Daisies said:
To those of you who live(d) in BC:
Can you suggest any good, safe, family friendly areas to look for housing? We would like to rent. Preferably not too far from Vancouver.
Thanks!!
Hi Daisies! I'm a newbie to this forum, having just sponsored my husband who is from the UK. ANYWAYS, we live in BC right now so here are some area suggestions:
Coquitlam is a nice area to rent in. You can find a very nice townhouse or detached home to rent in $1200-$1800 range. Very family friendly, lots of schools and most importantly, safe. Depending on what areas within Coquitlam you end up living in, you can expect to be about 30 mins from Downtown Vancouver.
Maple Ridge & Port Coquitlam are nice areas as well. Similar rental prices and neighborhoods a little farther from Downtown Vancouver.
SOUTH Surrey/White Rock are nice areas as well. A little more pricey in terms of rental prices. $1500+ for a family sized home/townhome/condo. The other parts of Surrey are OK, but not as safe etc as South Surrey (I know this from experience).
Langley is nice as well but you're looking at close to an hour if not more to get to downtown Van.
Richmond is the closest to Vancouver. I've never lived or had to do business there so I can't tell you very much (I've lived in Vancouver for less than 5 years)
West Vancouver is a very nice area, great views etc. Family orientated etc. But you can expect to pay more that most other areas as its a very pricey part of town. Some say its holds Canada's most expensive real estate and I wouldn't doubt it!
I suggest that you start your search on craigslist under the city of Vancouver. That's where you'll find the majority of rental listings OR with a real estate agent.
Hope that helps! (Boy, that was long!)