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Vancouver - British Columbia - Canada

Moving to Vancouver - British Columbia - Canada 

Contribute to the community by sharing information to help the Desi community connect and support one another. Provide details about apartments where the Desi community resides. Answer questions from those moving here for work, school, or other reasons. Share information about areas or buildings with a significant Desi population, including rent costs, utilities included, accessibility, availability of laundry facilities, and other relevant details. Note: This section is not for posting apartments for rent—please use the classifieds section for that. The goal is to offer guidance and answer questions for people planning to move to this area.

 

1. Desi Community

• South Asian Community: Predominantly Indian (Punjabi Sikh, Hindu, Tamil), along with Pakistani and Bangladeshi populations.
• Punjabi Community: Largest subgroup, with a strong presence across the Greater Vancouver Area.

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2. Areas with Significant South Asian Populations

• Surrey: Home to a large South Asian population, especially Punjabi Sikhs.
• Abbotsford: Known for its thriving Punjabi community.
• South Vancouver: Includes neighborhoods like Sunset and Fraser Street with a mix of Indian and Pakistani families.
• Delta: Increasingly popular among Desi families.

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3. Main Market Areas

• Punjabi Market (Main Street, Vancouver):

  • Known as "Little India," offering Indian clothing, jewelry, and cultural items.

• Payal Business Centre (Surrey):

  • A hub for South Asian stores, restaurants, and services.

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4. Grocery Stores

• Sabzi Mandi (Surrey, Vancouver): Popular for fresh South Asian produce.
• Fruiticana (Multiple Locations): Offers Indian spices, produce, and specialty items.
• Punjab Food Centre (Surrey): Well-stocked with Punjabi and Indian staples.
• Apna Chaat House Grocery (Delta): Specializes in Indian snacks and groceries.

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5. Transportation

• Public Transit:

  • TransLink operates SkyTrain, buses, and SeaBus, making commuting accessible in South Asian neighborhoods.
  • Compass Card: A must-have for easy travel across Greater Vancouver.

• Ride Sharing:

  • Uber and Lyft are widely available.

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6. Religious Places

• Temples:

  • Shri Durga Temple (Surrey): Hindu temple catering to diverse communities.
  • ISKCON Vancouver (Burnaby): Famous for its cultural events.

• Gurdwaras:

  • Gurdwara Sahib Dasmesh Darbar (Surrey): One of the largest Sikh temples in the area.
  • Khalsa Diwan Society (Vancouver): Historical Sikh Gurdwara on Ross Street.

• Mosques:

  • Al-Jamia Masjid Vancouver: Oldest mosque in British Columbia.
  • Surrey Jamea Masjid: Popular among the local Muslim community.

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7. Cost of Living

• Housing:
  • Average rent in South Vancouver: $2,500/month for a 2-bedroom apartment.
  • Average rent in Surrey: $2,200/month for a 2-bedroom apartment.
• Groceries: Higher costs for imported South Asian goods.
• Transportation: Monthly transit pass starts at $130 for adults.

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8. Best Public Schools in South Asian Areas

Elementary Schools:

• David Oppenheimer Elementary (South Vancouver): Multicultural student body.
• Newton Elementary (Surrey): Popular in South Asian neighborhoods.
• Panorama Park Elementary (Surrey): Strong academic programs.

Middle Schools:

• L.A. Matheson Secondary (Surrey): Known for diversity and extracurriculars.
• Punjabi Language Academy (Surrey): Offers Punjabi as an elective.

High Schools:

• Tamanawis Secondary School (Surrey): Located in a predominantly South Asian area.
• John Oliver Secondary School (Vancouver): Popular among South Asian families.
• Queen Elizabeth Secondary School (Surrey): High-performing school in a multicultural area.