Is Living in Vancouver Still Worth It? 🌧️🏔️ A Realistic Look at City Life in 2025

Vancouver: Once a Dream, Now a Dilemma?

For decades, Vancouver has been hailed as one of the most desirable cities in the world. With its stunning ocean-mountain backdrop, multicultural flair, and growing job opportunities, it’s no surprise so many people have dreamed of calling it home.

But in 2025, that dream is starting to come with serious trade-offs.

As housing prices skyrocket, cost of living surges, and urban issues like drug use and homelessness become more visible, many are asking:
"Is living in Vancouver really worth it anymore?"

In this blog post, we break down the real pros and cons of Vancouver life, with an honest look at what’s changed and whether it’s still the right fit for you.

🌟 The Perks of Living in Vancouver

Despite its challenges, Vancouver still delivers in key areas that attract people from around the world.

🏔️ Breathtaking Natural Beauty

• Access both ocean and mountains in under an hour

• World-class hiking, skiing, biking, and outdoor recreation

• Mild winters compared to most of Canada (no -30°C!)

🌎 Cultural Diversity & Food Scene

• Home to communities from all over the globe

• A vibrant mix of cuisines: sushi, dim sum, seafood, Indian, and more

• Cultural events, music festivals, and an expanding art scene

💼 Career Opportunities

• Growing tech sector with Amazon, Microsoft, and numerous startups

• Strong film industry (“Hollywood North”)

• High-paying jobs in business, real estate, and innovation

If you’re in tech, film, or looking to network globally — Vancouver still has a lot to offer.

💸 The Downsides: What's Driving People Out?

For all its beauty and buzz, Vancouver has real problems — and they’re getting harder to ignore.

🏠 Cost of Living

• Average detached home: $2M+

• Small condos can run $700K+

• Rent for 1-bed apartment: $2,500/month+

• Groceries, gas, and dining out all cost more than other Canadian cities

• BC has some of the highest taxes in the country

🔁 Many feel trapped in a “work to survive” cycle — not live.

🚗 Traffic & Infrastructure Issues

• SkyTrain system is limited to certain corridors

• Many neighborhoods still lack reliable public transit

• Traffic congestion and expensive parking are major headaches

As a local put it: “Parking in Vancouver is almost never free and very hard to find.”

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Social Isolation (The "Vancouver Freeze")

• Friendly on the surface, but hard to build deeper connections

• Newcomers often find it isolating, especially compared to smaller cities

• Some neighborhoods feel cold, overly business-focused, and fast-paced

🌧️ The Weather: Rain, Rain… and More Rain

• 160+ days of rain per year

• Extended gray skies can impact mood and mental health

• Sunshine lovers may find it hard to adjust

🛑 Safety & Homelessness Concerns

While still safer than many global cities, Vancouver's downtown core has changed:

• Increase in visible homelessness and open drug use

• Areas like Hastings Street have seen a spread of drug-related crime

• Rise in break-ins and property crime

Many locals say these issues are “no longer confined to one area” and feel like they’re getting worse.

🏡 The Rise of the Suburbs: A Growing Migration

With remote work becoming the norm, many are choosing to leave Vancouver for more space, affordability, and peace of mind. Popular alternatives include:

🌳 Surrey

• Major urban hub with expanding SkyTrain

• Often misunderstood; only certain areas carry stigma

• Offers condos, townhomes, and newer developments at better prices

🏠 Langley

• Suburban lifestyle with small-town charm

• Great for families: schools, parks, newer housing

• More space, less stress, and strong community feel

🌲 Maple Ridge

• Nature lovers' paradise with scenic views and trails

• Further out, but well connected via West Coast Express

• Ideal for remote workers and young families

💵 Abbotsford

• Lower cost of living than most of the Lower Mainland

• Slower-paced lifestyle with room to breathe

• Still within commuting distance to Vancouver

👪 Vancouver vs Suburbs: Which Lifestyle Is Right for You?

Choose Vancouver If You:

• Thrive on city energy and career opportunities

• Love dining out, nightlife, and urban events

• Can comfortably afford the high cost of living

Choose the Suburbs If You:

• Want more space, affordability, and peace

• Prefer community, family-friendliness, and green space

• Still want access to Vancouver without living in the chaos

✅ Final Thoughts: Is Vancouver Still Worth It?

The answer isn’t black and white — it depends on what you value most.

Vancouver still has its magic, but for many, the costs are starting to outweigh the perks. With more people opting for the suburbs of Greater Vancouver, it’s worth rethinking whether the city is truly where you’ll thrive.

As someone who lives in the suburbs and enjoys easy access to the city without the noise and expense, I can confidently say there is a better balance out there.

📞 Ready to Explore Your Options?

If you’re considering buying a home in the Lower Mainland and want to explore which neighbourhoods would suit you best, I’d be happy to help!

📞 Book a Call with Me: Schedule a Consultation

📢 Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: Living in the Lower Mainland

🏡 Search for Homes: Homes for Sale