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32 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2012 : 7:28 PM
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...but I have concerns about employment, cost of living, weather, etc.
Right now we live in the prairies. Boiling hot in the summer, uber freezing in the winter, mosquitoes... a real paradise. :) However, the cost of living and housing is relatively low, there is a fair amount of sunshine, and I have a job as a construction electrician that pays well.
My wife and I haven't full decided on where to move, but Nanaimo is a very good possibility. The price of housing seems comparable to Winnipeg, and the weather is certainly milder. I do wonder what the economy is like, and whether I will have work year round in my chosen field.
While I am not an uber hardcore outdoor enthusiast, I do love spending time in the woods. I love hiking (maybe 10 to 20 km solo, or 5 or so with my wife), cycling (whether it is road or mountain), kayaking (on lakes or rivers), and cross country skiing. We are somewhat restricted by our local terrain - we usually have to travel 2 to 4 hours (round trip) for decent outdoor activities.
If we were to move to Nanaimo, would most or all of the activities be available locally? Oh, are there nice bike paths in town? Or would there be a long drive to get there? And if so, is there a better location to live?
Finally, is it crazy cloudy there all the time? Will I need to use my SAD lamp on a daily basis?
To anyone who has moved to Vancouver Island, do you love it there? Any regrets? Does the island feel small to you?
Sorry to ask so many questions - I just want to have as much information as possible. I have been to the island once, and thought it was pretty great. I have been to the mainland a few times, but it is generally too expensive to contemplate living there.
Thanks
JG |
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 Mysterious, pop can stove stashin', gps totin', overnighter virgin, wannabe tentmaker and foul weather wuss who rides a thumper to the trailhead with wonderdog Max to hike the Chilliwack Valley
Chwk
Canada
4910 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2012 : 8:06 PM
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The only thing I can add (as a Mainlander) is that you may eventually tire of the scenery there and wish to do some camping/fishing/hiking over on this side.
The cost to get yourself back and forth is ridiculous and shows no sign of improving. For instance, last year it cost us almost $200 (one way) to get the four of us, my F350 crummy, 19ft trailer and car-topper boat to Nanaimo. We also camped on one of the Gulf Islands, which cost another $85 to get to.
All tolled, it was close to $500 just in Ferry costs to get to where we were going...and this didn't even include the price of fuel or the campsite.
Even though it's beautiful and relaxing, we only visit the Island once a year because of the costs involved.
The Mainland isn't as bad as you think. The housing prices in Vancouver and area are out of reach for most people, but generally the prices drop the further inland you go.
BC means Bring Cash...our taxes/user fees/highway tolls are crazy!
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Edited by - TheShadow on 03/22/2012 8:10 PM |
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Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
110 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2012 : 9:26 PM
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JeesieG- I moved to Vancouver Island in 2006 from squamish BC,(which is 45 minutes north of vancouver on the mainland) and to be honest I will never move back to the mainland, just to busy
to many people, to rat racy.
I currently live in Victoria and love it here, its not to big, 350,000, and not to small, as for outdoor stuff to do, its endless, the island to me has it all and never seems to get dull.
In victoria, you have coastal hikes along beautiful beaches, juan de fuca park as well as the famous West Coast Trail are very close. You have Strathcona Park, which is a alpine park, which is about a 3 hour drive north as well as the ski resort of Mt Washington, which has some of the finest powder in the world.
those are just a few of many areas to explore, Tofino on the west coast of the island has world class surfing, beautiful beaches are endless here on the island, Cape Scott PArk on the north island is my favorite spot, just incredible beaches, old growth rainforest, rich in history.
As for employment, Victoria seems to be good for work at the moment, Nanaimo is smaller and employment there can be sparse. Victoria shipyards was awarded part of the big federal shipbuilding contract which is suppose to be starting up at the end of 2012, Im sure they will be looking for workers in your trade, pay is really good + union.
Of course the down side of the island is the ferries, way over priced and continues to rise.
a once or twice a year trip to the mainland is all I need, then back to "the Rock" as some of us call it. All in all, Van island is great, crime is lower, housing is a little cheaper than the mainland, Victoria is highest on the island, but its all hear, very chill, good luck on your move. |
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Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
110 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2012 : 9:28 PM
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| Sorry I meant JessieG, oh the weather is a little wet, but farely mild, just buy a nice rain jacket you'll be fine, rain keeps things fresh and green. |
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 03/22/2012 : 9:41 PM
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Comox-courtney and Victoria have good bicycle trails for both recreation or commuting.
Please leave the SAD lamps off or at home, most certainly do not need outdoor lighting, many communties/people here are going progressively Dark Sky and the nights here are something to marvel at and be happy with. |
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Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
10 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2012 : 12:17 AM
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I escaped from Manitoba in '95 and I've never looked back. There are so many absolutely stunning things here that in my opinion you'll be busy for a long, long time just enjoying your backyard. I live in Victoria, but if you can find employment farther up-island (Nanaimo is 1.5 hours away) then it's just that much closer to the backcountry. Even a bit farther up in Cumberland/Courtenay/Comox is a pretty sweet place to be - mid-island, and Strathcona Park is an outdoors person's dream.
It's the rest of your life in front of you: to me, happiness being in a beautiful place far outweighs a larger cost of living - there's a reason everyone wants to be here! Although Vancouver Island is very much urbanized, but you're still seeing deer at the side of the road, bears and elk in the woods, and whales and porpoises swimming nearby.
If you're unsure, come back for another visit! |
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| gyppo
Intermediate Member
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Edmonton, AB
Canada
746 Posts |
Posted - 03/23/2012 : 10:45 AM
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If you have SAD, consider that the coastal winter is very dark and somewhat wet. No one has really hammered this home so I'm saying it. The winter is GRAY. My GF has really been enjoying the sunny winter here in Edmonton.
July and August are generally very sunny though, and June and September are nice though not as reliably sunny. Overall you can expect a long, grey winter and a short, beautiful summer.
From the construction standpoint, the coast is nice in that you can work outside year-round.
Benoit
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Vancouver, BC
5 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2012 : 3:07 PM
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I grew up in Nanaimo. My opinion is that while there are some outdoorsy things to do, it isn't really a mecca of outdoors wonderfulness right here - you are still going to have to travel up or down island. Maybe I just have a case of the "I grew up here so I never want to go back", but I wouldn't choose to come and settle here. I would go to Victoria.
I'm living in Vancouver now, and am actually visiting Nanaimo this weekend (parents still live here). I wanted to get out and do some hiking, but there's only so much within a half hour drive. However, if you are willing to go further, there's lots.
I am really enjoying Vancouver and all the hikes there are over on the North Shore - however, as it has already been pointed out, it's busy, lots of people, and it's expensive. I personally would be quite happy to move to Victoria because it is more reasonably priced, lots of outdoors things to explore, and still close enough to do day trips up Island.
The ferries are a big cost, though - so if you think everything you want to do is going to be on that side of the ocean, you may want to consider moving there and living in a suburb!
I hope that's a somewhat helpful mish-mash of thoughts! Happy moving no matter what you decide. |
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Hope, BC
Canada
7098 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2012 : 3:15 PM
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If I was moving to the island I'd be moving to the central part of the Island, I would love to live on Sproat Lake. I wouldn't want to live in Victoria area, because it is a city, entirely what I'd want to stay away from. I like where I am now on the mainland, quiet little town, surrounded by nature and wildlife. A trip to the island isn't far either. The cost of living they say is more expensive on the island. Not the price of rent per say, but the cost of necessities such as bread, butter and milk, because everything needs to be shipped over to the island and costs more to deliver. Other than that it is a beautiful place. I think there is more fun on the mainland, once you do everything on the island it would become repetitive. It is expensive to go back and forth on the ferry.
And that's my 2¢ |
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Vancouver, BC
Canada
874 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2012 : 4:03 PM
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$1500/month will get you a mediocre one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver.
You can rent an entire house in Victoria for the same price.
Pubs are better in Victoria too.
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77 Posts |
Posted - 03/24/2012 : 8:41 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by AcesHigh
If I was moving to the island I'd be moving to the central part of the Island, I would love to live on Sproat Lake. I wouldn't want to live in Victoria area, because it is a city, entirely what I'd want to stay away from. I like where I am now on the mainland, quiet little town, surrounded by nature and wildlife. A trip to the island isn't far either. The cost of living they say is more expensive on the island. Not the price of rent per say, but the cost of necessities such as bread, butter and milk, because everything needs to be shipped over to the island and costs more to deliver. Other than that it is a beautiful place. I think there is more fun on the mainland, once you do everything on the island it would become repetitive. It is expensive to go back and forth on the ferry.
And that's my 2¢
I lived on Sproat Lake for three years. We rented a waterfront family home with dock and beach for $1000/mo. For eight months of the year you can often be the only boat on the water, an hour to Wick Beach to surf, 20 minutes to alpine access at Sutton Pass. If you could find work in Port Alberni I would take it over Nanaimo.
I don't find food any more expensive than the mainland and gas is comparable. The weather is dark through the rainy season (no distinct winter), particularly on the wet coast and Alberni. That said you get a lush green rainforest year round and great summers.
If I were to move off the island it would be back to the West Kootenays and the four seasons. I do miss the snow sometimes.
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Port McNeill, BC
Canada
108 Posts |
Posted - 03/25/2012 : 9:50 PM
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Hi JessieG,
I have lived here all my life and have seen most places and lived in several. I think the Comox valley would be a good place to really have a good look. Every thing you mentioned is there and more. Small town feeling with all the conveniences. A 3 hour drive in either direction and you can be at either end of the island, lots of construction going on. Plus and did I say plus... There is a Airport in Comox so you can get on and off the island with out taking the very over priced B.C Ferry.
Good Luck in your choice. |
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Salmon Arm, BC
Canada
894 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 1:48 PM
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JessieG, I think the biggest thing that non-coastal people have to get through psychologically is getting used to the winter rain. And it's nowhere as bad as it's made out to be--Prince Rupert, yes, but Victoria and the east coast, no way! They get 2000 hours of sunshine a year--that's more than the Okanagan gets, and not that much less than the Prairies. You know, it can rain for a week, but then the sun comes out and you think it's the most beautiful place on earth...and you can get out and golf or bike or hike or kayak on days like that. Flowers bloom in February. How can you not love that?!!
There is everything to love about the Island, especially mid-Island communities like the Comox Valley or Parksville-Qualicum. In fact, I'm dreaming of retiring there one day. Nanaimo has its pluses and minuses, I would not in that city, but there's great towns nearby.
Hope that helps! |
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Ladysmith, B.C.
Canada
125 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 3:10 PM
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Jessie.....It would be a good plan to pick up an additional trade or two.....the economy is moving along, but it's nothing to write home about.
You may want to choose your housing where the work is.....
The island does seem 'small' to me, and it's expensive to leave and return. I equate the ferry prices with the amount of fuel that would buy, and how far it would take me if I lived on the mainland.
It does get grey and wet, with no defined winter season......just grey and wet.
Bonus!!! 'Sports Talk'...(CKNW 980 am)...with Dan Russel. You will be able to listen to the Vancouver Canuck fans talk endlessly about hypothetical trades, and hear them whine when Roberto folds up like a cheap suit in another play-off series......best comedy on the radio...! |
Edited by - peddlebike on 03/29/2012 4:13 PM |
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Victoria, BC
Canada
425 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 3:30 PM
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I have compiled a list of every road in Victoria that isn't being ripped apart and repaved. There are five roads on the list and I'm not telling anyone which ones they are because once the secret is out, one of the 3628 construction crews on standby in running trucks will race to them and rip them open within one half hour.
Victoria is the road construction capital of earth.
*oh, and also the windiest place on earth.*
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Edited by - HagensborgViking on 03/29/2012 3:33 PM |
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Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
110 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 6:45 PM
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man your right about road construction capital of the universe, it needs it though, as for windy
I lived in squamish for 29 years lots of wind their and twice the rain. |
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Victoria, British Columbia
Canada
1762 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 9:03 PM
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| Haven't seen any construction crews on Cedar Hill for at least two weeks. |
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3022 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 11:20 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by pmjwright
JessieG, I think the biggest thing that non-coastal people have to get through psychologically is getting used to the winter rain. And it's nowhere as bad as it's made out to be--Prince Rupert, yes, but Victoria and the east coast, no way! They get 2000 hours of sunshine a year--that's more than the Okanagan gets, and not that much less than the Prairies. You know, it can rain for a week, but then the sun comes out and you think it's the most beautiful place on earth...and you can get out and golf or bike or hike or kayak on days like that. Flowers bloom in February. How can you not love that?!!
There is everything to love about the Island, especially mid-Island communities like the Comox Valley or Parksville-Qualicum. In fact, I'm dreaming of retiring there one day. Nanaimo has its pluses and minuses, I would not in that city, but there's great towns nearby.
Hope that helps!
Or most unfortunately there are hoards of mindless drones from here and elsewhere that got nothing better to do with a beautiful warm quiet day than to fire up their lawnmowers and powerwashers and weedwhackers and riding mowers... ... and then continue the onslaught of pollution with uncountable BBQ's fouling our air.
The old culture of the islanders is almost lost now. |
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North Vancouver, BC
Canada
1607 Posts |
Posted - 03/29/2012 : 11:51 PM
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I suggest taking a look around the Comox Valley area. That's near where I grew up and there are a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities nearby.
As for jobs - I don't know what the market is like for construction electricians but every time I go back home it seems like they have built a new big-box store. I can't really figure out how the economy is growing but it seems to be on an upward path.
I second what others said about ferry costs being restrictive and winters being grey. You can find the climate information online to compare locations. I only go back once or twice a year now because the ferry costs are so high.
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Van., BC
Canada
274 Posts |
Posted - 03/30/2012 : 11:13 AM
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| I lived on the Island and an adjacent island for 35 years and will never be a slave to the ferry schedule again. |
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Looking to move to Vancouver Island...
