"Leaving Vancouver was one the best things I ever did. I do not miss any of the things people believe to be so essential as to require living in the most expensive real estate in the country."

This advice was directed at the prior ‘sardine family’ poster, but it’s applicable in a broader sense too, so it is posted separately. Here’s Kurt at greaterfool.ca on 29th October at 11:37 pm -

“I don’t know how portable your job(s} are, but leaving Vancouver was one the best things I ever did. Think carefully, and if you do, make damn sure you’ve got a job waiting for you, but you really should consider going elsewhere. I do not miss any of the things people believe to be so essential as to require living in the most expensive real estate in the country.”