Carrie says: I used to be one of those people that just said hi and retreated to my sanctuary, recharge, rest then face the world. Then I met my husband, he creates community wherever he goes. Our neighborhood is close to the forest, on the edge a university: babies, students, professors and dogs absorb the beauty of our surroundings. Our door is open and I feel safe. I love our corner of the world.

Danielle says: I love how my neighborhood feels. Everybody knows each other’s dog’s name. There is usually more than one kid in my kitchen. I have favorite places for cheese pies, organic cotton pillow cases, and omlettes. There’s always an Amnesty International petitioner on the corner, my hairdresser sells Obama t-shirts. And get this, there are more cafes per capita in my ‘hood than anywhere else in Canada. It’s incredibly laid back and diversified here. Quintessential west coast feel: progressive, chilled out, organic.