, his luxury UBC apartment, and a 7kg bag of ‘drug money'
Xing Wei was found with C$140,000 in cash during an investigation into a crime group that allegedly ran illegal casinos and laundered proceeds of drug trafficking, loan sharking, kidnapping and extortion
WE'RE IN A CHINESE ACTION MOVIE PLOT NOW BOYS
The movie should be pretty easy to film, given that Vancouver's a TV/Movie filming hotbed!
But yeah, this is pretty bonkers.
The movie would be switched to LA, filmed in Vancouver.
Next thing you know, there's a secret basement under VGH that's full of weapons.
what's the best deal for mobile phone plan these days?
i'm seeing things like 500MB data caps like it's the dark ages or something. i've been at 2gb usage for the last few years so that's what i'm looking for. i don't really care about talk n' text since it's not applicable to my lifestyle.
public and freedom look to be the best on paper, but i've heard people complain about coverage/service.
i'm seeing things like 500MB data caps like it's the dark ages or something. i've been at 2gb usage for the last few years so that's what i'm looking for. i don't really care about talk n' text since it's not applicable to my lifestyle.
public and freedom look to be the best on paper, but i've heard people complain about coverage/service.
Wind Mobile used to have an attractive position, where the signal was shit, but it was cheap, so if it worked for you it was a deal, but if it didn't work you had no choice but to walk away.
Then Shaw bought Wind and changed it's name to Freedom Mobile (because they were afraid to tie their own name to the brand), and burned a lot of goodwill by jacking up prices and decreeing that grandfathered plans will be locked out of network upgrades.
If the price on Freedom Mobile looks attractive compared to the others (I don't know if it is or isn't, I haven't been paying attention), be aware that the network is currently "growing". It's still spotty, but maybe it works for you, and maybe now is a good time to get in on a low-ish floor (depends on how many years you're willing to wait for them to get better, and if you believe they won't eventually re-brand again as Shaw Mobile and toss you under the bus like they did with all the people who got in on the bottom floor).
Rogers/Bell/Telus are basically the "big three" oligopoly. People anecdotally complain about one or the other, but they're mostly all the same.
Everything else is pretty much just a rebranding of one of the big three, with different plans on offer. AFAIK, Public Mobile is Telus, so their signal should be much better than Freedom. If Public Mobile's plans look to suit your needs better than the others (Rogers/Bell/Telus/Virgin/Koodo/Fido), they're as good an option as any.
Subpar Spatula
Banned
Should we attempt an actual meetup soon?
cryptosporidium
Member
do we have a Van discord?