Former locals share what’s changed most in Vancouver since their last visit
If you’ve ever left Vancouver to move somewhere else, there will likely be some changes in the way you feel about the city if you return.
After moving from Vancouver to Sydney over 12 years ago, a Redditor recently shared what they noticed upon returning to spend a few days on the West Coast, sparking a longer discussion online.
First on their list: the Granville strip. While it was a place they often frequented in their younger days for the nightlife, the Redditor noted that it’s gotten “a lot worse” over the years.
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“A lot of boarded up shopfronts, it smells like piss, and there is a LOT more problematic drug use than there used to be,” they said.
“I used to go out dancing here as a young person, and a friend I was chatting to said that’s not really much of a thing for young people anymore because they can’t afford it, which is sad to hear.”
Another major difference they observed was the “destitution in the [Downtown Eastside], which they feel had “expanded” and was “really sad to see.”
An additional gripe they had was with “so many people… now blasting speakers everywhere.”
“Like, wtf is that about? It’s so rude, and I’ve never seen it like this anywhere else? I was in Stanley Park on a trail (not the seawall) and some dude walked by with music absolutely BLARING,” she said.
They also shared some positive observations about the city.
“There are some really lovely developments in gorgeous new street art, electric vehicle bays, dog parks, green spaces, EVO! I love it,” they noted, adding that they also noticed the coffee shop options have gotten much better.
Gabriel Martins/Submitted
Several commenters agreed with the poster.
“We have lived abroad for 20+ years now and come back a couple of times per year for a month or so. I have to agree with pretty much your entire summary,” noted one Redditor.
“The only thing I would add is the quantity of traffic and the number of potentially severe traffic jams now. I never recall it being so bad in that regard. Still love the place though.”
Another former local, who moved away 35 years ago and visits every two to three years, added a few more observations.
“There’s… a ton of new high rises (Yaletown, Downtown, Richmond,… Metrotown, etc.),” they said, also noting the influx of traffic.
They added that Metro Vancouver has become significantly more expensive, from gas to groceries.
One Redditor recalled returning to Vancouver after spending several years abroad, and immediately noticing how small the SkyTrain system was compared to other cities.
Unveiling of SkyTrain’s first new Mark V train on July 10, 2025. (Kenneth Chan)
“For example, in Sydney, you have like eight+ train lines going to downtown Sydney from many directions. There are trains that stop at every town, and other trains that are express,” they shared.
Nevertheless, they felt that after all their travels, “the natural beauty of Vancouver and the surrounding areas is UNREAL… best place on earth!”
Many commenters agreed that the use of speakers blaring music had gone too far.
“The playing audio out loud thing has gotten out of hand. People do it while in the waiting room at the doctor’s office, on transit, pretty much anywhere,” said one person.
“It really is wild how many people just don’t have the courtesy to use headphones,” another Redditor chimed in.
“Extra-loud speakers: Yeah, this is a newish thing,” read a comment.
“I don’t get it. Used to be a time when it was just someone playing music out of a cellphone.”
If you’ve left Vancouver and recently returned to the city for a visit, what are some changes you’ve noticed? Let us know in the comments below.