Best places to live in BC for young adults
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by Richard Morrison
- February 28, 2020
- Trends
- 0
BC’s best places to live are here! Vancouver, Victoria, and mountain towns offer something for everyone in this province. Let us help you decide where to go as a young adult living or moving here. I’ve researched what makes each destination unique, so you can choose the one that fits your lifestyle. Let’s start with some of British Columbia’s “best places to live”—these gems will warm your heart!
From bustling urban centers with plenty of entertainment to peaceful rural retreats surrounded by nature, British Columbia has many active lifestyle destinations. There’s something for everyone, whether you want lots of amenities or a simpler life near outdoor recreation.
From incredible ski hills minutes from downtown Vancouver to trendy eateries lining Victoria’s historic harbourfront, wherever you choose will provide thrills and adventure. Don’t settle for second-rate housing in BC! Read on for our picks for the best places to live for young people looking for fun and adventure around every corner.
Quick Summary
Young adults will find a variety of great cities to live in while in British Columbia. Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, Abbotsford, Whistler, Nanaimo, Richmond, Oak Bay, Colwood, Cowichan Bay, North Saanich, Central Saanich, Saanich, Langford, and Sidney are all highly recommended for their youthful atmosphere, stunning scenery, low criminality, ease of access to quality healthcare and education, and high salaries. Nonetheless, living in British Columbia does come with a heftier price tag.
British Columbia Overview: A Brief Introduction
BC has diverse geography, climate, and culture. The westernmost part of Canada on the Pacific coast, it covers 944,735 km2 (364,764 mi2). Technology, lumbering, fishing, and tourism make up its 5 million-person economy. BC’s temperate climate and diverse landscape—from coastal rainforest to rugged mountains—make it a desirable place to live. Rich history, vibrant cities, and friendly communities attract people. BC values education and has many post-secondary options for young adults seeking enriching learning experiences.
The government strives to provide excellent health care and social programs for individuals and families. Tourism boosts BC’s local economies, so there’s always something to do. BC has activities for all ages and interests, from winter skiing to summer beach hopping. With these factors in mind, let’s discuss young adults’ key considerations when settling in this beautiful province.
Important Factors for Young Adults in BC
Many factors determine the best BC cities for young adults. Affordable housing, cost of living, climate, nightlife, public transport, job market, and career prospects must be considered. Consider cultural diversity, recreational activities, health services, and top job opportunities.
BC has cities for every lifestyle, from bustling downtowns with plenty of culture and entertainment to quieter suburban areas perfect for families. BC has coastal and mountain towns for everyone. The province has some of Canada’s best salaries and exciting career opportunities in multiple industries. BC’s high-quality healthcare services give young adults peace of mind that they can get medical attention quickly.
BC attracts young adults who want an affordable home near amenities and job opportunities. Choosing where to settle down may seem daunting, but taking your personal preferences into account, such as climate type or desired city lifestyle, and researching each city will help narrow down your options.
Top Employment Opportunities in BC
Young adults seeking work love BC. With its bustling job market and many career paths, it’s easy to find exciting employment opportunities here. BC has many job opportunities, from tech in Vancouver to forestry on Vancouver Island.
Reliable job seekers love Coquitlam. This city is ideal for business due to its natural beauty and highway access. Finance, retail, manufacturing, hospitality, and healthcare jobs are plentiful in the local economy. Coquitlam may be a good place to start a career for those seeking long-term stability.
From libraries and computer labs with free internet access for research and applications to offices that help with résumés and career advice, Coquitlam has everything you need for successful job hunting! Employers prefer locals, so having community ties will give you an edge over other applicants. Coquitlam has jobs for everyone, full-time or part-time.
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Spotlight on Coquitlam, BC
Young adults seeking stability should consider Coquitlam, BC. The city has many jobs and a low cost of living. Condos and rentals are plentiful. Coquitlam has many bars and clubs for late-night fun. Even without a car, transportation links are good.
Coquitlam has restaurants, shopping, recreation, and culture for everyone. This vibrant city has plenty to do, from trendy restaurants serving delicious local cuisine to parks with stunning views of the Fraser Valley! From here, head to Vancouver, BC to see its stunning coastline and famous attractions.
Exploring Vancouver, BC
Vancouver, BC is a diamond in the rough with hidden gems for everyone. Vancouver is an exciting place for young adults to live. This coastal paradise has stunning views, vibrant culture, and many amenities.
Housing
- Affordable housing options such as condos or apartments can be found throughout the city
- Luxury homes are available with breathtaking views overlooking English Bay and Burrard Inlet
Costs & Amenities
- Reasonable grocery prices compared to other Canadian cities
- Plenty of restaurants serving local and international cuisine
- Plenty of attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island Public Market, and Grouse Mountain Ski Resort
- Easy access to public transportation, bike paths, walking trails, and car rentals
- Top-brand shopping districts on Robson Street and Main Street offer endless entertainment.
Vancouver offers year-round recreation, from Yaletown nightlife to lush parks. Safety? Vancouver is also a safe city. Vancouver offers a variety of experiences for urban escapes and laid-back lifestyles.
A Guide to Victoria, BC
Youth will love Victoria, BC. It offers great real estate and business opportunities due to its lower cost of living than Vancouver. Victoria’s vibrant nightlife, waterfront views, and mountain biking trails make it one of BC’s most desirable cities.
Community events like outdoor concerts and farmers markets keep you busy year-round. Victoria has great restaurants, ocean views, and safe public transit. Home is great! Victoria has beautiful scenery and affordable real estate. Now to Kelowna, BC for more exciting possibilities!
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Discover Kelowna, BC
Young adults want to live in Kelowna, BC, one of the world’s most beautiful places. With its stunning scenery, diverse job opportunities, and vibrant culture, Kelowna has something for everyone. Let’s explore Kelowna’s charm.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beautiful scenery | Expensive housing |
| Diverse job market | Small city feel |
| Plenty of outdoor activities | Limited public transportation |
| High quality education | Lack of nightlife |
| Excellent healthcare facilities | Fewer career advancement opportunities |
Kelowna has pros and cons. Hiking trails and Okanagan Lake offer stunning views. The city’s agriculture, tech, and tourist attractions like wineries and ski hills offer many job opportunities. UBCO, top-notch healthcare, golfing, skiing, and many family-friendly events are also available.
Due to its expensive housing, limited public transportation, lack of nightlife, and fewer career advancement opportunities than larger cities, Kelowna may not be right for everyone. When choosing a paradise to live your best life as a young adult, consider all these factors. However, living in Kelowna has many advantages that make it worth considering. West Vancouver next…
West Vancouver, BC: A Closer Look
West Vancouver is perfect for young adults. West Vancouver is a great place to start a life in British Columbia due to its affordable living costs and thriving housing market. Its public transit makes it easy to get around town and explore BC. From retail to tech, there are plenty of job opportunities here! The city also has excellent education, healthcare, and nightlife. West Vancouver gives you the tools to succeed and have fun. West Vancouver is a popular place to live because of its many attractions. Moving on to Whistler, we can see how this coastal mountain village has become popular with young adults.
The Allure of Whistler, BC
Outdoor lovers love Whistler. Whistler Blackcomb’s two mountains offer over 8,000 acres of ski and snowboard terrain for beginners and experts. Whistler offers miles of mountain biking and hiking trails through stunning scenery.
The mountain village has all the dining, nightlife, and shopping one could want. Art galleries, boutique stores, pubs, and nightclubs are all available! Whether you want to stroll the Village Stroll or hike Flute Summit Trail, there’s plenty to do here.
Whistler has more than skiing and snowboarding:
Mountain biking: Summer downhill trails are world-class.
• Hiking Trails: Hike hundreds of kilometers of scenic trails.
• Restaurants & Nightlife: Enjoy top-notch cuisine and live music during your stay.
No matter what type of adventure you seek in this beautiful town, rest assured that there is always something new to discover in Whistler, BC, making it one of Canada’s best places to live for active young adults! After seamlessly transitioning into Richmond, BC, let’s turn east to another exciting city on British Columbia’s coast…
Delving into Richmond, BC
Richmond, BC attracts young adults seeking jobs and urban living. Richmond has many technology, finance, and trade jobs due to its booming economy. Richmond has many parks and a thriving business sector. The Steveston Museum and Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site reveal the fascinating history of this vibrant community.
Richmond has Kwantlen Polytechnic University and several private language schools for young adults. Public and private hospitals provide quality care to residents. This bustling metropolis is also one of British Columbia’s most affordable places to live. Richmond, BC, offers a modern city experience at affordable prices. Moving to Langley, south of here, is simple!
Uncovering Langley, BC
Young adults can thrive in Langley, BC, a vibrant Greater Vancouver city. Consider Amanda. She’s thrilled with her move to Langley from Richmond. Affordable housing and employment were appealing. With excellent schools and many community events, there’s always something to do.
Langley nightlife is abundant! With many shopping centres, restaurants, and bars, there’s always something fun to do at night. Langley is close to Abbotsford and White Rock for weekend or daytrips.
Langley is a great option for young adults looking for a fun, affordable place to live. Its proximity to other desirable places in British Columbia and its amenities make it ideal for those who crave variety and adventure.
Langford, BC: What You Need to Know
Young adults should live in Langford, BC. It’s affordable and full of culture, shops, restaurants, and more. Langford has all the urban amenities of Victoria, 20 minutes away by car or bus, but retains its small town charm.
Langford’s housing market has grown significantly in recent years, making it a good choice for young adults looking to buy or rent. The community enjoys hiking trails, golf courses, parks, galleries, farmers markets, festivals, and more. Local businesses with unique goods and services add to its appeal.
Langford has something for everyone, from outdoor adventure to affordable city life.
Outdoor Adventures & Cultural Highlights in BC
British Columbia has many outdoor, cultural, and recreational activities for young single adults exploring Canada’s west coast. BC has something for everyone with its beautiful landscapes, temperate climate, and diverse population. Adventures abound here, from winter snow-capped peaks to summer green valleys. Hiking trails, fishing spots, skiing resorts, snowboarding parks, parks and gardens, beaches and lakes, art galleries, museums, theatres, and historic sites—British Columbia has it all!
BC offers many cultural activities as well as outdoor ones. Vancouver Playhouse Theatre Company and Vancouver Opera House are among Canada’s top performing arts venues. Many cities in the province have smaller venues showing international independent films and plays. Rifflandia and Motion Notion are among many annual festivals. BC has something for every young adult interested in culture.
Educational Resources and Opportunities in BC
Looking for the best BC cities for young adults with great education and learning resources? British Columbia is ideal for young adults seeking educational opportunities, adult learning programs, higher education, career training, and private schooling.
UBC, SFU, and UVic are among Canada’s top universities, offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. College programs in aviation, hospitality, business, and computer science technology are available across the province. Many learning canters provide tutoring and access to specialized career training and educational institutions to help students succeed in school. BC private schools offer high-quality education tailored to individual students.
BC is a great place for young adults to study or learn job skills due to its many educational resources. There’s something for everyone, from attending one of BC’s top universities to exploring college programs. British Columbian youth have many opportunities for success in any field! Let’s move on from education and learning resources to provincial healthcare services and facilities.
Healthcare Services and Facilities in British Columbia
Healthcare services and facilities should be a top priority for young adults looking for a great BC home. All Canadian provinces offer health insurance, but the quality of care varies. British Columbia has many top hospitals and healthcare providers for physical and mental illnesses. Specialized medical centres provide primary and long-term care in many BC cities.
Many communities have outpatient clinics for intensive or regular treatment in addition to hospitals. Most of the province has psychiatrists, counsellors, and group therapy. BC offers excellent specialized care for physical and mental illnesses. Healthcare needs are met in cities with cutting-edge research facilities and rural towns with community health centres.
If you’re looking for a great place to live in BC with plenty of good healthcare, look no further than one of its vibrant cities or charming small towns! Each corner of British Columbia offers endless possibilities for finding reliable health providers and support systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Average Cost Of Living In Each Town
Young adults prioritize cost of living in British Columbia. When choosing a new home, consider typical living costs like rent, groceries, and restaurants.
4 essentials:
- Housing Prices: Average house prices range from $400,000 to $2 million depending on location and size.
- Grocery Costs – Depending on your tastes, some items may need to be imported from other provinces or countries, increasing your food bill.
- Transportation Costs – Reliable public transportation can save a lot over time. If you use transit often, monthly passes may save you money.
- Utility Rates and Leisure Costs – Before signing a lease, research local utility rates and entertainment options like movie tickets and gym memberships that may affect your monthly budget.
Young adults moving within BC should also remember that tax rates vary by municipality. Researching this early on can help them manage their finances after moving. Before moving, check out all the resources available, as some cities have insurance requirements and others don’t.
Crime Rates Like In Those Cities
Living arrangements are crucial. Cost of living and crime rates must be considered when choosing a city. To feel safe and secure, compare city crime rates.
City safety indices reveal each city’s safety. When choosing a city for young adults, the crime index is a good indicator of safety. Before moving, you’ll know what kind of environment you’re moving into by doing this research.
Knowing that all cities have their own culture and atmosphere makes it easy to find a place that suits individual needs. While some may prioritize entertainment or job opportunities over safety measures, understanding the crime rate statistics for each area ensures that wherever you choose will provide adequate protection against harm and danger. Investigating these facts ensures that you won’t encounter any unpleasant surprises in life!
Is Toronto a top spot for Young Adults?
Yes in recent years Toronto has become a top spot for young adults.
Is There Public Transportation Available?
Young adults consider public transportation when choosing a home. Public transportation can reveal a city’s cost of living, availability, and safety. Several BC cities offer public transportation with varying coverage and connections.
Public transit costs vary by pass or ticket type and usage frequency. Due to lower fuel and parking costs and peak-hour discounts in most cities, it is cheaper than driving in congested areas. Population density improves access times, but availability may vary across the province. You may even find late-night routes that let riders get home safely without Uber or Lyft.
Public transportation systems offer buses, trains, ferries, and trams, each with its own timetables, routes, and connections. These connect major hubs like airports and universities to neighbourhoods within cities and beyond, making daily commutes easier! Look for designated pick-up points with CCTV cameras, avoid travelling alone, and keep your belongings close.
Understanding the local transport infrastructure in BC will help you get around no matter your age. With so many great options across the province, there’s something perfect for every need—whether that’s an affordable option for students or a reliable connection for work commuting!
Climate Insights
British Columbia has all climates. You can find weather that suits your lifestyle in its diverse climates and geographical features. BC’s climate offers comfort and stability, from warm summers in interior valleys to mild winters along the coast. BC offers a variety of climates, including humid, dry, subtropical, temperate, continental, and oceanic.
Many BC cities also have year-round arid or semi-arid climates. Coastal areas have moderate temperatures and high humidity, while inland areas are drier, cooler, and frostier in winter. BC has a region for everyone, whether you like warmer summers or colder winters. You’ll find a place with pleasant weather for year-round outdoor fun!
Are There Any Tax Incentives For Young Adults Living In Those Cities?
Young adults can benefit from several tax deductions and credits. Understanding BC’s tax exemptions, reliefs, credits, and advantages helps young adults maximize their money.
These tax benefits will affect your finances regardless of where you live in British Columbia. The Disability Tax Credit and Home Buyers’ Plan help young adults save money by lowering their tax bill. Tuition and medical expenses may be tax-deductible for young adults to avoid paying them back. Some provinces offer reduced rates for seniors or recent graduates, allowing young people to save money.
Knowing about all these tax breaks can help when filing income taxes each year. Young adults moving to BC should research discounts and reliefs.
Conclusion
Young adults can enjoy living in BC. It’s hard to choose between so many beautiful cities. These five cities are great for young people: Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Kamloops, and Abbotsford.
Vancouver has a youthful vibe and many activities. Skiing, kayaking, and unique restaurants and bars are all here! Public transportation and low crime make the city easy to navigate. Vancouver’s tax incentives for BC residents make it an attractive option for those looking to save money while enjoying the city’s amenities.
There are a few communities around Vancouver that welcome young adults as well. Fun Fact: The city of Chilliwack has the highest concentration of young adults who are skilled in playing the ukulele, with a staggering 5% of the population between the ages of 18-30 claiming proficiency in the instrument.
Victoria has beautiful scenery and a bustling downtown with galleries, museums, and shops to explore on your days off. This coastal capital has affordable housing and top educational institutions like University of Victoria and Royal Roads University. Excellent healthcare facilities and mild temperatures year-round make a winning combination.
Kelowna has warm summers perfect for winery hopping or visiting nearby beaches. It also has many agricultural jobs! Public transit makes getting around town easy, and crime rates are lower than in other parts of BC—another plus when choosing a place to live!
In conclusion, whether you’re looking for cosmopolitan culture or natural beauty, each of these wonderful BC cities has something to offer! Before investing in BC real estate, do your research—we want you to find paradise!
Sources:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-canadas-most-youth-friendly-cities/
https://www.studyincanada.com/
Ready to turn your real estate dreams into reality? Contact Richard Morrison, Vancouver’s top realtor with 20+ years of experience. As a Medallion Club member and RE/MAX Hall of Fame award winning agent, he’s the expert you need on your side. Whether buying, selling, or investing, Richard’s personalized approach and deep market insights ensure a successful transaction. Reach out to Richard today at (778) 900-2235 and make your real estate journey seamless and rewarding.
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