Posted by: Polymath
One thing I notice is that there seems to be an attitude of "entitlement" to the fact that it is a right to live here. Living in Vancouver is not a right and a privilege that you have to earn. I notice this especially for those whom want to live on the Shore or do so. Having been born and raised in Lynn Valley I notice this a lot from those like me whom were also born and raised here. The idea of having to move to somewhere else or, heaven forbid, Abbotsford or Langley, is unthinkable despite the fact the cost of living is lower (relatively of course). Many whom I grew up with have never left the Shore wanting to stay but instead of buying when you could of in an affordable area (when it was) they instead rent and now are out of the ability to ever own anything anywhere. They have built up no equity or savings either. I live in Langley now and bought when it was attainable but I would love to go back to the Shore and have missed it since leaving (actually, I would prefer Lions Bay or Squamish now that North Van is so congested). The idea of not living in NV is so unthinkable to many I know it shocks me. In the end they will be left with nothing since rents can go nothing but up and available units go down. Many I know have been told to move out as the unit is being used for older children of the landlords whom themselves cannot find anywhere to rent and it stands to reason you are going to think of family first.
I get it we all want to live in a nice area that suits our lifestyle and proclivities but the simple fact is that Vancouver is turning into another Monaco and attainability and affordability are long gone and never coming back. I have no idea how anyone under 30 today is going to have any hope of staying here unless they come into money or have a high paying job from the start. The demographic shift in the next 10 years is going to be a real eye opener. Even worse is the ambivalence of employers whom seem to think it is not their problem but cannot find workers as the wages offered cannot support the livability of the people they need to work. But where are these workers coming from? A Starbucks barista is not living in an apartment downtown alone that's for sure. Or anyone in the service industry for that matter.
for the last 25yrs I been telling people on this forum IME if they had left Vangroovy they can afford to buy a home and have mo money,
also if you run a basement suite you can make money from that guy who is busy squandering his opurtoonity while living in your basement and givivng you the rent $$$ every month
but having to put up with renters is hassle so it would seem
so is having to put up with a land lord
I thot squamish had the best bike trails? but bike trails are getting built ever ware with government funding
