So you want to move to Victoria, BC? Fantastic! But before you do, you should take some time to learn about Island life. Yes, we’re known for being laid back and a lot of fun, but there’s more that goes into living here.
Here are some of the key areas you may be interested in knowing before you make the move.
Real Estate Market
First and foremost, anyone who is thinking about making the move to Victoria should understand the current state of the market. Although it is very much an ideal time for sellers, more inventory is expected in the coming months. According to the current stats provided by the Victoria Real Estate Board, the benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria core is to $829,600.
Neighbourhoods
There are a number of top-notch neighbourhoods in and around Victoria, all offering those that live here a great sense of community. From Ten Mile Point to the Uplands, James Bay to Burnside, local inhabitants are having one heck of a time. In fact, Oak Bay was recently named the number one neighbourhood in British Columbia, and third best in all of Canada!
Point being, for anyone who is interested in moving to Victoria, they will have a number of avenues at their disposal. It’s important that you identify your needs, and pick based on those.
Climate
We’ve already written on the climate in Victoria, but it’s worth reiterating for those that are thinking about purchasing local real estate. As one of Canada’s mildest cities, summers are rarely ever too hot and winters are never too cold. As an added bonus, Victoria receives the least amount of rain in all of Western Canada, allowing those who live here to stay dry most of the time.
People may not realize it, but climate can have a huge impact on a person’s mental health and ability to be happy. Know that if you do decide to move here, the weather will treat you right.
Culture
Downtown Victoria offers all sorts of cultural attractions year round. Whether it be public art initiatives, festivals and special events, or indigenous appreciation, those interested in the arts will come here happy. Click here for a complete breakdown of cultural events in Victoria.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor activity is a huge selling point for those moving to Vancouver Island. From coast to coast, adventure enthusiasts can find fun hiking our mountains or surfing the sea. Skiing is also available in the winter months, so if you come from somewhere cold, you’ll feel right at home.
Education
Parents looking to enroll their kids in proper education won’t have any trouble in Victoria. From private to public, the Island offers a large selection of k-12 schools and other similar learning institutions.
If you’re interested in going to school yourself, the University of Victoria is one of the world’s best.
Job Opportunity
In case you are in search of employment opportunities, Victoria is ripe for the picking. From our up-and-coming tech industry to jobs in education, those coming to the Island will be able to find work. See BCjobs.ca for more information.
No matter what your needs may be, we here at Pemberton Holmes are here to help you. If you need professional advice or are simply looking for a suggestion, contact us today and we’ll get you in touch with a licensed REALTOR®.
