Moving to Vancouver: A Newcomer's Neighbourhood Guide

Moving to Vancouver is exciting — and the city is really a cluster of distinct communities, each with its own feel. Picking the right one makes settling in easy.

Here's a newcomer's snapshot of Metro Vancouver and how to land smoothly.

Getting to know the areas

Downtown and Yaletown are walkable and urban; Kitsilano and the West Side are beachy and family-friendly; East Van is creative and diverse. Across the bridges, Burnaby, Richmond and Surrey offer more space and value, while the North Shore puts nature at your doorstep.

What to expect

Vancouver is rainy in winter and glorious in summer, transit is solid along the SkyTrain lines, and housing is competitive — line up your place before your move date. Condos and apartments often require elevator bookings for move-in.

Settle in faster

Update your address with ICBC and register for a BC Services Card, find your nearest community centre, and explore on foot. Neighbourhood Facebook groups and local cafes are the quickest way to feel at home.

Getting your stuff here

Whether you're moving across town or across the province, we handle local and long-distance moves into every Metro Vancouver community — with crews that know the buildings and streets.

Frequently asked questions