Where do expats live in Vancouver



    Many expats live in Vancouver. If you are planning to relocate here as well, you should know that there are areas in the city that expats find most attractive. Of course, since the city is safe, you won’t make a mistake no matter where you find a home in Vancouver. Still, certain areas have some advantages that most expats appreciate. Therefore, in the following article, one of the best moving companies Canada has to offer will show you where expats live in Vancouver and why you should consider finding a place for yourself there as well.

    Living in Vancouver

    Vancouver is one of the biggest cities in western Canada. The city itself has a population of 631,486 while the whole Greater Vancouver area is estimated to have around 2,6 million people. There are many world-known companies that operate in this city like Amazon, Microsoft, McDonald’s, HSBC Group, SAP, and others. So, it’s not strange why so many people from all over the world relocate here. This, of course, makes it one of the most diverse cities in the country, both ethnically and linguistically-wise.

    a man on the bridge in Vancouver

    Vancouver is attracting people from all over the world

    Of course, besides expats, you will find that many people are moving from Toronto to Vancouver as well as from other major cities, mostly because of the vast job opportunities that this city has to offer. Still, expats that live here long, already have certain areas that they like. So, if you are planning to relocate here too, you will probably want to live where most foreigners live.

    Areas where expats live in Vancouver

    Most expats that live in this place, live in the city’s central neighborhoods. However, because of the high costs and other issues that living in these parts of town, many of them reside in the suburbs. So, let’s take a look at where foreigners live in Vancouver:

    Central areas in Vancouver with most expats

    • Downtown Vancouver
    • West Side
    • East Side
    • South Vancouver

    Cities in Greater Vancouver are with most expats

    • New Westminster
    • Burnaby
    • Maple Ridge

    Downtown Vancouver

    Central areas of every city are usually the most attractive for newcomers. No matter whether they are moving from Edmonton to Vancouver or coming from other countries, this is the first place where they want to live. Naturally, this is the most exclusive and expensive area to live in in Vancouver. And the high cost of living is one of the reasons why a lot of expats move out of there quickly. Still, if you are looking for the place with the most attractions, restaurants, museums, and other amenities, this is the place to be.

    Most popular neighborhoods for expats in Vancouver’s west side

    Vancouver’s West Side is also a popular destination among expats. There are many great neighborhoods here like Granville Island, South Cambie, Oakridge, Kitsilano, and West Point Gray.  They are all close to the city center and offer affordable and not-so-affordable housing options. These are, however, all well-established neighborhoods for those that pursue high quality of life, diversity, and low crime rates.

    people on the street

    Many expats that live in Vancouver love the city’s west side

    Neighborhoods with most expats in Vancouver’s east side

    Vancouver’s East Side is also one of the most popular areas among expats and people that are coming from other parts of Canada, particularly those moving from Ottawa to Vancouver.  For example, Strathcona is particularly popular among Chinese expats. While people from other countries like Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, Kensington-Cedar Cottage, Riley Park, and Hastings-Sunrise neighborhoods.

    Neighborhoods in Vancouver’s south side where most expats live

    There are many expats in south Vancouver as well.  For example, one of the best neighborhoods in this part of town is Dunbar-Southlands where you can enjoy great parks, tree-lined streets, fantastic architecture, and great restaurants. Other neighborhoods in south Vancouver that are popular among expats are Marpole, Kerrisdale, Victoria-Fraserview, and Sunset. While Renfrew-Collingwood is reserved mostly for low-income families.

    New Westminster is a popular area near Vancouver

    When it comes to Vancouver’s suburbs, New Westminster is probably the most popular among expats. It is a city with more than 70,000 residents located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, a part of the Metro Vancouver Regional District, thus considered a suburb of Vancouver. This is a diverse city with many great neighborhoods where you will find people of all religions and ethnicities. Some of the best neighborhoods for expats here are Westminster Quay, Sapperton, Queensborough, and Connaught Heights.

    You will also find a lot of expats in Burnaby

    Burnaby is another of Vancouver’s suburbs where a lot of expats live. Like New Westminster, it is a city located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia with a population of more than 250,000 residents. It is a place with a lot of parks, restaurants, entertainment, and job opportunities. The most popular neighborhoods among expats here are Metrotown, Brentwood, Burnaby Heights, West End, and West Point Grey.

    Burnaby panorama

    Burnaby has a significant population of expats

    Maple Ridge has many great neighborhoods where a lot of expats live

    Maple Ridge is also a place where a lot of expats live in the Vancouver metropolitan area. It is located in the northeastern section of Greater Vancouver and has a population of around 91,000 people. Like New Westminster and Burnaby, it is a place with a lot of diversity where you can find people from all over the world. The most popular neighborhoods in Maple Ridge are Haney, Willoughby, South Surrey, Cloverdale, Burke Mountain, and Fort Langley.

    Vancouver is a welcoming city that offers something for everyone

    Those are the places where most expats live in Vancouver. As you can see, there is something for everyone. If you want to live in urban areas, neighborhoods in Central, West, East, and South Vancouver are the best options. If you are more into the suburban way of living, consider New Westminster, Burnaby, and Maple Ridge. Still, wherever you decide to live in the city of Vancouver, we are sure that you will enjoy it.

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