Job Discussion Forums

koshechka · Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2007 1:30 am Post subject: vancouver

hey, thanks for all your help,
are vancouverites or whatever they are called out there really that bad? i was surprised to read that said. why do you think this is? is it the rain? from what i've read elsewhere, it seems that san francisco is very expensive and living outside would be an option potentially, but i do not drive and don't really wish to at this point in the game. also, my husband is mexican and i don't know whether he would feel comfortable in california, although, that is probably a weak argument since there is no reason to believe that he will feel any more comfortable in vancouver, which seems to have a sizable asian community that potentially makes other minorities feel, well, minor. so, we are still pretty undecided, but knowing how i am, i would always prefer the unknown - vancouver, to the less unknown - san francisco. another question, as far as cultural activities are concerned, is it reasonable to expect vancouver to have things to offer? i know this sounds kind of vague but one thing i really miss about new york in chile, where i am currently living, is all that street fair atmosphere, and movies in parks and free entertainment that was actually worth the subway ride as opposed to most things offered here. well, thanks again for responding
cheers

VanKen · Joined: 29 Oct 2003 Posts: 139 Location: Calgary, AB Canada

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

chingao327 · Joined: 20 Jun 2007 Posts: 6 Location: California

You're forgetting that San francisco is in California. Spanish is spoken all over in the city. I'm sure Vancouver is progressing, but they are still way behind. SF has a lot of international languages, more so than in LA where the population is larger. And even if you have to pay more to live (it's not NYC expensive) you make up for it because you take public trans, cab, or walk. And there is plenty to do here without having to spend too much money, food and play to boot. ESL jobs are found here, and even if they aren't all located in SF, they are in the nearby cities. A lot of people live in the city confines and commute out for work. The homeless situation is not that bad. The only difference is that they may take to being more outspoken to grab your attention, but they don't cross the line. The are mainly found in the Tenderloin, Western Addition and the Mission. So if you're planning to work or live in those areas, you'll see them. But the city is very much alive. Not all night like NYC, but lively nonetheless. It doesn't rain as much as the north, but it's gloomy and foggy 9 months out of the year. Windy? yes. Sunny? off and on. The fall is Indian Summer, very So Cal warm, but that's about it.

smadrie · Joined: 11 Dec 2006 Posts: 5

The cost of living in the Bay Area is quite expensive. It took me a very long time to get over the sticker shock when I started looking for a place to live. The local train system (Bay Area Rapid Transit - BART) could be more convenient, but then again it it much better than some others I've seen.

In my opinion San Francisco is the one of the most diverse areas in the world. That is enough for me by itself.

Some people don't like the cool weather, but it is a consistent temperature year round, which is a big plus in my book. I wear the same light jacket most of the time. It rarely rains in the summer.