Relocating to Greater Vancouver

Thinking about relocating to Greater Vancouver? Whether you’re coming from another part of BC, another Canadian province or overseas, moving to a new city is a big decision. I’ve helped out-of-province buyers purchase homes here without living locally first, using virtual tours, clear market education and a step-by-step plan. This page will walk you through what it’s like to live in Greater Vancouver, how the home search and purchase process works from a distance, and how I can support you from your very first questions to move-in day.

Why People Relocate to Greater Vancouver

Greater Vancouver attracts people for its mix of mild climate, mountain and ocean access, diverse communities and strong job market, especially in tech, film, healthcare and education. The region includes the City of Vancouver plus surrounding cities like Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, New Westminster, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Richmond, Surrey and more.

These area consistently ranks among Canada’s most livable regions, with access to parks, beaches, transit and cultural amenities that are hard to match.

At the same time, Greater Vancouver is known for higher home prices compared to many other Canadian cities, so understanding what your budget can realistically buy is essential. My job is to help you match your lifestyle goals and budget with the right neighbourhoods and property types, so you’re not just buying “a place in Vancouver,” but a home that actually fits how you live.

Greater Vancouver at a Glance

Greater Vancouver isn’t just one city, it’s a collection of communities that each feel a little different:

City of Vancouver:

Urban, walkable, condo-heavy, close to beaches, downtown core, and major hospitals and universities.

Burnaby & New Westminster:

Central locations with SkyTrain, a mix of condos and houses, strong transit links and growing town centres.

Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam):

Family-oriented, more townhouses and detached homes, access to SkyTrain and West Coast Express, close to trails and lakes.

North & West Vancouver:

Mountain and ocean views, strong outdoor lifestyle, mix of condos and detached homes, popular with families and professionals.

Surrey, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford:

More space and generally more house for the money compared to the core, with growing transit and amenities.

If you’re not sure which city or neighbourhood is right for you yet, that’s completely normal. Part of my relocation service is walking you through the pros and cons of different areas based on your commute, budget, family needs and lifestyle preferences.

Relocation Reviews:

Amanda helped me and my family move from out of province to Vancouver. Thank goodness I was Fortunate to find her!! She is very Knowledgeable, Professional, Personable, Patient, Reliable and went above and beyond to help me in what was a very exciting, but very difficult move from 2,000 miles away! She really made the experience fun and exciting and I felt so well informed and welcomed. I would not hesitate to use her service again and would Highly recommend her for your Realtor.

Cherryl Smith - Google Review

How I Help Out-of-Province Buyers Relocate to Greater Vancouver

Relocating is more than just choosing a house online. You’re choosing a community, schools, commute routes and a day-to-day lifestyle you haven’t experienced yet.

Here’s how I support buyers who are moving into Greater Vancouver:

1) Relocation Discovery Call:

We start with a video or phone call to talk about where you’re coming from, your timeline, your budget, and what life looks like now versus what you want it to look like here.

2) Neighbourhood Education:

I’ll break down different cities and neighbourhoods in Greater Vancouver that match your goals, and send you maps, videos and listings so you can see the differences.

3) Curated Listing Emails:

Instead of sending you everything, I’ll filter the MLS to properties that actually fit your budget, needs and comfort level on renovations.

4) Virtual Tours & Detailed Feedback:

If you can’t be here in person, I’ll tour homes on your behalf over video, pointing out things the photos don’t show – street noise, building condition, layout flow and surrounding area.

5) Trip Planning When You Visit:

If you’re able to fly or drive in for a few days, I’ll help you structure the trip so we maximize showings and neighbourhood tours without overwhelming you.

6) Offer and Closing Support from a Distance:

I’ll walk you through contracts, subjects, inspections and closing steps in a clear way so you can sign with confidence, even if you’re still living in another province.

Your Relocation Home Buying Timeline

Just Exploring, No Set Date Yet

You’re curious about Greater Vancouver but nothing is firm yet. Job, family, or life plans are still in motion.

We start with a low-pressure phone or zoom call and a general search based on simple criteria like budget and bed/bath count so you can watch the market without any pressure to move quickly.

6 – 12+ Months Before Moving

You know a move is likely but the exact timing is flexible. I keep you updated with broad automated searches and neighbourhood info so you can see patterns in pricing and areas over time.

This stage is all about education and getting comfortable, not rushing into a decision.

3 – 6 Months Before Moving

Your timeline is starting to take shape. Here, I tighten the search with detailed filters; pets, views, parking, building type, commute routes and specific neighbourhoods.

You begin to see homes that genuinely fit how you live, and we flag favourites to tour virtually or on your first visit.

0 – 3 Months Before Moving

Now we’re in active home-hunting mode. We do focused virtual tours over Zoom and, if you’re in town, in-person showings.

I plan efficient and fun-filled viewing days around the properties of your choice, so you can see the right homes and neighbourhoods without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

Offer, Subjects & Closing From a Distance

When the right home appears, I guide you through pricing, offers and subject clauses that protect you while staying competitive.

Inspections, documents and signatures can all be handled remotely, and I walk you through each step so nothing feels confusing, even from another province.

After You’ve Moved In

My support doesn’t end at key handover. I can connect you with local movers, cleaners and trades, and I’m here to answer questions as you settle into your new home and city.

The goal is a smooth landing so you feel at home in Greater Vancouver as quickly as possible.

What Your Budget Might Buy in Greater Vancouver

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Greater Vancouver Condos For Sale

Condos are the most common starting point, especially in Vancouver proper, Burnaby, New Westminster and North Vancouver. They work well if you want a low-maintenance, lock-and-leave home close to transit, restaurants and amenities.

Greater Vancouver Townhomes For Sale

Townhouses offer more space and a house-like feel, often in the Tri-Cities, Surrey, Langley and parts of Burnaby and New West. They’re popular with buyers who want a bit of yard or a garage, but still like the idea of shared maintenance through a strata.

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Greater Vancouver Houses For Sale

Detached homes are available across the region, but prices vary dramatically by city and neighbourhood. Within the City of Vancouver and on the North Shore, they usually require a higher budget, while some outlying cities may offer more house and land for the same price range.

Greater Vancouver Luxury Homes For Sale

Luxury homes (typically $3,000,000 and up) are often found in areas with strong view, lot and lifestyle appeal — think select pockets of Vancouver, West Vancouver, North Vancouver and certain parts of the Fraser Valley. At this level, details like build quality, architecture, privacy and long-term resale become just as important as square footage.