Greater Vancouver (GRVD):
The Lower Mainland or GVRD
Greater Vancouver a coastal city and major seaport located in the Lower Mainland of southwestern British Columbia, Canada, it is bounded by the Strait of Georgia, the Fraser River and the Coast Mountains. Named after British explorer Captain George Vancouver, Vancouver was first settled in the 1860s as a result of immigration caused by the Fraser Canyon Gold Rush.
Metro Vancouver or Greater Vancouver is a region with a population of 2,249,725 (2007 estimate). This makes it the largest metropolitan area in Western Canada and the third largest in the country. The population of Greater Vancouver is expected to grow by 450,000 during the next 10 years reaching over 3 million by 2021. Vancouver is consistently ranked one of the three most livable cities in the world, according to a 2007 study. Vancouver tied with Vienna as having the third highest quality of living in the world.
The diversity of Greater Vancouver is one of it's many strengths, with 52% of city residents and 43% of Metro residents having a first language other than English. The city's scenic location makes it a wonderful place to live not to mention a major tourist destination. Visitors come for the city's gardens, the ocean, forest and parklands. The 18 kilometres of beaches that surround Vancouver include English Bay, Jericho, Kitsilano Beach, Locarno, Second Beach, Spanish Banks East, Spanish Bank Extension, Spanish Bank West, Sunset, and Third Beach. The coastline provides for many water sports, and the city is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts. The nearby North Shore Mountains are home to three ski areas, Cypress Mountain, Grouse Mountain, and Mount Seymour. Each are within a 20 to 30 minute drive from the downtown core. Whistler Blackcomb is located approximately 125 km from Vancouver and is consistently rated among the top five ski resorts in North America by ski magazine, due to the combination of extensive terrain, good snow, and a highly-rated nightlife.The well-developed village contains several large hotels, restaurants and bars, condominiums, and vacation homes. The numerous beaches, parks, waterfronts, and mountain backdrop, combined with Vancouver's cultural and multi-ethnic character, and all contribute to its unique appeal and high quality of life.
Metro Vancouver the "city of neighbourhoods" and the surrounding areas are not only diverse but numerous and varied: Vancouver West, Vancouver East, West Vancouver, North Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Ladner, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Tsawwassen, Port Moody.
If you are looking to buy or sell in one of the city's neighbourhoods, please feel free to contact me. I can align you with an experienced specialized area Agent, at no cost to you.