Culture Shocks When Moving to Vancouver [Sex, Politics and Religion]
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- čas přidán 25. 06. 2024
- If you are thinking of moving to Vancouver, you’ll want to understand what life in Vancouver is REALLY like. This video is all about what makes Vancouver different.
What makes the experience of living in Vancouver unique?…because it IS different from living in places like Seattle, Calgary, Montreal or Toronto?
Watching this video will give you a realistic understanding of what to expect from life in Vancouver. If you are planning on moving to Vancouver watch this video so you don’t get overwhelmed with culture shock!
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Timestamp
0:00 Vancouver Culture Shocks
00:48 #1
2:32 #2
5:32 #3
8:15 #4
10:41 #5
13:06 #6
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20:19 #8
23:04 #9
25:27 #10
![Where NOT to Live When Moving to Vancouver [AVOID THESE AREAS!]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/yxbTwJUfkAg/mqdefault.jpg)
![Where NOT to Live When Moving to Vancouver [AVOID THESE AREAS!]](/img/tr.png)
Thanks for checking out the video! :) Reach out if you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Vancouver! And let me know which Vancouver culture shock you found most surprising.
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email: sebastian@albrechtgroup.ca
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Vancouver is the most expensive place in North America. Don't move here; you'll regret it. You'll pay more for gas than any place in the world. You'll pay more rent here than anywhere in North America. You'll pay far more property taxes in Vancouver as they take your taxes and heat their fire places with them. In Surrey, they fund 2 police forces, don't plow their roads during winter but will still issue parking tickets in such environments.
The biggest shock is that the city is devoid of any sense of community, personality or soul. Toronto has become the same.
@briansmith5239 Not sure if you live here and if you do what neighborhood you are in…but this has never been my experience living in Vancouver and even less now. My neighborhood is full of life and community. I couldn’t disagree with you more.
@@LivingInVancouver-BC you lie.
This IMHO is one of the most insightful narratives about Vancouver I've seen. After close to seven years of looking at hundreds of videos, pretty much all of your commentary is reflected in the various videos I've seen depicting Vancouver life. (mostly in the numerous walk-through-the-city CZcams format). Of course, when dealing with these topics, one has to speak in what my Senior Comp teacher called, "Glittering Generalities." That is to be expected, I think. But from the videos I've seen, I've drawn many of the same conclusions that you've highlighted. Then again, I've never lived in Vancouver, so what do I know. Still, you deserve credit for covering these topics, and IMHO covering them accurately. One of the topics I'd take issue with is the lack of architectural history. You just have to walk downtown to be amazed by the quality, artistry, and engineering skill of the various high-rise structures, not to mention the Skytrain projects. One could do a book just covering those. Sure, the native structures of the past are perhaps under-represented, but that seems to be the case in many metropolitan cities. My wife always says that I'm one of those folks who think the grass is always greener elsewhere, and perhaps I am. Yet, I live in L.A., and the driving, congestion, crime, and political upheaval seem always to be right in your face all the time. In fact, the political circus that is American Politics is the main reason I started considering a move to Vancouver. Congratulations. This is one of your best.
Thanks @marcberrenson570! I really appreciate that perspective...in regard to architectural history, I suppose that (as so much else) is relative. If you come from a new, modern city then Vancouver may seem like it has an abundance of interesting architecture. However, if you come from cities such as Montreal, London or Munich then what we have pales in comparison. But I do think you are right, Vancouver does have some interesting architecture from a variety of eras...just none of them more than about 130 years old. :) And yes, if that's your perspective on American politics then I can completely understand why Vancouver appeals...we've seen quite a few "political refugees" from the US since at least the time of the Vietnam War.
Great video!!! Throughly enjoyed it! Thank you ❤
@mstt3530 Thank you so much! I appreciate you sharing that and checking out my channel!
I remember visiting Vancouver and driving during rush hour. I was confused and stressed 😅 because the drivers were so chill and laid back. I say this as a compliment. I had to adjust my driving to blend in and not out myself as from the Greater Toronto Area.
@fancynancy2888 100%. As I was saying in another comment, I think our view of Vancouver's drivers really depends on what we are used to. If you come from Toronto or Montreal (or just about any city outside North America) Vancouver's drivers will appear to be quite chill and rule-abiding...but if you come from a smaller city in North America, or a small town, it'll feel like Mad Max.
I had the same experience as you when I had an extended stay in Victoria about a decade ago. It took me about a month to realize that I didn't have to drive as I did in Vancouver. I was the only one on the road driving that way. It was an epiphany and made my days much better. ;)
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts.
What a Great video! We're from Vancouver but moved to the East Coast of Canada and you are right on! Makes us miss Van!
Aww @aprilmajgaard130. Thanks! That is really nice to hear! I'm happy that I was able to bring you a little reminder of Vancouver. Where did you move on the East Coast?
I just moved to Vancouver from Toronto. I would love to hang out. It’s difficult to meet authentic people here.
@Lena-rz3yp Welcome to Vancouver! I hope that you are enjoying things in your new city...and I'm sure it'll feel like home very quickly. Have you found meeting people here to be a challenge?
@@LivingInVancouver-BC there is a weird fakeness
Ah yeah. People often mention something along those lines. I think it’ll often depend on the types of activities you are meeting people over and the specific neighborhood you are spending time in. But yeah, being new can be a challenge.
You should visit United Arab Emirates 🇦🇪 (Dubai, Abu Dhabi) to see how the diverse ethnic. UAE is the true melting pot of cultures. I found Vancouver has ethnic diversity but they are not infuse with each other. Like Vancouver splits to many areas and each dominant led by a certain ethnicity.
@mapleleaf81True. I've never been to the UAE. I've also never heard someone suggest the UAE as a leading example of diversity...I mean, they are known for massive human rights violations and giving very few rights to foreign nationals living in their country. In Vancouver we actually celebrate a diversity of cultures...so people are free to maintain their home cultures while living in their new country. You are right, Vancouver does have areas dominated by certain ethnicities (eg Greek, Italian, Chinese, Iranian, etc). The pattern we've seen in Vancouver over the last hundred years or so is that new immigrants settle in areas they feel connected to (areas people from their own culture have already settled in). But their children and their children's children adapt more fully. Personally, I see the Canadian/Vancouver model as being a much more respectful and interesting model.
The video was interesting because it talked about aspects that I didn't know yet, such as politics, driving and healthy living. But there is a specific topic that I still don't know much about. Speaking of healthy living, is it common for people to do martial arts? I'm a Capoeira teacher and I do karate too.
Hi @PauloBristofen...glad to hear that you found the video insightful! Martial Arts are definitely on people's radar. I wouldn't say that they are incredibly popular, but there are plenty of studios/clubs/teachers around...jiu jitsu is probably the most popular these days? Capoeira probably isn't the most common, but I know of at least one studio and I'm sure that there are more.
@@LivingInVancouver-BC When I started studying English here in Brazil I learned idioms, but always from countries like the United States and England and never about Canada. For istance "it's raining cats and dog". Does it work in Canada? Have you ever made a video talking about this?
Hi @PauloBristofen most of the idioms common in the US and the UK will be understood here. They may not be used as often but most people will get your drift. I was tinkering with the idea of a video about “vancouverisms” but not quite there with the idea yet. As for “raining cats and dogs” that’s definitely a phrase we’d understand here!
@@LivingInVancouver-BC vancouverisms is a nice idea!
We will see if i can flesh out that idea into a worthwhile video or not. :)
Yep, the laid back lifestyle really appealed to me. Looking forward to retirement where I just work 3-4 hours every morning and then have the day to relax, walk by the seawall, go to the shops or even the local camera store. That appeals to me a lot. I don't need stores open at 8 or 9AM. Three weeks and we will be having a chat. My only question this week, should we sell our car out here or drive it out there when we move? I hope it's a moot point: I'd rather not have a car.
The more I look at places, the more I prefer a detached home. It's not that I hate condos, but they are just too small - two bedrooms just isn't enough. I find myself going back and forth.
One question, you say that Vancouver is very open minded. Are people open to Canon shooters or do you get stink eye when walking down the street with a Canon ;) I jest, but you'd be surprised at how people align with camera brands out here ;)
@OrdinaryFilmmaker I'd probably keep the car if it's reliable and has value. Settle into Vancouver and then decide whether you want to keep it or not. Used cars are too expensive these days...plus the drive across the country is something we should all do at least once in our lifetimes (if you haven't already).
I know that there are strong brand affiliations amongst photographers...Canon vs Nikon...and these days Sony, too. So long as you aren't in the wrong neighborhood, even Canon shooters will be safe in Vancouver. ;)
@@LivingInVancouver-BCI’m a Nikon film camera guy myself and I don’t go to the Canon parts of the city with my Nikon. Too dangerous :)
Right @nicktankard1244? Those folks can't be trusted. ;)
@@nicktankard1244 Nice - love the humour. I see @LivingInVancouver was too afraid to touch that one ;) Love the Z8 - best camera on the market today.
@@LivingInVancouver-BC Good point about the car.
You spoke about the driving in vancouver, what about the transit? Does one need a vehicle to live comfortably in Vancouver?
Transit here in Vancouver, IMO, is pretty good. Overcrowded at times, but convenient with bus and Skytrain's frequent service. A vehicle is not really required to get around and Skytrain in particular is a a faster means of travel.
Hi @nathanng! The answer is...it depends. It depends on where you plan on living and what you do for work. But, in terms of North American cities Vancouver is one of the best places NOT to have a car. We have an incredible transit system, fantastic car alternatives (uber, car share, bike share, bike route network) and our city is relatively small and walkable. BUT, if you live in a distant suburb then you are more likely to need a car as the alternatives are less convenient. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions...and thanks @markhernden9472 for helping out with an answer!
No. Transit is excellent.
Interesting. I never hear anyone talking about architecture when they talk about Vancouver. To me, it was very noticeable couple months in and was kind of a deal-breaker for me. I understand the appeal of nature as the priority for people living in Vancouver, however I'd just rather move to smaller town with nature around because if I choose a big city for living, I really need to be able to like the city visually. And I just had a hard time in Vancouver, coming from Europe. And I'm not a snob, I actually love classic North American architecture, but you won't find it in Vancouver, or as you said, in the East side, where you can't really enjoy walking around.. What I found really frustrating was the downtown area, with mostly generic high rises, even Soviet style buildings that looked something like I grew up in, in former communist country. I just didn't expect that in modern North American city. Ironically, one of the few buildings I enjoyed looking at was Trump tower. It's not like I enjoy being a Vancouver hater here, I think Canada should have a real beautiful west coast city. I love San Francisco visually, it has its own distinct architecture and it's visually pleasing. And I just didn't have this experience in Vancouver. It felt like nobody cared about what kind of buildings were approved in the very core of the city. It felt very socialist-minded approach to me. It made it more welcoming to all classes of people (not anymore though, because it's not affordable to live downtown as lower class), but I guess the idea before was to make downtown for everyone. But the sacrifice was a beauty of the city and personally I think it was a big sacrifice. You can't make a real beautiful city with so many uninspiring buildings in the very core. That's just logical. I hope people will eventually demand better from what is built in downtown. Maybe it's already happening, I don't know, I haven't been there since 2018.
@jbc22112 I guess it comes down to the era that a city developed in. And how long it's been around. Obviously, West Coast NA cities don't have the length of history that can be seen in Europe...or even East Coast NA (like Montreal for example). But also, we didn't have the size or money that San Francisco had in it's early years. So there are actually a few buildings from the similar area but just not to the same extent. And then, we have a significant amount of development downtown in particular through the 90s and 2000s which is relatively unique to us (a la "The City of Glass") but ends up feeling a bit generic. It's only been through the 2010s where the city started prioritizing the aesthetics of buildings again. Unfortunately, it's actually resulted in these buildings being far less livable (Vancouver House for example is notorious for very awkward floorplans)...but I do have to disagree with you (and this is obviously subjective) despite not having a lot of beautiful historical architecture Vancouver IS a stunningly beautiful city. There aren't many places in the world that look as good...an interesting and varied skyline, surrounded by water with a back drop of snowcapped mountains. But I get what you are saying if you are looking more closely at the buildings. ;)
@@LivingInVancouver-BC You know, I can’t tell you that you’re wrong, if it’s stunningly beautiful for you. It’s actually great that you see it that way. If people who spend their lives in Vancouver didn’t find it beautiful, that would be weird. And I know people who genuinely love Vancouver and also people who feel the similar way like I do. So it’s subjective for sure.
Well…actually many people live in places that are objectively unappealing…but the aesthetics of a place isn’t the only way to judge it. Few would argue that the city of Vancouver is objectively aesthetically ugly, though. It’s quite frequently recognized as one of the more beautiful cities. While in my opinion it’s fair to say the city’s architecture is largely boring and uninspired…there’s more to the city’s aesthetic appeal than that…but sure, you can find it ugly and i won’t be offended. ;)
I have been in Vancouver 2 weeks ago with the thought to move there because of the momentary crazy government in Germany. Sorry, but to me Vancouver is not attractive at all compared with european cities. The food is always the same in low quality, drugzombies are already moving to the west, people are loooking exhausted, especially in low paid jobs, etc. Maybe I am a spoiled german girl, but Vancouver is definitly no option to move.
@uteschlotte3964 Well, no place is going to appeal to everyone. I haven't come across a city that isn't without issues...we just need to find the place that matches our own expectations, needs and wants. Sounds like Europe is better suited to you. So at least your trip to Vancouver helped you clarify that for yourself. :)
Well it’s one of the most enjoyed cities in the world. I can’t say I lived parts of Germany.
Food is the same? Compared to what? I lived in Berlin before moving to Vancouver and the diversity of food here is incredible compared to Germany. Especially the rest of Germany outside of Berlin.
That said I miss Berlin a lot and as a city Vancouver has nothing on any of the European cities that’s true. Vancouver is much closer to a typical boring and car-dependent NA city
Ah Germans, I have had the "pleasure" of guiding many Germans in The Rocky Mountains in Lake Louise...they are always sure that everyone around them is interested in their point of view & love to share it...over and over and over again. Being typical Canadians we politely nodded our heads, said sorry, tried to change the subject, ( Germans don't always notice when someone is trying to change the subject). Germans.
@nicktankard1244 Agree with you on the food. While there is good food in Germany (I speak German, my family is German and I've spent a LOT of time there over my life)...diversity and quality of food here is exceptional relative to what I experienced in Germany. Not to mention the service (in comparison). And I know you and I have been back and forth on this...but 100% disagree that Vancouver is a typical NA city in terms of being boring and car-dependent. You clearly haven't spent much time in the average North American city. :) We are more car dependent than larger European cities for sure...but we are one of the LEAST car dependent cities in North America with exceptional transit ridership specifically (I'll see if I can find the stat but we have more transit ridership in Vancouver than something along the lines of 3/4s of the US).
One of the most shocking things about moving from Vancouver to Salt Spring Island was the lack of diversity. If. Were to guess I’d say the island is 85% Caucasian not to mention the fact that is primarily retirees
@ivorytelecaster I can imagine that WOULD be quite a bit of a culture shock!
@@LivingInVancouver-BCit really was. Definitely one of the things on the list of reasons why we are moving back. Having spent my entire life in Vancouver I guess I never realized how much always having other cultures around me felt normal
@ivorytelecaster Yeah. It's something that I've missed when I've lived elsewhere too...the lack of diversity and the related opportunities (exposure to other backgrounds, ideas, cuisines and cultures).
Sounds heavenly to me.
Hmm. I found the claim that Vancouver drivers are friendly to be contrary to my experiences. Perhaps on a global scale Vancouver drivers are friendly but I’ve found them to be the least considerate and most aggressive in Western Canada. Note: I’ve not been to Manitoba so perhaps Winnipeg drivers deserve that title, not Vancouverites.
Overall though Vancouver is a great city to visit.
If you’re very highly paid or otherwise wealthy it would be a great place to live. For people with more normal Canadian incomes, you can get better value elsewhere.
@dougpatterson7494 I thought I'd actually get more blowback on this than there's been. My personal opinion is that our view on Vancouver drivers really has a lot to do with where we come from. If you come from a small town in Canada then Vancouver's drivers are the worst. If you come from a city pretty much anywhere else in the world (or a larger North American one) then you are more likely to see my perspective.
And no disagreement that you can get better "value" in other parts of Canada. But I guess that depends on how you define value and what your priorities are. There's no doubt that you can get more house living in Leduc, AB...but I personally think the value is still better here in Vancouver. That's a calculation that all of us have to make for ourselves though...and many come out on both sides of that equation.
Thanks for watching the channel and sharing your insights! I appreciate it. :)
Way too positive opinions
@askronqvist668 bit of a cup half empty kind of guy, eh? My channel isn’t all positive, but it IS my view of the city. Going negative is east and pulls in plenty of views but I’m an optimistic person by nature. ;)
you smelled the rat :))
Not sure why you are even bringing this up. We have a large cosmopolitan city. It’s open and usually very tolerant. I’d be shocked if people haven’t researched that when coming here. Many places in the world are like this! Open minded, open to people of different sexual orientations, diverse. Everyone I know in Vancouver work very hard and manage families and such. I never see the city as being like no one is working. Hmm sounds like we are in different Vancouvers. Culture shock? Seems like an odd way to describe it here. Scrambling is happening everywhere.
Why? Exactly as you say...because people that are thinking of moving to Vancouver are doing research about what living in Vancouver is like. And yes, while there are other places in the world that are similar in different aspects, Vancouver has a unique combination...just as other cities have their own unique combination. But as for tolerance and open-mindedness, I think it's less common than you might imagine. We aren't the only city (and yes, many cities are liberal) but few are as open as Vancouver.
I’ve lived in and been to many cities worldwide, and Vancouver is one of the most welcoming cities to immigrants. Not everywhere is like this. The biggest reason is probably that very few people are actually from here. When more than half of the city are immigrants, you can’t really be xenophobic.
100% @nicktankard1244. I feel like it's not JUST the diversity of backgrounds (although I think you are right that it's probably one of the biggest factors involved)...because honestly, some of the most xenophobic people I've met in Vancouver are actually new immigrants...but there's something in the attitude of the city that wins people over. Perhaps something related to the chill, laid-back vibe. Somehow, it's a unique combination of openness (while I also recognize that we aren't perfect of course).
@@LivingInVancouver-BCI find it the more conservative leaning Canadian born who are less open to the new immigrants
Huge generalizations.
@christinecamley LOL. Well...yeah. How else can you describe any place with millions of people other than with vast generalizations?
All the people I know who came here from elsewhere realize this place is not a “real city” and head right back to Europe etc. the only ones who stay do so because they are refugees from wartorn places. Even those have popped back to accessible places like Dubai versus Lebanon Syria and Iraq. Think about that. The Middle East ranks higher than here. You will pay the highest taxes on everything for the least amount of services. Canadians aim low and think small and backwards.
Vancouver used to be nice but that all got destroyed in the past 20-30 yr. Hamstrung by special Interest groups there is so little modern developments here. The road system is from the 1930s and the train is a commuter train. No real transit and the subway has three stops in the core. They are expanding the “subway” to 6 more blocks. Thinking small again
Way to cold my good man
Are you referring to the weather? Where are you from and where do you live now?
Beach and Mountain Climbing all in one day, no car required.
UTI from English bay or watch sweaty butts on Grouse Grind...
@MJibco 100%!
crazy that you did not include indigenous people in your 'slew' of other ethnic minorities... especially when you consider you are living on native land
@journeytomyspirit You are right. My mistake. The source I took the data from didn't mention the indigenous population (I assumed it wasn't large enough to be in the top groups)....but in looking into it now, it's certainly sizeable at 2.25% of Vancouver's population.
@journeytomytrauma
Native land? Thousands of years doing what on the land? Mostly being shroomers, pillaging, and bumping each other out.
You peoples have been real quiet since the other "natives" started claiming special entitlements to land in Pal less tine and You Crane.
@UnShredded Listen to your own racial slurs. Go back to where you came from. Stop living off the wealth of Indigenous land.
Growing up in Vancouver, I was taught quite a bit about the indigenous people of this area…and with that learning comes respect and (ideally) a degree of understanding. Our indigenous population is certainly worthy of recognition.
🙄
is there a Night club there
Yes. We have nightclubs...although, it's not a reason people would be visiting/moving to Vancouver.
Diversity in Vancouver is like this .
49% indian. %49 chinese 1% canadian born 1% everyone else.
@huskavarnaba Nope
Too many Indian
In my view, cultural diversity is one of Vancouver's biggest strengths @thehitman4.
Sorry, but your narrative is way too pretentious and does not reflect reality in Vancouver. Maybe it used to be like that, to some degree, but not anymore. Lot of poverty in Vancouver, that is called unaffordability, corruption, gangs, not to mention homelessness and no future whatsoever for most of people unless they move out.
I find his comments being very racist. As a Vancourite all my life, I welcome all people from all over the world. We are very lucky to live on the land owned by the Indigenous people. Racism should not be a topic for jokes!
@Vancouver.Canadian It's unclear which comment you are referring to as your post isn't a reply to a comment and you didn't reference a user name. Could you clarify?
@LivingInVancouver-BC You should read my comments again and compare them to your own comments in your video. You specifically target visible minorities, their related % of the population in Vacouver, and that 50% of them don't speak English. If these comments are not racially insulting, then I don't know what they are. My parents were immigrants from Europe, and they don't speak English; therefore, my whole family is also minority. My wife is Polish; therefore, she is minority. I found your comments in this video being very racially repulsive, and I don't put up with racists.
I needed to be clear on what specific comments you found to be "racist"...and now I have to ask. Are you actually serious?
What I'm referencing is Statscan demographic data. They are a reporting of demographic fact....so that my viewers understand the ethnic diversity of Vancouver. I'm not denigrating, nor discriminating anyone by reporting these facts.
I, in fact, mention in the video (and many of my other videos) how important ethnic diversity is to me and how much I love the diversity of Vancouver. I also spend a fair amount of time in my comment section arguing with actual racists.
I frequently get criticized for being too "liberal" and "woke"...but this is a first.
And, by the way...my parents are immigrants, too. They (and I) are German...so I'm also an ethnic minority in Canada. I also qualify as a Canadian who's first language is NOT English.
Perhaps you're just having a bad day and feel the need to argue with someone? But come on...you might want to find another hill to die on.
@LivingInVancouver-BC I am not going to argue with you and your reference to Statistic Canada's report. You intentionally used terms such as "visible minorities," "ethnic diversity," "languistic handicap in English," and their percentages of population in Vancouver without making reference to other "non-visible" minorities who are also living in Vancouver. That I found strange. Anyways, good luck with your work in the North Vancouver real estate market, where my family also resides.
What are you actually on about? At no point did i say the words “linguistic handicap in English”.
Did you watch the video before you very anonymously called me a racist? I have the guts to put my thoughts and views in a public forum and I’m used to being criticized but this is ridiculous. That whole segment is me talking positively about Vancouver’s ethnic diversity (as are countless other segments in my videos). Thoughtlessly bandying about a serious accusation as you are is irresponsible and cowardly….and it lessens the weight of the word.
Have you heard of the boy who cried wolf? You should save your outrage for those that actually deserve it.