1

Jeez. Except for the Heritage Pub (a roots music venue) in my opinion there isn't much going on there.

But maybe someone actually from New West would have a better insight.

I just go there to go to the surplus stores, Army and Navy and the Sally Ann.

2

I think it would be a ways to Vancouver to commute by bike, but the Sky Train runs out to New West.

3

I know I'm going to sound negative, but the Skytrain is what it has going for it-because it can get you out of there.
It is revitalizing, lots of new development, the main drag is changing, but it's a pretty sleepy place. My brother has lived there for 4 years and it's perfect for him and his young family.

4

I've never lived in New Westminster (I live across the River in Delta) but I went to college there and grew up in the lower mainland -

In my opinion, much of New West is a bit of a concrete jungle... at least by the skytrain stations. Parts of New Westminster (more residential areas) are quite nice with old heritage homes. The more center part of the city (older part) is a bit more of a mix of high rises and park.
My co-worker lives there and is very involved with her community - she loves it (in her mid to late 40s). She lives by queens park.
I know a younger couple that lived closer to the skytrain - and they loved it because they could be in Vancouver fairly quickly and easily (probably about 35 min) and the prices are far lower than the insane ones downtown.

Can't say much about the entertainment either.... I went to the college there for a bit, but New West is not a place my friends and I ever really went to do stuff. A decade ago there were a couple seedier dance clubs that have since closed... and I think there is still a comedy theatre. There is a new mall/theatre complex that is attached to one the stations - so the entertainment may pick up. It definitely has potential - and most people that live there seem to like it.

There are lots of hills in New Westminster - so biking is probably not so easy. If your new job is near the skytrain - I think that you could live pretty much anywhere on that side of the Fraser river and be within 30-45 min commute (skytrain, bus, car).

5

It's not as bad as it used to be but is almost certainly the worst place to cycle in the Lower Rainland.

6

why is it the worst for cycling? It seems pretty compact from what I can gather. About the rain, I know it rains all the time in winter, but aren't summers sunny (except for this year...)?

Also, does New West have a ton of cheap sushi like Vancouver?

7

"why is it the worst for cycling?"
Narrow roads/few bike paths/psychopath drivers/monster hills.

"does New West have a ton of cheap sushi like Vancouver?"
Not really No.