From London to Vancouver: A Family’s Wild Ride

Sure, adjusting to Vancouver’s housing prices made London seem like a bargain bin sale. But who needs savings when you have a city that showers you with daily views of the Pacific Ocean?

1.Nicholas Jeffery

Sep 12, 2024 - 1 min read

Part One

When my family (wife and two small boys, ages 3 and 1) moved from London to Vancouver for my "dream job," I thought we were embarking on a professional triumph. Turns out, the only thing that triumphed was my realization that the job was a disaster—like a Titanic-level sinking. But while my career was gasping for air, Vancouver came to the rescue like a friendly lifeguard holding an artisanal coffee.

First off, let’s talk about the scenery. London has its historic charm and drizzle, but Vancouver? This place is like living inside a travel brochure. The mountains are practically shouting at you to "be more outdoorsy." My boys thought bears lived everywhere—my wife did, too. Turns out it was just the neighbors with an intense lumberjack vibe.

Our three-year-old decided to adopt Canadian politeness at warp speed. “Sorry!” he said, bumping into thin air while our one-year-old learned to toddle along Vancouver’s endless parks and beaches like he was auditioning for a nature documentary.

Adjusting to Vancouver’s housing prices made London seem like a bargain bin sale. But who needs savings when you have a city that showers you with daily views of the Pacific Ocean?

In the end, the job may have sunk, but Vancouver kept us afloat—with its beauty, coffee, and the sheer joy of watching my family thrive in a city so chill that even the raccoons look like they're on holiday.

By Nicolas Jeffery: CEO / Co-Founder Impresario Partners