Potential move to Vancouver?!?

[SnowBells]

Hi,

We are currently looking at moving abroad. I myself have moved several times in my life, but this would be a real first for DH.

If we did move, this would be due to DH's work as he can earn a lot more outside of the UK than within. A large US company asked him whether he'd consider relocating. Obviously, he'd still have to interview, etc. - but given that I'm obsessed with forward-planning, I thought I'd research this first.

If this all worked out, I'd have to give up my job. I do earn more than him right now, so it's a little unsettling... but I'd also like to just move and experience living in another country for a while and take some time off from the rat race.

I've googled around, and it seems that with his degrees and years of experience, he could expect to receive around CAD130-160k (plus bonus and stocks, healthcare, etc. - but I'm not calculating that in here), so around GBP78-98k. That's less than what he'd get in the US, but we are where we are. The top end of that range is less than our combined base salaries in the U.K.

Now my question: I'm not well-versed in the Canadian tax system, but is that enough for a family to live on in expensive Vancouver? We're thinking of renting there and letting out our house here.

Thanks!

Vancouver is a 9 hour flight from the UK and has an eight hour time difference. While I have done a couple of very short visits to the UK they have been for family emergencies (funerals) it's really really not a long weekend type of trip. Personally I'd also say that flights are very expensive, but if you are well off then that might not be an issue.

Re teaching things have really changed this year, and there is now an under supply where previously most teachers had to sit in supply pools for years before getting permanent posts. But it is also harder for employers to hire non Canadians. The best way in is to either transfer (by far the easiest route) or have a niche high demand skill - the designer OP might have the best chance.

Re rental costs, my dh has just got a job in Van (we are in the interior now) and so we've looked a bit at potential places. I thought costs would be crazy, but I think the issue is more lack of supply. $5,000 a month would be for something very high end or in a very smart neighbourhood. I would have thought $2-$3K more likely

nooka I assume you are looking at renting a 2bed apartment? If so yes it will be $2-3k a month. I was giving $5k for a small 3 bed house.

We were looking at a one bed or studio place as it's just for dh, but we have also looked about a bit for longer term options. However the OP said she would be needing a two bed condo. It does depend hugely on area, but yes Vancouver is very expensive.

Do any of you know how school admissions in Vancouver and Burnaby work if you move to the area out of year? Do you just get your catchment school? what if it's full? (we are moving too, from the UK)

vancouver and burnaby are two different school districts and they'll have different rules. If your catchment school is full, you'll just have to find a spot somewhere else. Best to contact potential schools directly. YOu'll need to prove residency etc.

I think Vancouver is amazing - it's beautiful and has the big city aspect but it also feels quite rural in places. I particularly like Langley, Surrey and Walnut Grove (I think). These parts are further out but still really nice. Everything is accessible on the motorways although no idea about commuting times. If you live on the south outskirts it could be amazing and you are also very close to the USA border and I know many Canadians go to the US for cheaper food and pretrol. That said I have heard the east coast is quite a bit cheaper in parts but I'd give Canada a look if I were you. Why not?

I suggest called by the school you are targeting and asking them what the policy is for their district / school. The rules on the websites are not always the real rules. If you don’t get your first choice school, call the other schools yourself. In some districts the school secretary of your catchment school you apply to is supposed to find you a school in the district if your catchment school is full. It’s better if you call around yourself and check for space.

Also, don’t rule out applying again. There is a lot of movement between schools so the kids’ peer group might not be the same next year even if they stay put.

Thanks FloraFox, that's really good to know. I gather it might be a bit less official than here in the UK - perhaps schools have more discretion about when they can offer / make a place etc. I don't want to be going this in Sept when I'm already supposed to be working but I'm not sure it's going to realistic to get there in time to do it in June when schools are still open. Ah well, sounds like it will work out without us making a huge effort to arrange an address right now before Jan 31...

I know in Burnaby schools are supposed to keep a certain number of spots free for families moving into catchment (I'm in Burnaby). Here is the offical website:
www.sd41.bc.ca/registration/

Just moved to Burnaby and wish to register your child into a public school for the upcoming school year? Find out what school your child should attend by using School Locator. Then call the school the last week of August for registration information.

Vancouver: www.vsb.bc.ca/school-registration

Toronto is a tough place to get a job as a teacher though.