Have spent a lot of time looking at Nanaimo and further North because our ideal area would be close to skiing. However, there may now be an opportunity of work in Victoria so I have a few questions if anyone can help!

We are in our 40's, love living in proximity of a large town or city but not right in the thick of it. Our daughter will be entering 8th grade in 2012 school year which will coincide with our move. We will be renting for at least a year and have a large dog (very well behaved) so we're looking for a nice, safe area in a good school district close to parks and walking trails for the dog.

What areas would YOU recommend? Any particular schools YOU like? Are there any areas we should avoid? I am not looking for you to tell me where to live, just looking for your suggestions and why so that I can investigate further. Always helps to have your input

Thanks in advance guys

you most likely find your choices limited - the majority of landlords don't rent to people with pets. a large dog makes it even more difficult.

welcome to the island and best of luck!

OK, dog aside, where would you recommend and why? Just want to get going on looking at some areas/neighborhoods/suburbs/schools...I'll worry about the the pooch at a later date

Gordon Head would be a pretty good choice.

Easy to get to downtown. Easy to get to the University. A couple of decent highschools in the neighbourhood.

Cheers.......

Also look at Oak Bay.

I agree! We live in Gordon Head and have found it great for the kids. Nice schools, lots of parks and close to the beaches. Also close to Victoria if you need to go in for work.

I also love Cadboro Bay but you get far less for you money housewise and there are tons of old people.

Oak Bay is also nice, always reminds me a bit of Britain with it's high street and many English people.. again older ones.

PM me if you have any specific queries and i'll be glad to help.

Thanks for the info Wendy and I will be in touch with specifics I am sure

It's all pretty nice, Oak Bay I find a little stuffy (it's referred to as being behind the tweed curtain), and Esquimalt is a bit rough, but aside from that, nowhere is particularly far from anywhere.

The Fernwood neighbourhood is a really nice neighbourhood, close to the city, safe and has a strong community spirit. it is an older established neighbourhood with lots of older homes and a good mix of younger and not-so-young folks. They are forward thinking (plant the grass verge with veggies, etc) and seem to get along well in a neighbourly fashion.
I live over on Salt Spring Island, which is of course great, but my best friend lives in the Fernwood area on Haultain Street between Quadra and Bay and I am always impressed with the neighbourhood.
Another area of Vic that I love is the Cook Street Village... lots of little shops along Cook with older homes and similar to Fernwood.
I prefer neighbourhoods like this to the burbs.
Sorry, don't know about schools but I imagine that they would be good given the neighbourhoods.
Personally, Oak Bay would not be my choice unless you want to be in an elitist expensive area.
Langford is the expanding area where most of the big box stores are but the commute in traffic would drive me wingy.
I also would nix Esquimalt.
Good luck. I may be able to answer questions you have.

much appreciated info, I will be back in touch with more questions I am sure...

Langford is a traffic nightmare. We were there this summer and on a Saturday it took forever to get from the highway to Fort Rod Hill. I couldn't imagine the commute to downtown on a weekday.

I wouldn't nix Esquimalt though. I know it has a less than desirable reputation but its nice in its own way. I'd consider living there if I moved back to Victoria.