Should I move to San Francisco or Vancouver?

Question

I have dual citizenship, so that's not an issue. I'd like to work in something film/media/technology related. I'd prefer to live without a car. I'm young and I'm poor and I'm gay. Considering all of this, which city would you recommend over the other, or at least what would be the pros and cons? I've spent several months in SF vs just a few days in Vancouver, so please be more detailed about the latter. I loved both. Right now SF is winning just because I have friends there and potential jobs. How easy would it be to move to Vancouver knowing no one? Thanks!

Answer 1

Well, I think, for you, it comes down to this: do you want to move to a city where you have no friends and little familiarity with the city or do you want to go to a place where you already have friends, potential jobs and more familiarity? For me, Vancouver is the best place to live because it is a relatively small, quiet city. San Francisco is definitely bigger and busier. The nightlife is better in San Francisco, but, in my opinion, the scenery and outdoor activities are better in Vancouver. Vancouver is almost certainly a safer city than San Francisco. Jobs will be easier to find in San Francisco and taxes are less in the United States than Canada. Prices are higher in San Francisco, and affordable, quality housing is more of an issue in San Francisco than Vancouver. Public transit is pretty good in Vancouver. There are many buses in the downtown area and an excellent rapid transit system (Sky Train). I don't think people are any more or less friendly in Vancouver than other large cities. If you go out and socialize, you will make new friends in Vancouver. As for the weather - well, yes, it does rain a lot in Vancouver from November to April, but the summers are fantastic, the snow stays on the mountains, and it seldom gets very cold (or hot). There is little or no smog, and the air and water quality is very good most of the time. The gay community in Vancouver is, obviously, not as large as in San Francisco, and smaller than that in Toronto, but it is still fairly vibrant and visible. There is almost no prejudice and very few hate crimes against gays in Vancouver. So, as you said, there are pros and cons to living in both cities. For me though, with my lifestyle, Vancouver is the place to be. For you - well, that is for you to decide. Good luck!

Answer 2

I was in a similar situation when I decided to move to San Francisco 6 years ago. Being poor was the biggest issue :(. Vancouver's a wonderful city. I also considered Seattle - but I've only visited those cities as a tourist (and loved them). Both cities are also expensive to live in. Seattle was the most affordable for me.

San Francisco has certain areas that are not as expensive and still have a lot to offer, without having to give up *safety*. For example the Excelsior district is close to the highway (if you need to drive down the peninsula) and public transportation, as well as city college, or SFSU (where I finished school). I mention Excelsior district because it seems like over the last 6 years there has been a large influx of gays who have moved in - I think it's because places like Castro and other up and coming neighborhoods have become too expensive. So it's also very easy to be gay here :) Not to mention the good, inexpensive food.

The job situation is also getting very, very good here (it was pretty rough for a a couple years) - with decent pay - almost enough to pay for living expenses. Ha ha. You can search on Craigslist jobs section to get a better idea. Just compare the results you find in Vancouver vs. the results you find in San Francisco and Bay Area. Also lot of hiring is in South San Francisco because of places like Genentech / BioTech.

My recommendation is definitely San Francisco! You'll love it here and find so much to do. I'm sure it's the most forward thinking area in the whole world.

I'm sure you would be very happy here. Good luck on your decision!

Mike

Answer 3

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Answer 4

Well, are you an American citizen or a Canadian citizen? I personally love San Francisco, but I had a good time in Vancouver. You would also love Seattle, Washington. Both San Francisco and Seattle are very vegetarian and environmental friendly.

Answer 5

I’m born and raised in Vancouver and I have never been to San Francisco, but I can say without any hesitation…. San Francisco.

Vancouver is the best place in the world when the weather is nice, but for the other 350 days a year it is real depressing. It also has more pretentious, stuck-up, pompous, arrogant, self-important people per square mile that any other place on earth.

Answer 6

With its hill foundation and downtown beaches, Vancouver has the rightly gained standing of being one of the very most beautiful cities on earth, with hotelbye you may have the opportunity to see this phenomenal city. One of the areas you'll need to see in Vancouver may be the Downtown Vancouver. Downtown Vancouver is superbly found on a peninsula in the Strait of Georgia bounded to the south by the delta of the Fraser River and to the north with a strong fiord reaching much inland. Here you may also see the often snow-covered ranges of the Coast Mountains. Stanley Park is one of the most visited parks. Is really a lush Peninsula Park of huge trees adjoining to Downtown Vancouver. A flat seawall route encircles the green space, and most guests make an effort to investigate on base or by bicycle. Inland, the park presents many things to do, and readers can invest the full time exploring attractions which range from the totem rods at Brockton Point to the west coast sea life at the Vancouver Aquarium. Spectacular opinions certainly are a standard through the entire park.

Answer 7

I used to live in BC near Vancouver and now live in California near San Fran. I love Vancouver, but since you have a job prospect and friends in San Fran I would pick that city.

Answer 8

Well, Vancouver has a booming film industry, and excellent public transportation. It is also beautiful and has a lot of outdoor activities.
I love Vancouver, and living here. I have also spent a lot of time in SF, as one of my kids lived there.

Since you have friends and contacts in SF, that might be the place to start, then maybe visit Vancouver whenever possible.

Answer 9

SF for sure as the weather is better. There is beautiful scenary in both areas, but I prefer the scenary in the SF area. I think the darkness of vancouver weather may get you down. BART is great to get around, so living without a car would be a possibility. People are very friendly and up front in SF in my experience.

Good luck to you.

Answer 10

san fran. great city. vancouver's lovely, but i say sf over vancouver any day.