Family of four moving to Vancouver
Living in Vancouver, Canada’s most expensive city, has been an incredible experience for our family of four. Surrounded by stunning nature and a sense of community, Vancouver offers the perfect mix of a big-city lifestyle with a small-town feel. While the city’s benefits have greatly enriched our lives, it’s not without its challenges, especially from a family perspective. If you’re considering moving to Vancouver with kids, here’s a breakdown of the good and the bad based on our experience as a Family of four living in Vancouver.
Family of four living in Vancouver – The good
- Outstanding School System
Our experience with Vancouver’s school system has been exceptional. The schools are modern and inclusive, offering progressive approaches to education. Beyond core academics, the schools integrate programs like theater, violin, and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) directly into the regular curriculum. This variety has been fantastic for our kids, giving them the chance to explore multiple interests within their school day. - Diversity and Representation
Vancouver is incredibly diverse, and this has been one of the most reassuring aspects of raising children here. In our kids’ classrooms, we’ve seen representation from various cultures and backgrounds. This diversity makes it easier for children to feel like they belong and helps them learn to appreciate and celebrate differences from an early age. - Outdoor and Sports Culture
If you love the outdoors and want to pass that passion to your kids, Vancouver is the perfect place. With a strong outdoor culture, activities like biking, hiking, running, and paddling are part of daily life. British Columbia’s natural beauty is unmatched, and there are countless trails, parks, and waterways to explore right in the city or just a short drive away.
Our Favorites as Parents
- Extracurricular Opportunities
Vancouver offers an abundance of classes and programs for kids. Whether it’s robotics, 3D design, arts, or sports, there’s no shortage of opportunities for children to try new things and develop their skills. These programs are widely accessible and provide a fantastic way for kids to stay active and engaged. - Amazing Playgrounds
Vancouver has some of the best playgrounds we’ve ever seen. They are thoughtfully designed and provide a great space for kids to burn off energy while having fun. Here are my top five playgrounds in Vancouver:- Stanley Park’s Variety Kids Water Park
- Queen Elizabeth Park Playground
- Kitsilano Beach Playground
- Terra Nova Adventure Park
- Science World Playground
- Accessible Healthcare
Vancouver’s healthcare system is accessible and family-friendly. The city offers excellent pediatric care, including specialized clinics and hospitals for children. This has been a major benefit for us as parents, knowing that quality healthcare is always within reach. Find where to get the BC Health Card HERE - Safe Environment
Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world. This peace of mind is invaluable for families with young children. The city’s neighborhoods are well-maintained, and community policing efforts help ensure that kids can grow up in a secure environment.
The Bad: Challenges
- High Cost of Living
Vancouver is one of the most expensive cities in Canada, and housing costs are a major challenge. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment averages around $2,900 per month, and finding a three-bedroom unit for less than $4,000 is almost impossible. The cost of living extends beyond rent, with groceries, childcare, and transportation adding up quickly. Budgeting is essential if you’re planning to move here. - Housing Size and Availability
Due to the high demand and steep prices, many families find themselves compromising on space. If you’re moving with kids, it might be tough to find a home that suits your needs within a reasonable budget. Families often have to make trade-offs between location, size, and cost. - Transportation Costs
While Vancouver has an excellent public transit system, the costs can add up for a family. Monthly transit passes for a family of four can be expensive, especially if you’re also factoring in car ownership for areas where transit options are less accessible. - Childcare Expenses
Childcare in Vancouver is among the highest in Canada. Finding affordable daycare or after-school programs can be challenging, and the costs often strain family budgets. This is a crucial consideration for parents with younger children.
Other Challenges
- Higher Grocery Prices
Groceries in Vancouver are more expensive compared to other parts of Canada. Fresh produce, meat, and dairy tend to have higher price tags, which can make monthly food expenses a significant part of your budget. - Utility Costs
Utility bills in Vancouver, including electricity and internet, are higher than the national average. This adds to the overall cost of living, especially during colder months when heating costs increase. - Limited Affordable Entertainment Options
While there are plenty of activities to do in Vancouver, many of the entertainment options, such as museum visits, concerts, or sports games, can be quite pricey. Families may find it difficult to balance these costs with other expenses. - Parking and Vehicle Expenses
Parking in Vancouver, whether at home or around the city, is expensive. If you own a vehicle, you’ll also need to budget for high insurance rates, gas prices, and maintenance costs, all of which add to the overall financial burden.
Tips for Families Moving to Vancouver
- Plan Your Budget: Research the cost of living in Vancouver and set realistic expectations for housing, food, and other expenses.
- Explore Neighborhoods: Look into family-friendly areas like Mount Pleasant, Kitsilano, or the North Shore for access to parks, schools, and community programs. Look at my list of Best Neighborhood for Families in Vancouver
- Take Advantage of Free Activities: Vancouver has plenty of free or low-cost activities for kids, from beach days to hiking in nearby forests.
- Join Local Groups: Connect with other families through parent groups or community centers to build a support network and get tips for navigating life in the city. Find all activities on community center here
Final Thoughts
Living in Vancouver has been a rewarding experience for our family. The city’s inclusivity, access to nature, and plethora of activities have given our kids opportunities we couldn’t have imagined elsewhere. However, the high cost of living is a significant consideration, especially for families. If you’re thinking about moving to Vancouver with kids, weigh the pros and cons carefully and plan accordingly. With the right preparation, Vancouver can be a wonderful place to raise a family.
