Quote:
Originally Posted by Klazu
Those of you living in Metrotown - how do you like the area? I would like to know what is Metrotown like when you live there? I have been to Metrotown dozens of times, but it has always been just a brief visit and during daytime.
How safe is Metrotown (not the mall) in the evening or during the night? Do women dare to go jogging alone on the residential streets? How about Central Park? Is it completely safe during day or in the evening? What type of crime is typical in the area and how does it fare crime wise against rest of Burnaby?
What are your favorite things to do during weekends and in the evening? Excluding whatever Metropolis has, what else there is to do in the area? With all the new development in recent years, is the streetscape getting any busier or are all the people concentrated inside the mall?
How busy is Skytrain in the morning, when commuting to Downtown? Is it still convenient or is it so crowded with people that it is already uncomfortable?
Lastly, do you think that Metrotown is just a vertical bedroom community with a big mall, or does it have its own life and character?
I would really appreaciate comments from people living in the area to know it a bit better. Thanks!
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I've been living on and off in Metrotown for 20 years. 20 years ago it was a bit of a rough neighborhood with trucker motels and the mall that closed at 5pm that would turn the area in unpleasant ghost town.
Nowadays it's much more affluent and lively given that the mall is open much longer. Mall still dominates everything and cuts the area in two. Some street life is starting to emerge with cafes that have been opening in the past 4-5 years. Most entertainment/restaurants/cafes are Asian themed or generic chains. Beyond going to cafe if I go out, I go either downtown or to New West. I actually find New West to be much more interesting neighborhood then Metrotown (particularly the river district - it has that seedy side that is fun with emerging new developments).
If I was single I would not live in Metrotown, but downtown. But since I have a kid the reason that Metrotown appeals to me is that:
1) I can have a bigger condo for my money
2) There are far better schools/ daycares then downtown
3) There is way more green space and parks that are not overrun by tourists.
Metrotown has gotten pretty safe. The south side with walk-ups used to be a bit of trouble zone. The north side was always fine. I go out at night and come back after midnight and I have never had a problem - but then again I am a man in my 40s so not much of a target...
Skytrain is fine even during rush hour. 50% of time I get a seat going downtown between 8:30 and 9am. It has gotten better ever since they started running 4 car MKII.
Let me know if anything else interests you...