Vancouver: World's 3rd Most Livable City

One very good reason to invest in real estate in Vancouver is that the city has been named the 3rd most livable city in the world by the business publication Economist Intelligence Unit. This is the third year in a row that Vancouver has received such a distinction, which is actually a downgrade as the city ranked 1st from 2002 to 2011. The ranking, however, solidly marks the many benefits the city has to offer to its residents.

Vancouver received an overall rating of 97.3 out of a perfect 100. It also scored perfect marks for education, culture, the environment, and health care. The survey also cites the current construction of Metro Vancouver's Evergreen Line project, which is expected to benefit residents in the future despite the various disruptions it poses at present.

According to standards set by The Economist, a score of 80 to 100 means that there are very few challenges against residents' living standards in the city. Indeed, in addition to the commendable housing, education, and health care benefits that Vancouver residents receive, the city government has also committed itself to keeping Vancouver green. There are currently a number of government-sponsored projects intended to preserve the area's lush natural resources, and keeping the environment free of pollutants that can be harmful to the health and well-being of both the city itself, and its residents.

Of People and Condominiums

One of the major reasons why one opts to purchase a condo unit is the fact that it is (almost always) in the city. Living in a condominium in Vancouver, for example, makes it easier for people to access areas of the city like the Financial District and the nocturnal Downtown that would be difficult if one is living in the suburbs. 

There is, however, one factor that makes or breaks living in a condominium, despite its perfect location and amenities: the people that live in it.

When one purchases a ready-for-occupancy condominium, chances are that there is an established condominium association already running and implementing certain policies. These policies range from parking and maintenance fees to etiquette inside the building. Some condo associations, however, might have rules that are too tight for your liking.

You have to consider, as well, the cultural diversity of the people already residing in the condominium. A metropolis like Vancouver often lets you experience living next door to another person whose culture is entirely different from yours. If you’re still looking for a condo to stay in, choose one where you are most likely to get along with your next-door neighbors.

If you want to choose wisely, calling on a realtor who knows the Vancouver condo market very well is a good place to start.