Q: i'd like to live in a desirable area with a 1bdr appartment (what is average rent cost for a decent place?), i'm 30, so would like to get out and about easily, my work is near homer street (v6b) the salary also includes 4% bonus. any help people can offer in my move it would be appreciated.
A: It's not bad. If you're single and renting an apartment and if you can do without a new car, you'll be pretty comfortable. With your work being downtown, you should be able to rent an apartment in a location where you can bus to work. For daytrips or going out of town there is a sort of co-operative car ownership available, can't remember its name. Try Kitsilano, the West End, Kerrisdale, Yaletown, Fairview, False Creek, all quite desireable. They should suit for someone your age. Homer St isn't far from the Skytrain which is our equivalent of the Tube, so if you wanted to rent further out it would be easy to get to work but you might find a dearth of nightlife. The districts I mentioned are in or close to downtown and would give you lots to do in the evenings close to home and work.