Q: I'll be in Vancouver for the Olympics. I have been twice, but the first time I was a kid and the second was for a conference, which didn't leave me much time to explore. I'm hoping to convince my hubby to relocate once he sees how gorgeous it is. ;) Could someone knowledgeable about Vancouver tell me what I should not miss as a tourist, and what areas we might want to check out as potential places to live? We're not rich, but we're comfortable (right now our family income is about $84,000), but I am a student and hope to become an MD one day. So we could afford a decent, but not over the top extravagant area. I am more of the health conscious nature loving type, but wouldn't mind a hip trendy area either. Anything close to a hospital where I could work would be nice. I also like to be involved in my community, volunteering at soup kitchens and fundraising for terminally ill children, etc. It sounds "Mother Teresa", but I really like to do those things since I grew up with sick and poor people. So I'd prefer a neighborhood with a friendly socially conscious atmosphere if possible. Note: I'm no use if I'm dead, so please don't advise me to LIVE on the Downtown East Side. ;) Thanks for any and all help! :) Is the Skytrain still safe, and what does it cost now?
A: Tourist stuff: Gastown, Pan Pacific, Granville Island, Stanley Park, Capilano Suspension Bridge, The Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson Street shopping. Rent in the Fairview Slopes area as the Van General Hospital is there. (aprox $1000 - $1,200/month). A house/condo goes for approx: $375K to $600K btw - skytrain is still safe. $2.50 for one zone ! I think $3.75 for three zones.