Best Cities To Live: British Columbia, Canada
The Canadian province of British Columbia is located between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It is the westernmost province and the third most populous. British Columbia is known globally for maintaining a high standard of living. The city of Vancouver is consistently listed among the best cities to work and live. The cost of living in British Columbia is exceptionally high but the average income is also quite high. The mandatory minimum wage is $12.65. The following are the best cities live in British Columbia according to MoneySense.
10. Richmond, BC
Richmond is a suburb of Vancouver located in southwestern British Columbia. It is notable for being the location of Vancouver's international airport, the second-busiest airport in Canada. Richmond ranks high for quality of life thanks to its green space access as well as its proximity to job opportunities in nearby Vancouver.
9. North Saanich, BC
North Saanich is located 16 miles north of Victoria on the Saanich Peninsula. It consists of a blend of a rural and urban environment with residential and agricultural activities. It is a relatively quiet environment fit for young families and retirees seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of large cities without losing the comfort of accessing good infrastructure and service. With a population of just 11,000, North Saanich, there are no jams and their education and health services are of high standard.
8. Oak Bay, BC
Oak Bay is located on the southern end of Vancouver Island. It is a coastal city of slightly less than 20,000 people. Oak Bay is an expensive community with the cost of living and the cost of property always rising. On the positive note, the environment is quiet and the community is social. The city outshines other cities in British Columbia in wealth, income, low taxes, accessibility to quality healthcare and education, weather, and the low level of crime.
7. Vancouver, BC
The city of Vancouver is located in the Pacific West Coast. The city population is slightly less than 700,000 but the metropolitan population stands at about 2.4 million. It is the largest city in the province and an important harbor for export of Canadian goods to the US West Coast and Asia. Vancouver is always listed among the most expensive but livable cities globally. The city’s status as the largest in the province and the huge population attract job seekers and creates opportunities for others. As a modern urban city, Vancouver is well served by modern transport infrastructure including highways and rails.
6. West Vancouver, BC
West Vancouver is the wealthiest district in the province. It is a residential community of a slightly more than 41,000 residents. West Vancouver is an expensive place to own a house and a small percentage of the population can afford property within the district. For those with the extra pennies to spend, West Vancouver offers a quiet family oriented environment with low level of crime rates, no jams, high standard healthcare and education, and a serene environment. The average cost of real estate is $2,881,458. The average income stands at $209,629 is about three times the national average.
5. North Vancouver, BC
The District of North Vancouver is part of Metro Vancouver. The district covers three sides of the city of North Vancouver. It is the second richest district in the province after the neighboring West Vancouver district. North Vancouver is an affluent community that is home to the upper middle class and high-class families. The Trans-Canada Highway is the only significant highway that services through North Vancouver, however, several link roads are available to prevent jams. Education and healthcare services are among the best in the country.
4. Delta, BC
Delta is lies at the delta of the Fraser River. It is home to approximately 110,000. Delta is located 17 miles from the city of Vancouver making it a preferred place of residence for the people who work in the city. It is a quiet residential city surrounded by nature and the crime level is below the national average. The city enjoys a mild climate with moderately cold winter and warm summers. A network of roads and highways connect delta to the rest of the country while a metro bus system offers transportation within the city. The average income is $114,588 while unemployment stands at 4.3%.
3. Squamish, BC
Squamish in a small town of approximately 21,000 people located along the Sea to Sky Highway. In recent years, the town has become popular with Whistler and Vancouver residents escaping the high cost of living. The environment is calm and beautiful with the sight of breathtaking mountains. Young families prefer the town because of the friendly environment and the low cost of living. There are no jam, while education and health services are of high standards. The average income is $108,238 while unemployment stands at 4.3%.
2. Whistler, BC
Whistler is a resort town of approximately 13,000 people. The town receives a tourist population of about 1.5 million annually most of whom engage in snowboarding, alpine skiing, mountain biking, and camping. Whistler is constantly ranked among the world's top 5 ski destinations. The British Columbia Highway 99 and the railway connect the city to the outside world. The small resident population enjoys better healthcare service and education. The average income is $116,362 while unemployment stands at 4.3%.
1. Fort St. John, BC
The City of Fort St. John is located in the northeastern part of the province. It is a beautiful city of slightly more than 20,000. The city's economy is driven by the gas and oil industry. There are no traffic jams or long queues for service because of the small population. Fort St. John is a blend of rural and urban environment, the residents live in harmony with wildlife especially elk and deer. The community is close and friendly with the residents always willing to help new immigrants. Community events such as ice-skating and charity drive are held annually. The average income is $124,134 while the unemployment rate stands at five percent.
