Coming to Vancouver for 2010 Olympics?

Question

I'll be in Vancouver for the Olympics. I have been twice, but the first time I was a kid and the second was for a conference, which didn't leave me much time to explore. I'm hoping to convince my hubby to relocate once he sees how gorgeous it is. ;)

Could someone knowledgeable about Vancouver tell me what I should not miss as a tourist, and what areas we might want to check out as potential places to live?

We're not rich, but we're comfortable (right now our family income is about $84,000), but I am a student and hope to become an MD one day. So we could afford a decent, but not over the top extravagant area. I am more of the health conscious nature loving type, but wouldn't mind a hip trendy area either. Anything close to a hospital where I could work would be nice. I also like to be involved in my community, volunteering at soup kitchens and fundraising for terminally ill children, etc. It sounds "Mother Teresa", but I really like to do those things since I grew up with sick and poor people. So I'd prefer a neighborhood with a friendly socially conscious atmosphere if possible.

Note: I'm no use if I'm dead, so please don't advise me to LIVE on the Downtown East Side. ;)

Thanks for any and all help! :)

Answer 1

Don't assume that all of the downtown eastside is a war zone. The Sunrise area (Hastings and Rupert near the PNE) is developing into quite a safe family oriented area. Lots of other areas in east and south Van don't get the publicity of the downtown core, but are every bit as dangerous, if not more so. The recent spate of gang shootings hasn't happened at Main & Hastings, its been in residential or areas considered "safe".

There is a new hospital and cancer center opening in Langley, which is a nice area with lots of access to outdoor activities. I lived in the lower mainland for 6 years, and didn't find any specific neighborhoods with a "socially conscious" atmosphere, but there are lots of people who share your thoughts all over the city.

Skytrain is as safe as any public transit system, probably more so than in many large cities. A 2 zone monthly pass costs under $100.

Answer 2

Tourist stuff: Gastown, Pan Pacific, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, The Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street shopping.

Rent in the Fairview Slopes area as the Van General Hospital is there.

(aprox $1000 - $1,200/month). A house/condo goes for approx: $375K to $600K

btw - skytrain is still safe. $2.50 for one zone ! I think $3.75 for three zones.

Answer 3

the winter olympic is not coming until Feb 12 2010

a year and half

Answer 4

Anywhere in central Vancouver would suit you in terms of general atmosphere but housing prices are high. Kitsilano, Commercial Drive, Main Street might suit you. Of course, you could always rent until you actually are an MD, when buying a house isn't likely to be a big problem. Two large hospitals are downtown.

Check out North and West Vancouver for outdoor pursuits. Lots of hiking there. Also go out to the beaches at Jericho and Spanish Banks, and the UBC Endowment lands are popular for walkers and runners. Stanley Park has a lot to offer too. Vancouver is a very outdoorsy city, and people are very nutrition conscious--there's excellent food in stores and at restaurants. Public tennis courts are everywhere.

Answer 5

Yes the skytrain is still safe and cost vary depending on "zones" crossed but basically $4.50-$6.00.

For living I would explore the North Vancouver area which is trendy and hip and not unreasonably expensive to rent although buying > $1 milion for average house.. There is the Lions Gate Hospital there in North Van locally but also easy access downtown where the big hospitals are St Pauls and vancouver General.  Check out jobs at all these hospitals at http://www.vch.ca under careers.

If your here for the Olympics it will be winter so unfortunately most outdoors stuff will be hit and miss depending on the weather.Outdoor stuff Check out http://www.grousemountain.com

or check out http://www.capbridge.com/

Rent a bike or walk the seawall around stanley park

For shopping; check out robson street, the pacific centre mall downtown or jump on the skytrain and head for Metrotown in Burnaby.

Consider heading to Victoria on vancouver Island for a day trip

http://www.bcferries.com

other ideas http://www.hellobc.com

Hope you have a great time.