Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, the city of Vancouver is world-renowned and celebrated as one of the most desirable places to live on earth!  Located along the shores of the Pacific Ocean on Canada’s west coast, it is one of the nation’s most densely populated cities.  Influenced by cultures from around the world, the city has a diverse cultural scene and is known for its exceptional art and cuisine. A popular filming destination for many major motion pictures, it is surrounded by both mountain and water views. 

Prospective tenants naturally flock to here because of the warm weather and exceptionally high standard of living.  Outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all kinds frequently move to this major Canadian city and treasure the unmatched work-life balance.  Real estate developers are building many new complexes in and around the downtown core attracting working professionals and students of all kinds, however the cost of living in downtown is high.  Prospective tenants are advised that they will more than likely pay a considerable premium for superior places for rent in the city.  With an abundant supply of modern features and amenities mixed with a bustling outdoor lifestyle, it is easy to see why rentals are in such high demand.

Cost of living

When looking for Vancouver rentals, it is well-advised to keep the following tips and advice in mind so that you can make the most informed rental decision possible.  

Apartment Layout

When looking at places for rent, be mindful of the amount of space you need.  It is nice to think that you require 3,500 square feet of interior living space with an additional 1,500 square feet of private outdoor space, is it realistic? Rentals are notoriously small and very expensive.  When looking for spaces for rent in the city, limit your search to locations that have functional floor plans and enough space for you to live comfortably. Additional square footage, bonus rooms and spare bedrooms will cost you. Be reasonable with your list of requirements and consider cheaper spaces for rent as a short-term living arrangement while you build your financial resources and can afford a larger place of your own.

Account For All The Costs

New complexes, while stunning and beaming with many modern finishes and plenty of cool features and amenities, are very expensive.  Thanks, in large part to an influx of foreign investment, real estate prices have been pushing ever-higher prices for years.  Prospective tenants considering a move to metropolitan area are strongly encouraged to budget as much as reasonably possible, without over-extending financial resources, when renting in the city.  It is important for tenants to include all additional apartment costs like utilities, pets and parking, when building a rental budget.  It is best to use one’s budget as a guide and filter when searching for places to rent.

Features And Amenities

Consider which features and amenities you desire most in your rental unit and which are less important to your ultimate rental decision.  Knowing which features and amenities are most important will allow you to filter search results for properties which are worth considering and affording your time and energy to into finding and renting the home of your dreams.

The Neighborhood

Before deciding which location is best, make sure to tour the neighborhood and familiarize yourself with the surroundings.  Consider the area’s attractions and your proximity to common destinations like the grocery stores, movie theaters, school campus and your place of work.  Ask yourself if you feel good being in the community and if you feel safe and secure in larger public settings.  A major element of rental life in the city is the outdoor lifestyle.  With a warm climate and plenty of adventure attractions in the region, being comfortable in your community will help you fully enjoy your rental.