Unless you enjoy bed bugs, I'd stay the heck out of the bug epicenter aka. The West end (Davie/Denman). Vancouver has a huge bed bug issue that's been swept under the rug and no landlords/realtors will tell you about it. If you want to live downtown and avoid this, your best bet is to rent something built in the last 3 years likely putting you in Yaletown +/- Coal Harbour which is going to cost you alot for a tiny apartment. If you find a building you like, google the name/address + "bed bug" and see what comes up. All it takes is one unit to be infested because they can crawl under walls & carpet.
I will confirm that Vancouver has a relatively xenophobic culture. You will find that the majority of the good friends you make will not originally be from Vancouver. Also be prepared to meet alot of flakey people here - your strong & logical Alberta soul will die a slow painful death every time a local opens their mouth. Someone like Troutman would go absolutely postal here!
|