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Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Hello everyone
I know this is a far flung question but just looking for some advice/pointers please. Looking for areas in Canada that have mild temp (mildest available anyway). near mountains that can be climbed-hiked-admired-trekked (within the hour or so drive), reasonable job prospects for business workers or health instructors, and the chance of buying property that is not too expensive. ie not too overpriced. Also I assume Canada is not too bigoted as a liberal mindset is preferred. My natural inclination would be BC/Vancouver areas but I have heard property there is very expensive (median of over 700K). Therefore, are there areas near there that have much much much cheaper housing or are there other areas that can be thought of that are still meeting the above list? Many thanks for your help |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
I've always wondered, how come only right wingers can be bigoted? Isn't it possible to be a liberal bigot?
Anyway, BC sounds like what you seek, aside from the cost of housing. I'll leave the west coasters to tell you whether your nirvana exists or not. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat
(Post 9643933)
I've always wondered, how come only right wingers can be bigoted? Isn't it possible to be a liberal bigot?
Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat
(Post 9643933)
Anyway, BC sounds like what you seek, aside from the cost of housing. I'll leave the west coasters to tell you whether your nirvana exists or not.
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Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9643835)
Looking for areas in Canada that have mild temp (mildest available anyway). near mountains that can be climbed-hiked-admired-trekked (within the hour or so drive)
reasonable job prospects for business workers or health instructors and the chance of buying property that is not too expensive. ie not too overpriced. Also I assume Canada is not too bigoted as a liberal mindset is preferred. My natural inclination would be BC/Vancouver areas but I have heard property there is very expensive (median of over 700K). Therefore, are there areas near there that have much much much cheaper housing or are there other areas that can be thought of that are still meeting the above list? |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Urban or Suburban
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Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by JonboyE
(Post 9644599)
Then southwest BC fits the bill.
Vancouver for business, and with a growing and aging population I don't think the need for healthcare is going away anytime soon. However, you will almost certainly need to be re-certified. Oh. I am not sure bigoted is the exact word, but rural BC tends to be white, christian and conservative. Often very friendly people, but if you want a liberal mindset then stick to the cities. That will be a figure for the City of Vancouver? The suburbs can be much cheaper. Where you will work, and how much you will earn, will dictate whereabouts you can comfortably live. To be honest, I would concentrate on researching this first. Thanks so much ! Jon ! That helps, and what I suspected. (except house price issue :)) Can you give me any pointers as to burbs / areas I can look at for researching house prices etc. ? |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Tangram
(Post 9644731)
Urban or Suburban
We are considering starting a health center as well so a bit further out as long as people will 'travel' there. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
If you can give people an idea of your housing budget and what you want for the money (i.e how many bedrooms, what type of house, land, etc), then they can give you ideas of which areas may be affordable for you.
:) |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by christmasoompa
(Post 9645800)
If you can give people an idea of your housing budget and what you want for the money (i.e how many bedrooms, what type of house, land, etc), then they can give you ideas of which areas may be affordable for you.
:) Travel: We envisage having one car. Travelling up to one hour not a problem. An area where we can set up a retreat/health care center would be ideal. Weather Ideally, mild please :P Preferred amenities: Nearer to mountains as avid mountaineers (within hour ok too). Good schools for infant/early childcare and schooling. Some shops and restaurants would be fantastic !!!! AT least a good supermarket. Characteristics: Safe. Nice ie friendly if possible and liberal community. Land fertile for gardening :D $ As to budget that is the hard one...If we could spend less than 150K that would be superb, if we HAVE to go up to 250K that would really stretch us but possible with mortgage etc.... Acreage As to acreage, well we want a place where we can live and have a center..I don't know in terms of acreage but a larger plot perhaps (not sure).. Employment prospects Oh and a place where I could find employment (supermarket or banks etc) Something that mnight be needed when we first go over to tide us over (if possible) so perhaps a larger rather than smaller community area Does that help? I know it's a wishlist but it is mine :) Thankyou! |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9645843)
Thanks christmasoompa!!
Travel: We envisage having one car. Travelling up to one hour not a problem. An area where we can set up a retreat/health care center would be ideal. Weather Ideally, mild please :P Preferred amenities: Nearer to mountains as avid mountaineers (within hour ok too). Good schools for infant/early childcare and schooling. Some shops and restaurants would be fantastic !!!! AT least a good supermarket. Characteristics: Safe. Nice ie friendly if possible and liberal community. Land fertile for gardening :D $ As to budget that is the hard one...If we could spend less than 150K that would be superb, if we HAVE to go up to 250K that would really stretch us but possible with mortgage etc.... Acreage As to acreage, well we want a place where we can live and have a center..I don't know in terms of acreage but a larger plot perhaps (not sure).. Employment prospects Oh and a place where I could find employment (supermarket or banks etc) Something that mnight be needed when we first go over to tide us over (if possible) so perhaps a larger rather than smaller community area Does that help? I know it's a wishlist but it is mine :) Thankyou! I think for that sort of budget, you will have to look North or East, then you lose mountains or desired climate and you will certainly be in the middle of nowhere. Have a look at www.Realtor.ca and do a search on there so you can see where your money might take you. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9645843)
Thanks christmasoompa!!
Travel: We envisage having one car. Travelling up to one hour not a problem. An area where we can set up a retreat/health care center would be ideal. Weather Ideally, mild please :P Preferred amenities: Nearer to mountains as avid mountaineers (within hour ok too). Good schools for infant/early childcare and schooling. Some shops and restaurants would be fantastic !!!! AT least a good supermarket. Characteristics: Safe. Nice ie friendly if possible and liberal community. Land fertile for gardening :D $ As to budget that is the hard one...If we could spend less than 150K that would be superb, if we HAVE to go up to 250K that would really stretch us but possible with mortgage etc.... Acreage As to acreage, well we want a place where we can live and have a center..I don't know in terms of acreage but a larger plot perhaps (not sure).. Employment prospects Oh and a place where I could find employment (supermarket or banks etc) Something that mnight be needed when we first go over to tide us over (if possible) so perhaps a larger rather than smaller community area Does that help? I know it's a wishlist but it is mine :) Thankyou! |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9645843)
Thanks christmasoompa!!
Travel: We envisage having one car. Travelling up to one hour not a problem. An area where we can set up a retreat/health care center would be ideal. Weather Ideally, mild please :P Preferred amenities: Nearer to mountains as avid mountaineers (within hour ok too). Good schools for infant/early childcare and schooling. Some shops and restaurants would be fantastic !!!! AT least a good supermarket. Characteristics: Safe. Nice ie friendly if possible and liberal community. Land fertile for gardening :D $ As to budget that is the hard one...If we could spend less than 150K that would be superb, if we HAVE to go up to 250K that would really stretch us but possible with mortgage etc.... Acreage As to acreage, well we want a place where we can live and have a center..I don't know in terms of acreage but a larger plot perhaps (not sure).. Employment prospects Oh and a place where I could find employment (supermarket or banks etc) Something that mnight be needed when we first go over to tide us over (if possible) so perhaps a larger rather than smaller community area Does that help? I know it's a wishlist but it is mine :) Thankyou! In BC you'll definitely have to compromise although your budget (assuming the figure you have given is £ and not $) will extremely limit where your options will be. Personally i don't think you'll find VERY cheap acreage, liberal mindset, large community with employment, and a mild climate, in BC, or anywhere else in Canada. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
I'm concerned with the repeated reference to a "liberal mindset" and wonder how liberal is needed. In Dufferin County, which is rural but within two hours of the CN tower, the gay couple are tolerated, that is no one speaks to them but they don't get their house burned down. The locals have no direct experience of non-white people, I had an Indian woman at the house once when there were neighbours present. Later, people I'd not previously met mentioned the fact shortly after being introduced so it was plainly the talk of the "town" for months if not years. People know which residents are not Protestants but I don't believe Catholicism is still grounds for discrimination.
Where I'm going is that rural Canada is conservative in a way Europeans wouldn't imagine. Vegetarianism, an interest in gun control, or a desire to operate a hybrid vehicle woud be the kiss of death socially. I hope "liberal mindset" in this context doesn't imply wanting the kind of place where one publicly drink imported beer. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by dbd33
(Post 9646202)
I'm concerned with the repeated reference to a "liberal mindset" and wonder how liberal is needed. In Dufferin County, which is rural but within two hours of the CN tower, the gay couple are tolerated, that is no one speaks to them but they don't get their house burned down. The locals have no direct experience of non-white people, I had an Indian woman at the house once when there were neighbours present. Later, people I'd not previously met mentioned the fact shortly after being introduced so it was plainly the talk of the "town" for months if not years. People know which residents are not Protestants but I don't believe Catholicism is still grounds for discrimination.
Where I'm going is that rural Canada is conservative in a way Europeans wouldn't imagine. Vegetarianism, an interest in gun control, or a desire to operate a hybrid vehicle woud be the kiss of death socially. I hope "liberal mindset" in this context doesn't imply wanting the kind of place where one publicly drink imported beer. Liberal in my own unthought through context means - Live and let live. For example vegetarianism, pro human rights etc Hm, interesting, so only urban would be more 'liberal' (I am not very politically aware so perhaps it has broader meanings!) |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by el_richo
(Post 9646171)
Which of are wants and which are needs?
In BC you'll definitely have to compromise although your budget (assuming the figure you have given is £ and not $) will extremely limit where your options will be. Personally i don't think you'll find VERY cheap acreage, liberal mindset, large community with employment, and a mild climate, in BC, or anywhere else in Canada. Anyway by the way this thread is going any suggested nicer areas around town meeting anything would help me do some research. I have looked on realtor.ca and houses seem available for those prices so I am not sure why you say there aren't any. But as I don't know these areas well perhaps I am looking in the wrong ones HENCE this thread. :zzz: |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Piff Poff
(Post 9646130)
I think for that sort of budget, you will have to look North or East, then you lose mountains or desired climate and you will certainly be in the middle of nowhere. Have a look at www.Realtor.ca and do a search on there so you can see where your money might take you.
North or East does not have mountain areas nearby? |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Almost Canadian
(Post 9646147)
Bountiful, BC would appear to fit the bill:thumbsup:
Cheers, Almost C! |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
What about VAncouver Island? Is that better for what I am looking for?
Or alternatively, what price do I have to up to etc to be in the market for something decent as described. (and yes with 'liberal' mindset whatever that means. And thats just to say I live in a cool place where people are tolerant of races, and religions etc and I think its nice, I don't want to be in places that are too rigid although former post seems to indicate maybe Canada rural ain't that type of land??) f. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9646223)
North or East does not have mountain areas nearby?
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9646224)
Not what the other dudes are saying :D
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9646228)
What about VAncouver Island? Is that better for what I am looking for?
Or alternatively, what price do I have to up to etc to be in the market for something decent as described. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9646223)
Ta.
North or East does not have mountain areas nearby? |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by christmasoompa
(Post 9646236)
I don't think many people would say that the large hills in NS/NB etc are 'mountains'!
:lol: I'd Google it before you get too excited. Best thing to do is look at www.mls.ca or the website Piff Poff gave you to give you an idea of what you will get for your money. For BC (which is said to stand for 'bring cash' don't forget) you'll probably need to double your budget, but it would get you something really nice in other areas of Canada if you're prepared to forget the mountains and mild climate part of your requirements? You made me remember that karma feature again, you always do :D Cheers, will do... Hmm...have to talk to other half about mountain thingy....loves em but if we can't buy that... :( |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Piff Poff
(Post 9646240)
I don't believe there is much in the way of mountains in the east of Canada (not comparable to the Rockies anyway), I however do not know for sure as I know little about the East, I know even less about Northern Canada, yes there are going to be some hills, depending where in Canada you go. Your wants all lead to BC imo and yes you can probably get within your price range to some extent, but I should imagine it would be in a fairly remote area. We have learned there is a reason why some areas are cheaper than others, you need to be a little more specific in what you are looking for really then you are going to be getting much more detailed and informed replies. I for example like the look of Bella Coola on the internet, it's in a more Northern BC, the climate won't be moderate and I think generators may be needed...
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Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9646218)
Needs would be more safety, amenities (mountains, shops, good schools) and fertile acreage/decent milder weather I guess :blink:
Anyway by the way this thread is going any suggested nicer areas around town meeting anything would help me do some research. I have looked on realtor.ca and houses seem available for those prices so I am not sure why you say there aren't any. But as I don't know these areas well perhaps I am looking in the wrong ones HENCE this thread. :zzz: I personally can't think of anywhere that fits your bill, although there could well be the smaller, more remote areas on VI that may suit but i'm not sure how they would work with your Health Retreat and the need for amenities. When you gave your budget, was it in £ or $? |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Piff Poff
(Post 9646240)
I don't believe there is much in the way of mountains in the east of Canada (not comparable to the Rockies anyway), I however do not know for sure as I know little about the East, I know even less about Northern Canada, yes there are going to be some hills, depending where in Canada you go. Your wants all lead to BC imo and yes you can probably get within your price range to some extent, but I should imagine it would be in a fairly remote area. We have learned there is a reason why some areas are cheaper than others, you need to be a little more specific in what you are looking for really then you are going to be getting much more detailed and informed replies. I for example like the look of Bella Coola on the internet, it's in a more Northern BC, the climate won't be moderate and I think generators may be needed...
Many thanks, I will do some more research over the next week and hopefully can come back with something a bit more solid. Thanks again for your kind and patient responses. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by el_richo
(Post 9646273)
When you gave your budget, was it in £ or $? Yes it was on VI at the moment, I havent been to Canada so I guess I wanted a sense/any ideas, which you guys have been giving (with thanks) I looked up areas like Mill Bay, Nanoose Bay etc I was hoping people would be willing to travel to a retreat center or something. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Tangram
(Post 9646270)
No mountains here. But perhaps they were referring to going north or east of Vancouver not necessarily so farrrrrr east in Canada ?
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Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9646283)
Yep hence far..
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Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Just getting info, will adjust or adjust locations as I need to...
The BC point Christmasoompa made was funny but probably true. Still, I live in hope so grateful for any info regardless. Me harnessing the information helps me adjust my scales a bit. Thanks everyone, regardless. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by floatsy
(Post 9646281)
Now I'm inclined to say whatever works :p
Yes it was on VI at the moment, I havent been to Canada so I guess I wanted a sense/any ideas, which you guys have been giving (with thanks) I looked up areas like Mill Bay, Nanoose Bay etc I was hoping people would be willing to travel to a retreat center or something. That said, if you have a nice retreat and offer something unique, marketed correctly i don't see why people from the mainland wouldn't make a trip out to stay. It looks like your budget would need to be upped a decent amount to get to where you want to be though. I don't personally know of areas on the Island that would fit your bill but maybe those there will. Try looking at places East of Vancouver such as: Whonnock Ruskin Hope Merritt Kamloops perhaps. Some of the above may not suit the "Liberal" bit though ;) |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Well there's only one real answer to this, if you don't want high housing prices and you want mild winters then you're looking at eastern BC or possibly Vancouver Island. Kamloops, Cranbrook, Victoria etc. The greater Kelowna area, although house prices there aren't exactly low either, but lower than most of Vancouver.
But I think the mistake a lot of people make when moving to Canada is being scared of the winter when they've never lived through one. I wouldn't say it's pleasant but the majority of the population of Canada does not live in BC. The problem with living in eastern BC is the economy there isn't up to much and I think half the population of Vancouver Island lives around the corner from me. If cold weather frightens you then Canada is probably not where you should be moving to, even in BC they have bad winters once in awhile. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
On Vancouver Island to have that sort of 'retreat' type business it needs to be easy to reach from Victoria and the ferries.
Its is unlikely that you will find that sort of place for $150,000. Like others have said, look on MLS and you will get an idea of house prices. Again, the rural/remote areas of the island would not have the amenities that describe and possibly not the outlook on life. Sorry its not better news. Up the budget to $600,000 and its possible. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Steve_
(Post 9646359)
Well there's only one real answer to this, if you don't want high housing prices and you want mild winters then you're looking at eastern BC or possibly Vancouver Island. Kamloops, Cranbrook, Victoria etc. The greater Kelowna area, although house prices there aren't exactly low either, but lower than most of Vancouver.
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Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Steve_
(Post 9646359)
Well there's only one real answer to this, if you don't want high housing prices and you want mild winters then you're looking at eastern BC or possibly Vancouver Island. Kamloops, Cranbrook, Victoria etc. The greater Kelowna area, although house prices there aren't exactly low either, but lower than most of Vancouver.
But I think the mistake a lot of people make when moving to Canada is being scared of the winter when they've never lived through one. I wouldn't say it's pleasant but the majority of the population of Canada does not live in BC. The problem with living in eastern BC is the economy there isn't up to much and I think half the population of Vancouver Island lives around the corner from me. If cold weather frightens you then Canada is probably not where you should be moving to, even in BC they have bad winters once in awhile. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
If the OP is thinking of opening a spa/health centre then looking at house prices is not going to help much. She will need look for property that has the correct zoning (planning permission). You can't build a business premises on a residential lot.
Her best option will be to buy an existing business with residential accommodation included. Maybe have a browse here. http://www.businesssellcanada.com/sa...h-columbia.htm |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
A friend of mine runs some form of wellness clinic (yoga etc) on one of the Gulf Islands, his partner works in Victoria but I am not sure how popular/profitable the business is or costs. They are able to travel abroad every year so it must make them a living.
Weather requirements aside parts of interior BC may fit the bill with access to mountains etc (Okanagan, Kootenay's etc) and a fair amount of visitors which may be interested in your health centre. In terms of mountains, are you looking for skiable terrain or just walking? I do not think Vancouver island has extensive skiing, at least not that accessible from Victoria, but plenty of hiking in the mountains is available. As for your health centre, presumably you will have necessary licenses/qualifications to operate something, I am sure if any medical advice etc is offered that the provincial health authorities will have something to say so you should do some research there too. I love Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and I think it will give you what you are looking for in terms of concept, whether you can make it work financially and get the necessary clientele to visit that is a different story. It would be worthwhile coming over for a recce before you make any final decisions. Good luck |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by Steve_
(Post 9646359)
Well there's only one real answer to this, if you don't want high housing prices and you want mild winters then you're looking at eastern BC or possibly Vancouver Island. Kamloops, Cranbrook, Victoria etc. The greater Kelowna area, although house prices there aren't exactly low either, but lower than most of Vancouver.
But I think the mistake a lot of people make when moving to Canada is being scared of the winter when they've never lived through one. I wouldn't say it's pleasant but the majority of the population of Canada does not live in BC. The problem with living in eastern BC is the economy there isn't up to much and I think half the population of Vancouver Island lives around the corner from me. If cold weather frightens you then Canada is probably not where you should be moving to, even in BC they have bad winters once in awhile. BTW I don't like cold weather and Canada :eek: would not naturally be my prime choice. BUT my other half loves mountains and doesn't mind cold weather. We thought of NZ and Canada as compromise places and Canada is preferable, hence the investigation. (And very serious one as we are looking to move over the next year hopefully) Merci for the additional perspective. |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by carolyn_vdv
(Post 9646708)
A friend of mine runs some form of wellness clinic (yoga etc) on one of the Gulf Islands, his partner works in Victoria but I am not sure how popular/profitable the business is or costs. They are able to travel abroad every year so it must make them a living.
Weather requirements aside parts of interior BC may fit the bill with access to mountains etc (Okanagan, Kootenay's etc) and a fair amount of visitors which may be interested in your health centre. In terms of mountains, are you looking for skiable terrain or just walking? I do not think Vancouver island has extensive skiing, at least not that accessible from Victoria, but plenty of hiking in the mountains is available. As for your health centre, presumably you will have necessary licenses/qualifications to operate something, I am sure if any medical advice etc is offered that the provincial health authorities will have something to say so you should do some research there too. I love Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands and I think it will give you what you are looking for in terms of concept, whether you can make it work financially and get the necessary clientele to visit that is a different story. It would be worthwhile coming over for a recce before you make any final decisions. Good luck Yes, we are also assessing visa situation and if/when that firms up we will definitely make a trip. And all this information you guys are providing really really helps me/us (even if it just perspective!!!) For mountains, well my other half loves hiking, climbing AND skiing but it is really going to be a compromise so hiking and climbing would be already a luxury. I will definitely research on licensing etc. Thanks again ! |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by JonboyE
(Post 9646441)
If the OP is thinking of opening a spa/health centre then looking at house prices is not going to help much. She will need look for property that has the correct zoning (planning permission). You can't build a business premises on a residential lot.
Her best option will be to buy an existing business with residential accommodation included. Maybe have a browse here. http://www.businesssellcanada.com/sa...h-columbia.htm |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by charlottyb
(Post 9646381)
On Vancouver Island to have that sort of 'retreat' type business it needs to be easy to reach from Victoria and the ferries.
Its is unlikely that you will find that sort of place for $150,000. Like others have said, look on MLS and you will get an idea of house prices. Again, the rural/remote areas of the island would not have the amenities that describe and possibly not the outlook on life. Sorry its not better news. Up the budget to $600,000 and its possible. Cheers, charlottyb |
Re: Another 'Which Areas' thread - Merci
Originally Posted by R I C H
(Post 9646405)
Median house price in Kamloops is approaching $400k. You won't get acreage for that sort of money. The other criteria the OP's looking for would be fulfilled though.
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