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I much prefer LA's Climate to Vancouver's by a long shot but I'd argue that Vancouver is a more scenically beautiful city. I don't really like the look of the mountains around LA. Compared to Vancouver, they look barren and brown even in the winter when it's supposed to be the wet season.
if you compare downtown Vancouver with downtown LA, Vancouver wins. If you compare their suburbs and places to go outside of the city, then LA is the winner without any doubt.
As for the person who denigrated LA for its lack of nature...have you spent any time here, dude? You'd be amazed that it isn't all Disneyland and Sunset Strip! At least check Google Maps before making yourself look foolish.
I almost feel bad coming down on Vancouver like this...almost ;-)
LOL.
For most Canadians, LA has nothing but Hollywood and freeways, has no public transit and is surrounded an ocean on the west and desert on all other three sides!
In reality, LA's rapid transit system is longer than Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal. (141km vs about 68km for all three Canadian cities), mostly light rail.
And in terms of nature, a quick glance of the maps shows that LA has all the mountains on its north-east side. I don't know why Vancouverites tend to believe ocean and mountain nearby is something only their city has. Plus LA's beaches are swimmable 8 or 9 months of the year
if you compare downtown Vancouver with downtown LA, Vancouver wins. If you compare their suburbs and places to go outside of the city, then LA is the winner without any doubt.
it is silly to compare downtown LA with anything.
LA is never about its downtown.
LA crushes Vancouver on all fronts. I don't even start to understand this thread.
LA crushes Vancouver on all fronts. I don't even start to understand this thread.
Ugh well the person who started this thread either has their head up their ass or isn't very well traveled. Maybe it's both. Aside from strong film industry connections LA & Vancouver are nothing alike (I've lived in both cities) like other people have already stated if Vancouver has any similarities to an american city It's SAN FRANCISCO
However I disagree with you on a few points.
- Vancouver has much better density/walkability. + public transit in L.A. (not including the blue bus) is a complete joke. Even most people from other American cities recognize this.
- The air is significantly cleaner. You can really notice the difference when traveling between the cities.
- Crime rate is better in Vancouver. Although not perfect we don't have gangbanging thugs battling for turf and doing random drive by's for some idiots initiation into their gang. Baseball Hats don't have secret gang meanings either. It's better for families.
- English Bay > Santa Monica & Venice. Yes I said it. I can't stand the gross beaches of L.A. Too many drug addicts & seedy people. Much prefer the laid back vibe of Vancouver's beaches where everyone is sitting on the logs hanging out. It's more positive. Orange County & San Diego's beaches are a different story (I love them)
That being said I love both cities. L.A. obviously is more cultured and has more to offer for a younger person. I'll admit Granville street is a complete joke but that's not why I live here. The lush forests & beautiful hills are way more appealing to me to any of the entertainment options that L.A offers. To each his own
^ LA's problems you mentioned are usually associated with larger cities (LA is like 6-8 times the size of Vancouver). Transit is LA's weakness but it is improving fast, probably the fastest in North America.
Additionally, I don't understand the obsession with transit as if it is some sort of golden standard. I personally love using public transit and avoid driving but the culture is not always the same. Most people in LA prefer driving, and outside the tiny downtown, the majority of Vancouverites still need to drive, esp when not heading downtown.
The two cities are really not comparable. Too much size difference. It is like comparing Seattle to New York City. People who like small cities will always prefer Settle.
Which city is more expensive to live? Can you make it on 50K a year in LA?
I make around 60K a year but the only reason I'm doing okay is because I don't have kids and inherited a place. Otherwise I'd be barely scrapping by.
LA is surprising an affordably city compared to other major ones, especially the ones in Canada. Everything is cheaper in LA than in Vancouver, maybe with the exception of rent. $50k is OK for a single person but won't give you a lavish life for sure, but you will be able to rent in a decent place, drive a decent car and live a good life (won't end up saving much if you need to pay rent though because it is high).
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