Anyone from V.I. ???

[Hugh Jass]

My wife and I are considering a move to Vancouver Island and I am curious what folks here know about it. I am interested mostly in the Nanaimo/Parksville areas and maybe Alberni areas.

Whats housing costs like ? How about work, is it pretty readily available ?


I have done some net research, I just wanna get some first hand knowledge as well.

[eyepop]

sorry for the comment that adds little or nothing to the discussion. My bon mot posts are idle chit-chat.


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[Gordian Knot]

My husband and I moved out to Vancouer island last January, so we've been here just over a year.

I'll answer what I can.....

Housing is cheaper on the island than Kelowna for sure, except for the Victoria area. I believe Parksville/Qualicum is pretty expensive as well because of all the retired folk and vacationers there, however, Nanaimo itself is still "relatively" affordable. Especially when compared to Kelowna.

Port Alberni is an interesting little town. They are in the process of trying to "spruce" it up as it does look like a loggers town, but the scenery is gorgeous. Housing there is still affordable and I think it's a beautiful place to live.

As for jobs, like anywhere in Canada, companies are crying out for employees. It's just getting worse as more and more boomers retire. I don't know what kind of line of work you are in, but you would probably be able to find something.

Any other questions?? I'll help if I can.

[Hugh Jass]

I have not come to terms with the fact that I have a Van yet, so I am not ready for a Club... Maybe someday lol

[Hugh Jass]

I do community support work with a young man with Autism now, I would be looking for the same kind of work, But I suppose it is hard to know if anything like that is available.

Sounds to me like Alberni would be my choice of the places you listed. This may be a really dumb question, but are Port Alberni and Alberni the same place ? How far from Ferry Terminals and such is Alberni ?

[Gordian Knot]

I think Alberni is the area (sort of like "Okanagan") and Port Alberni is the city.

As for distances, it's inland on an inlet from the West Coast of the island. It's probably about 30-40 minutes west from Qualicum and Qualicum is probably 30-40 minutes from the Nanaimo Ferry Terminal. It's not close, and honestly, the road between Qualicum and Port Alberni is pretty twisty and can get rather icy in the winter time.

The Cowichan Valley Area (between Nanaimo and Victoria) is also quite lovely. There are plenty of great little towns (Ladysmith, Chemainus, Duncan, Cobble Hill) that still keep you close to the bigger centres of Victoria and Nanaimo. Real Estate is cheaper than Victoria (but not necessarily as cheap as Nanaimo, and definitely not as cheap as Port Alberni).

Best Bet. Come for a visit. Spend a week on the island going to some of the areas you are considering.