True, Vancouver features pretty highly internationally as a desirable city to live in. But there are lots of desirable cities abroad that aren't nearly as crazy expensive. There are no affordable and really desirable cities in Canada - Halifax is perhaps the closest, but that still falls pretty short of the mark (apologies to people from Halifax, but that's my opinion.)
Hah. Just made the Vancouver to Halifax move for exactly the reasons you cite. It’s a great place to be for young families. Affordable, welcoming, walkable, lots of nature close by. No roots here but did the math and took the path that 20 of our friends have taken and left Vancouver. And not even close to looking back.
It's become much more affordable since the oil recession, although there's less oil related jobs now (but it's good if you're in another industry). As for the weather, it's not terrible, sunny summers and all. But I also like winter, and can drive from my condo to Banff in one hour even.
