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I'll be taking a sabbatical from my career and living in the PNW this coming July-September. I'm leaning towards Vancouver due to the walkable neighborhoods and closeness to nature/hiking, but would like to get your opinion.
I'm looking for a neighborhood with restaurants (plant-based is a plus, but I eat meat also), coffee shops, and microbreweries in walking distance. Access to forested areas or even hiking trails nearby would be a huge plus! I imagine that density goes towards my walkability criteria, but I want to make sure to avoid any sterile areas that are just condo towers.
1. Any neighborhood/area recommendations? Should I expand my search to North Vancouver, or just look at Vancouver neighborhoods?
2. I'd also like to explore the surrounding area via public transit and further afield via ferry. I have the option to rent a car as needed. With hiking in mind specifically, do you recommend a car? I'd go on a long(ish) hike 6+ hours about once per week or so, and shorter hikes 2-3 times per week.
3. How is the beer culture compared to the American PNW cities? A search turned up more than a few breweries, but would love any commentary on this.
4. I have no expectations of making friends with locals. If it happens, great! I'm mostly an introvert. That said, if there is a community of long-term travelers, digital nomads, etc., I'd like to connect with them. I'm in my mid-30s.
5. Overall, is Vancouver a good choice, or should I look at Victoria, Seattle, or Portland? (I'd certainly visit Victoria and maybe elsewhere on VI).
Vancouver is very nice,some said it has better Chinese restaurants than anywhere outside China,I would check into a downtown hotel and check out all the shopping,cuisine etc.
BTW,Chinese name for those who go to the malls and never buy anything are called MALL RATS !!
Vancouver is very nice,some said it has better Chinese restaurants than anywhere outside China,I would check into a downtown hotel and check out all the shopping,cuisine etc.
BTW,Chinese name for those who go to the malls and never buy anything are called MALL RATS !!
OP already mentions that he wants to void "any sterile areas that are just condo towers."
Whistler Village comes to mind.
Vancouver is very nice,some said it has better Chinese restaurants than anywhere outside China,I would check into a downtown hotel and check out all the shopping,cuisine etc.
BTW,Chinese name for those who go to the malls and never buy anything are called MALL RATS !!
Yes, the Chinese food is one of the draws! I have no interest in malls though
You didn't mention cost of rent or expenses so I would assume that isn't a big consideration for this sabbatical. In July-September without COL concerns it doesn't get too much better than Vancouver proper. North Vancouver is a fine choice but you will be relying on cycling to get most places, not the best public transit and is a little car centric. Personally I would recommend Kitsilano, Fairview or Mount Pleasant to get the best of the experience. Great accessibility to beaches and the downtown core. Downtown west end would have normally been my suggestion but the pandemic has made the area a lot less ideal to live in than in the past, even for a visitor.
You didn't mention cost of rent or expenses so I would assume that isn't a big consideration for this sabbatical. In July-September without COL concerns it doesn't get too much better than Vancouver proper. North Vancouver is a fine choice but you will be relying on cycling to get most places, not the best public transit and is a little car centric. Personally I would recommend Kitsilano, Fairview or Mount Pleasant to get the best of the experience. Great accessibility to beaches and the downtown core. Downtown west end would have normally been my suggestion but the pandemic has made the area a lot less ideal to live in than in the past, even for a visitor.
Yes, budget is less of a concern. I'm not wealthy by any means, but decided to splurge during this time.
In what way has the pandemic impacted the west end compared to the other neighborhoods?
Downtown in general is a bit less safe with much less of the daily office commute going in and out. That might change in the summer if hybrid/remote work comes to an end, but there is a large uptick in crime. I think if you find a spot quite that borders along the coast by English Bay and Denman/David ish, it should be fine.
Downtown in general is a bit less safe with much less of the daily office commute going in and out. That might change in the summer if hybrid/remote work comes to an end, but there is a large uptick in crime. I think if you find a spot quite that borders along the coast by English Bay and Denman/David ish, it should be fine.
Violent crime hasn't increased, but the TYPE of violent crime has changed. Shoplifters getting more abusive,
random assaults that made headlines in the media, have certainly made some feel less safe. I've seen more shops having to replace a window or two. I think some aren't handling the pandemic well.
As for living in the West End...it's safe.
I agree with Kits being a good place to base yourself. 4th ave is filled with shops at both ends and is near the beaches. An easy bus ride or bike ride to Pacific Spirit Park for hiking. If the OP chooses Kitsilano, they should do a Google Streetview to see exactly how close the place is to shops on 4th ave, and Broadway ( 9th ave ).
Good to know first hand experiences from someone actually living there. I only see the news as I haven't been downtown since WFH. I have friends that are visible minorities and female that live deeper in the heart of downtown (Granville, Burrard and Pender type areas) that do say to me they are generally more afraid to go out on their own than they have ever been, FWIW. But that might also be their reaction to the news than any personal experience.
Good to know first hand experiences from someone actually living there. I only see the news as I haven't been downtown since WFH. I have friends that are visible minorities and female that live deeper in the heart of downtown (Granville, Burrard and Pender type areas) that do say to me they are generally more afraid to go out on their own than they have ever been, FWIW. But that might also be their reaction to the news than any personal experience.
Just a few incidents can make anyone a bit more cautious. It's good sense in any city to be aware of your surroundings, and I admit there is a " feeling " that there are more nut jobs out there lately.
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