Want to live and work in Richmond?

Richmond is the most notable example of a Canadian city with an Asian majority. The first major Chinese wave came from Hong Kong in the 1980s and 1990s, before the territory's handover to China. Migrants from the mainland and Taiwan followed. Today the Chinese presence extends across all neighborhoods, accounting for approximately half the population.

English is the official language, but Mandarin and Cantonese are so widely used that many services, including banks, clinics, and private schools, operate in those languages. There is also a strong Filipino presence, South Asian communities (Indian, Pakistani), and a historic Japanese presence (Steveston was historically a Japanese fishing village). The Brazilian community is small, but some immigrants connected to YVR and the technology sector live there.

The population is, on average, older than Surrey's and younger than Victoria's. There is a high proportion of families with school-age children, drawn by the reputation of local schools. Suburbs such as Steveston and Terra Nova have a more residential and family-oriented profile.

Richmond's downtown, around Brighouse Station, is dominated by new residential towers. River Green, Riverport, and the Olympic Oval area (site of speed skating at the 2010 Games) attract young families. Renting a new two-bedroom apartment in this area runs between CAD 2,800 and CAD 3,400.

Steveston, in the southwest, has traditional homes near the fishing harbor and is the most sought-after neighborhood for families with children. Terra Nova and Seafair, in the western part of the island, have large houses on quiet streets near the dike and Sturgeon Bank Reserve. East Richmond and Hamilton, on the eastern edge, are more isolated but offer better prices.

Renting requires proof of income, references, and a half-month deposit. Rent is regulated provincially. Popular platforms include PadMapper, Liv.rent, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace. Many listings also appear on WeChat and Xiaohongshu for properties with a Chinese-oriented profile.

Richmond School District (SD38) has a solid reputation and serves approximately 22,000 students. Asian families often prioritize Richmond for its schools, and neighborhoods such as Steveston and Terra Nova have schools (Steveston-London, McMath) that rank well on the Fraser list. There are also many private schools, frequently affiliated with churches or cultural communities.

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has a campus in Richmond with practical programs in design, business, health sciences, and applied science. Trinity Western University has an extension in Richmond. Vancouver Film School and the Art Institute of Vancouver attract international students for film, animation, and design.

K-12 schools are free for children of residents or holders of work or study permits. For international students arriving as minors with accompanying adults, there is a special paid program administered by the district, with tuition of approximately CAD 16,000 per year.

Richmond consistently ranks among the safest cities in Greater Vancouver, alongside West Vancouver and parts of Burnaby. Violent crime is rare, and neighborhoods such as Steveston, Terra Nova, Seafair, and Riverport have very low rates. Walking at night in the downtown core and along dike parks is generally safe.

The most commonly reported issue is porch piracy: thieves taking packages left at doors after delivery (Amazon, FedEx). Bicycle theft also occurs, mainly at SkyTrain stations. Vehicle theft exists but is less prevalent than in other cities in the region.

Local policing is handled by the RCMP, with a large detachment in Richmond. The city is one of the most Asian in Canada, and the community maintains strong neighborhood watch networks and relationships with police, which contributes to the overall sense of security.

Summers in Richmond are comfortable, with highs between 22 and 24 degrees Celsius, low humidity, and breezes from the Strait of Georgia. The island is flat and draws cyclists and walkers to its dikes. Air conditioning is not essential, but some newer towers come with it factory-installed.

Winter is wet. From November to February it rains most days, with highs between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius. Snow is rare, and morning mist over the Fraser River is common in autumn. Mild flooding can occur in low-lying areas during heavy storms.

For those living in Richmond, it is important to check a home's elevation, as much of the city sits below sea level and relies on dikes. Natural gas heating is standard, and a good waterproof jacket covers almost the entire rainy season.

Residents of Richmond know that the core is the No. 3 Road corridor, home to Aberdeen Centre, Lansdowne Centre, and the food court network of Richmond Public Market. On weekends, the Richmond Night Market runs through the summer and becomes a gathering spot for entire families.

Steveston Fishing Village, in the south of the city, preserves the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site, active fishing boats, and direct sales of salmon and crab at the dock. The Britannia Shipyards is a must-visit for understanding the history of Japanese and Indigenous communities.

For art and architecture, the International Buddhist Temple on Steveston Highway welcomes visitors and features an open formal garden. The Richmond Olympic Oval, a legacy of the 2010 Games, has become a public sports center with a pool, climbing wall, and Olympic museum.