subject: Living In Victoria Overview [print this page] Perched on the southernmost tip of Vancouver Island is Victoria, the capital city of British Columbia. Known as the Garden City, Victoria is often thought of primarily as a tourist destination, but its a fantastic place to live and work, offering a wide array of opportunities in business, a developing technology sector, provincial and federal government offices, and a military (navy) base in Esquimalt. The housing market has remained stable, with homes and property increasing their value year over year. There is, of course, a formidable amount of tourism based employment and business opportunities.
The University of Victoria, Royal Roads University, and Camosun College are at the top of a long list of post secondary educators, providing diverse training to Victorias citizens. As well, there is a progressive public school system, which contains several programs targeted at athlete development, both French immersion and francophone programs, and several excellent private schools including St. Michaels, St. Margarets, Glenlyon Norfolk, and Brentwood College.
Sitting in the rainshadow of the US Olympic Mountains, Victoria has an annual rainfall that is half that of Vancouver, and such mild winters that snowfall is rare, and in some winters almost non-existent. Gardeners relocating from across the country salivate at the thought of the beauty they are able to create, given the temperate climate.
Opportunities for year round outdoor activites abound due to the moderate conditions. Golfing, biking, walking and hiking, as well as all manner of boating; under power, sail or paddle. A short drive up-island and you can ski world class Mt. Washington, which in 2010 had the deepest snowpack of any ski resort in the world! Victorians love to be active, and the city offers a full contingent of organised sport as well, for both children and adults, and high performance or rep leagues for many of these sports.
The famously laid back west coast lifestyle is evident in Victorias friendly nature. As the city has grown and welcomed people from around the world, it has shed its formerly rather staid reputation for an atmosphere of vibrant diversity. There are many cultural groups who have introduced their treasured traditions to enrich the city, and a thriving arts and music scene.
The architecture still reflects Victorias largely European heritage in the older neighborhoods, combined with a unique West Coast style of housing that is somehow rustic, natural with a modern sensibility. Think warm coloured rough cut cedar, stone accents, and lots of glass. The mild climate makes huge windows both desirable and feasible. Victoria real estate listings are a hot commodity, and homes or property in Victoria are expected to continue to be a solid investment. You are welcome to look at current Victoria real estate listings Link to listings search page.
Link to Geoffs Home page. on my web site, should that be of interest!
With better than average income levels, excellent choices in post-secondary education, a reasonable cost-of-living, a healthy real estate market, low crime and unemployment rates and arguably the best climate in Canada, in 2009 MoneySense magazine ranked Victoria the #1 place to live in the country!
Altogether, this little jewel the locals like to call tropical Canada is wonderful, and youre lucky if you are able to call Victoria home. By-line: Geoff McLean is a Victoria realtor who works extensively with people relocating to Victoria BC.
