BC RESIDENTS i need help relocating to victoria

[sherbear]

Okay my family is thinking of relocating to Victoria BC. I was just wondering if anyone from there could give me some tips on where to avoid and where is the safest neighbourhoods. This is to happen within the next 6 months to a year. My hubby has been laid off from gm since las Jan. and is not expected back until 2011/ We are thinking or relocating and starting over in BC. Why BC ?? Because it is beautiful and really close to california. The rent prices are similar to here in Oshawa just outside Toronto. Can anyone help me with some websites to visit or any tips that may be helpful. I soooo appreciate it.

Thanks
Sherri

[HappyCappy]

I think the housing market in that parts of that province are very high. Perhaps if you googled "campbell river" I heard its pretty inexpensive there for housing. Something to consider. Especially if you could make a profit where your at, just a thought.

[cindylee137]

Yeh really ,,I live in the Okanagan area of BC,,and at the coast it is known that it is very expensive to live down there,,but again,,that is just what I hear,,,
I suggest,,looking online at MLS.ca,, click BC then see what house prices are ,,that may give you an indiction of how high rent might be,,,or See if you can check out The Province newpaper classifieds online or the Sun newpaper,,

[beigewood]

Victoria is quite expensive. I left in Oct. 08 after spending 6 years there. I think the best neighbourhoods are Oak Bay, View Royal and James Bay. Esquimalt can be a bit scuzzy (but not all areas!) and the Quadra/Hillside area has scuzzy parts too. Saanich is nice, quite residential. Fernwood has a reputation for being the "hippy" part of town and it is quite nice, as is the Cook Street Village area. How close to "town" do you want to be? Langford, Colwood, Highlands and the Brentwood areas are nice but then you have bit of a commute. Oak Bay is the nicest by far of all the nieghbourhoods, IMHO but it can be really expen$ive!! Does this help? If you have any questions about specific areas/intersections/addresses I would be happy to give an opinion. I'm not an expert but i did spend a long time there. Once you're there I HIGHLY reccommend joining an online parenting forum by the name of KIV (www.kidsinvictoria.com) As with all online communities it has a few overly-opinionated wierdos but I met some FANTASTIC moms/families through there. There is always something going on! Good luck. I miss Victoria!

[beigewood]

PS) after spending 9 months in Ontario, I have moved back to BC. I am in the Cariboo now, about 5.5 hours north of Vancouver. I Heart B.C.