| Vancouver, BC has been named several times over | | | | is lauded for its chameleon-like ability to resemble other |
| as the "Best City in the Americas" by Condé | | | | locales. "Hollywood North" as the city is known, is right |
| Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards. The | | | | behind Los Angeles and New York in terms of film |
| city also ranked #1 on The Economist's survey of the | | | | production, which makes this a great place to live if |
| "World's Most Livable Cities" for six years running, and | | | | you're employed in the creative arts. |
| in 2008 was voted one of the best places to live by | | | | High tech firms love Vancouver because of the |
| Mercer Consulting in their "Quality of Living Survey | | | | availability of highly skilled graduates and the city's |
| 2008." | | | | overall livability. Construction also continues to employ a |
| Clearly, Vancouver is a very special city. It offers | | | | large number of people, thanks to the steady demand |
| residents breathtaking views of the mountains, inviting | | | | for commercial and residential space in the metro area, |
| beaches, and ample green space. Vancouver has | | | | and also due to the upcoming Olympics. |
| become a premier destination for real estate buyers | | | | In addition to the city's excellent economic health, |
| from around the world. | | | | Vancouver is also known for its profusion of |
| For both personal home buyers and real estate | | | | educational opportunities. Vancouver is home to two |
| investors, an area's economy plays a critical role in the | | | | of the country's top universities, Simon Fraser |
| decision to buy. They're looking for an area that can | | | | University and the University of British Columbia. A |
| provide a solid base for many years to come. | | | | number of colleges are also located in the area, as |
| Vancouver has a strong and varied economy that has | | | | well as the Vancouver Film School and the Emily Carr |
| proven to be resilient in tough times, leaving residents | | | | University of Art + Design. |
| feeling secure today, and hopeful for the future. From | | | | For younger students, there are 18 secondary schools, |
| major Hollywood film productions to international trade, | | | | more than 70 elementary schools, and several private |
| Vancouver offers its residents employment prospects | | | | schools in the region. |
| in every sector. | | | | In terms of housing, the Vancouver real estate market |
| Port Metro Vancouver is the nation's largest port, and | | | | continues to be strong despite a slump in many other |
| trades more than $75 billion in goods with international | | | | markets around North America. |
| partners each year. Such a vibrant trade operation has | | | | Vancouver is home to some of the most expensive |
| led to thousands of jobs being created (the number of | | | | housing in Canada, though prices have been dropping in |
| port-related jobs that have been created across | | | | recent months. While the struggling international |
| Canada is estimated to be nearly 130,000). In addition, | | | | economy does play a role in the slowing down of |
| the port also welcomes more than half a million visitors | | | | Vancouver's housing market, property values are |
| each year who are embarking on cruises to Alaska. | | | | dropping more as a result of an inevitable price |
| These visitors spend their dollars at local shops and | | | | correction. Housing prices had been increasing at an |
| eateries, and pour a great deal of money into | | | | incredible pace for several years, making real estate in |
| Vancouver's economy. | | | | Vancouver inaccessible to a large number of people. |
| Cruise ships are just one way that visitors come to | | | | According to the Real Estate Board of Greater |
| the Greater Vancouver area. With the distinguished | | | | Vancouver, the price of detached homes increased by |
| Vancouver International Airport located about an hour's | | | | almost 70% between 2003 and 2008, while condo |
| drive from Downtown, tourists from every part of the | | | | prices increased by approximately 82%. Over the past |
| globe find it easy to get to and from the city. There's | | | | several months, real estate prices have decreased by |
| also highway access to/from other parts of the | | | | about 12%. Properties are still holding onto much of |
| province, as well as border crossings to the United | | | | their value, which is good news for sellers, yet the |
| States. With so many visitors travelling to Vancouver, | | | | market is becoming more affordable, which is great |
| the tourism and hospitality industry continues to be one | | | | news for buyers. |
| of the area's largest employment sectors. | | | | To learn about the unique lifestyle that Vancouver can |
| Vancouver has also become a well-known destination | | | | provide, check out the continuation of this article: |
| for Hollywood film and television productions. The city | | | | "Relocating to Vancouver: Fresh Urban Living. |
