Hi guys! Fleurette here.
I'd like your opinions on whereabouts you think I should live when I move to the Vancouver Area.
I'm looking for somewhere not too expensive, Surrey is out of the question.
I'm planning on getting a REALLY small place, like, a studio apartment or something, unless I magically find a roommate.
Close to the Sky Train, and perhaps decently close to a mall?
Hrmm, this might seem like a silly thread, I just want opinions on places you find nice, affordable, and convenient.
What do you guys think? ^^
in all honesty, it depends on what you can afford. people will tell your their preferences, but it all means nothing unless you can state how much you can pay for rent. ^^
Seconding Temrin, here. I mean, I really like the idea of living in Yaletown, False Creek or Kits...very much doubt I could afford it, though. I will say that I have had luck in the "not too expensive, but near enough to amenities" department with the Mount Pleasant area, and friends of mine have enjoyed a similar experience with Hastings Sunrise/Burnaby Heights. Best of luck! ^^ (Also, I understand and feel the same about the whole Surrey thing, but I wouldn't count it out completely. There are some gems, scattered here and there that might maaaaybe make the commute worth it. Maybe.)
Try looking at these places:
http://www.rentbc.com/vancouver-apartments.html (http://www.rentbc.com/vancouver-apartments.html)
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/apa/ (http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/apa/)
http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/f-real-estate-apartments-condos-W0QQCatIdZ37 (http://vancouver.kijiji.ca/f-real-estate-apartments-condos-W0QQCatIdZ37)
You should find something affordable and in a good location.
: Fleurette September 20, 2012, 12:51:33 -06:00
I'm looking for somewhere not too expensive, Surrey is out of the question.
Huh? I was always under the impression that Surrey was way more affordable than anywhere over the Fraser River.
New Westminster isn't bad, I know a few people who live out there for decent rent.
But you never know. Look at ads, Craigslist, etc. Some land/home owners either don't have a clue what they should be charging for the area they live in, or they just don't care, and you can get a sweet deal on a basement-suite.
Depending on what profession you are in (judging from your age, I am gonna guess you are not a surgeon or marine biologist). My suggestion: if you want a decent place, start looking for a working, compatible roommate (I know of at least one that is currently looking for a roomie) and team up. Two incomes are way better than one. Working the drive thru will NEVER afford much in life (don't get me wrong, its a great start), but when you have a $600+ bill per month to keep a roof over your head, suggesting fries with their meal will be the least of your worries. Half of $600+ is way easier to swallow than the whole amount.
As a starting point, I would suggest you re-think the Surrey option. There are some nice neighborhoods there. New West is a good option as well as parts of Burnaby (north Bby is nice but hellish to get to skytrain at times). East Van (my hood) always seems to be not too far from skytrain and priced fairly.
If you are unfamiliar with the Lower Mainland, I suggest you chill with someone who is. This way, you can get guidance about the nuances of each area you might be looking - and potential pitfalls of anyone seeing to team up with your living environment.
Knowing both from where you are coming from and where you are planning to move, I suggest this is a good thing for you - both educationally, socially, and financially.
Lemme know if you wanna talk further ... I am here ...
I do have a feeling that most of the Lower Mainland furs here reside in Burnaby or East Van.
: Gizmo September 20, 2012, 09:49:32 -06:00
Depending on what profession you are in (judging from your age, I am gonna guess you are not a surgeon or marine biologist). My suggestion: if you want a decent place, start looking for a working, compatible roommate (I know of at least one that is currently looking for a roomie) and team up. Two incomes are way better than one. Working the drive thru will NEVER afford much in life (don't get me wrong, its a great start), but when you have a $600+ bill per month to keep a roof over your head, suggesting fries with their meal will be the least of your worries. Half of $600+ is way easier to swallow than the whole amount.
As a starting point, I would suggest you re-think the Surrey option. There are some nice neighborhoods there. New West is a good option as well as parts of Burnaby (north Bby is nice but hellish to get to skytrain at times). East Van (my hood) always seems to be not too far from skytrain and priced fairly.
If you are unfamiliar with the Lower Mainland, I suggest you chill with someone who is. This way, you can get guidance about the nuances of each area you might be looking - and potential pitfalls of anyone seeing to team up with your living environment.
Knowing both from where you are coming from and where you are planning to move, I suggest this is a good thing for you - both educationally, socially, and financially.
Lemme know if you wanna talk further ... I am here ...
Yeah, I won't be paying for school for quite awhile.
I'm planning on finding a job as a waiter or something.
I hope I can find a roommate, but It's been no luck in my world. Perhaps I'll search around BCF.
I have a general knowledge of the lower mainland, I lived there for three years.
Thanks for the nice, detailed answer Gizmo! ^^ I really appreciate the help, I'll message you if I have any questions that need answers. :3
I think you shouldn't rule out surrey, sometimes you can get a good place in surrey that's really close to a skytrain, if it's right by a skytain its not so bad, you can even go to new west to do your shopping. Just the other day I went with someone to help them look at a place in surrey, it was 400$ a month and like a 5 minute walk from a skytrain station, it was a really nice place too, no oven but it had everything else and it was in good shape.
: Fleurette September 20, 2012, 05:35:36 -06:00
Thanks for the nice, detailed answer Gizmo! ^^ I really appreciate the help, I'll message you if I have any questions that need answers. :3
you can message me anytime ... even if you just wanna chat !
I'm kinda looking for a new roomate, and i'm also looking to move. I'm considering... New west Minster, and burnaby either near rat's place, or near boundary.
If you're interested in possibly getting a two bedroom, i'm interested in hearing from you. I'm not in a huge rush either to move. I am stable where i am so can take my time and look before i leap this time.
--Trapa
before you make that huge leap to move to the lower mainland, i suggest that you come for a two week visit, longer if possible, and check out job possibilities, and locations of available housing. by coming for a visit, best to make it around an event such as bowling and sushi, so you can meet lots of others, and hopefully one that will be seeking a roomie shortly. that way you get to meet them and they you to see if you might connect.
when you are about to come down, you can post saying when and ask for a couch to crash on for a couple nights. there are enough furs out there with lots of couches you could crash on. stay two or three days max at each home and you will get a good incite into where to live and what the true rents are like. i offer a couch for a couple of days plus pick up at the bus terminal or airport. if you time your visit to coincide with the fur bowl on friday and a gizmo pot luck on saturday and then sushi on tuesday you will meet lots of furs you could roomie with. plus you will have lots of fun.
like others have said, surrey is not to be dismissed at the wave of your mouse. there are lots of good places within surrey that i am sure would appeal to your economic restraints. (aka low income).
good luck with whatever you decide