Re: British columbia
 

Thanks. :) Yes, my parents are very close and in-laws only half an hour away (perfect, close enough for babysitting but not close enough to pop in!).

If you decide on NZ then I really will think you're brave! No way I could be that far away from friends and family, I need to be able to pop back regularly and have people visit us frequently. Good luck whatever you decide. :)

Re: British columbia
 

Thank you! :thumbsup:

France was a main contender for a while (my mum lives there), but we are now worried about how much work there will be there for hubby (carpenter), plus I don't think my French will ever be fluent enough for me to get a decent job.

Now looking at Canada because there is no language barrier and it is not as far as NZ for family and friends to visit.

:)

Re: British columbia
 

Thus speaks the voice of Vancouver. (Oh, Surrey, is that somewhere near Hope?)

Parts of Surrey can be described as a sh*t hole no doubt, but it is just the same as calling all of Vancouver a skid row because of Main and Hastings.

Re: British columbia
 

I think compared with traffic in England's main cities its still pretty easy to get around, even in rush hour. Only time it was a real painful commute, coming from the North Shore, was during the bus strike of 2001.

Re: British columbia
 

Agreed - there's barely a rush hour in Vancouver; it's more like a rush-forty-minutes.

If you can arrange even vaguely flexible working hours with your employer you don't have to worry about traffic in the slightest: 10-6 will do it nicely, 8-4 not quite so much, but still an improvement.

Re: British columbia
 

If OH didn't have to work in the city (I'm sure he'd rather not!), where is BC is a nice (and cheap!) area to live and bring up a family??

Would rather come out mortgage free, but most areas on the outskirts of the city seem to be a little expensive. :confused:

Re: British columbia
 

If by the city you mean Vancouver, and by BC you mean the whole of BC, there are loads of places to look.

Try the Sunshine Coast, the Okanagan, any bits of Vancouver Island north of Victoria, etc., etc.

BC is, well, large! Might be worth trying to narrow things down a little :) (I appreciate that's likely what you're trying to do but people will be able to assist more if you have a vague location in mind)

Re: British columbia
 

Sorry, I know it sounds rather vague, but I am!:o

I like the look of the Sunshine Coast or Vancouver Island, guess I would like to be by the sea, whereas my OH likes the look of Northern BC!

I'm just presuming the further North you go, the colder it gets, but I could be wrong - I normally am! ;)

Re: British columbia
 

The northern coast is VERY wet. The northern interior in very cold in winter. The climate is as much dictated by the rain shadow of the Coast Mountains as it is by lattitude.

The Sunshine Coast is lovely, but employment opportunities are limited.

Re: British columbia
 

Hello again JonBoyE

It's me again from Berkhamsted, nearly a year later! :o

It has taken OH longer to finish our place than planned, typical tradesman! :eek::) The idea to emmigrate has not left us, with matters as they are in the UK at the moment - all the more! Although, I'm sure we are picking the worse time ever!

Taking your advice on board, what about Vancouver Island? I have read that the recession has taken its toll over in Canada aswell. Is it still a viable option? A move to Canada that is? :unsure:

Re: British columbia
 

Hello


The Island is a different kettle of fish altogether. There are a few decent sized towns so many more opportunities. I don't know Vancouver Island very well so I can't give you much local help. There are quite a few Islanders who post on this site and hopefully someone will be along soon.

As for the move? Of course, it is still viable. However, it is also a bigger risk now than it was a year or two ago. Unemployment in BC is forecast to climb by 2% this year. This is from effective full employment. The construction sector will bear the brunt of new unemployment this year.

The recession here should only last until the end of 2009 but employment typically lags the economy. A tradesman can no longer walk into any job they want at any time, but things will pick up again in 2010. Medium to long-term prospects are still good. However, right now, if you come without a job you should have a pot of cash on hand to see you through if job hunting takes longer than expected.

Re: British columbia
 

Thanks for the reply. It's just so nerve wracking, but I know if we don't make a move, we will be forever kicking ourselves!

Obviously, we will go where the work is, but it would be very nice if it is in a place near water (sea or lake) and where the weather isn't too extreme. :thumbsup:

Re: British columbia
 

Anywhere on the Island is nice, Victoria area is the driest and warmest overall, we seem to miss the worst of the weather but then it's also the most expensive area on the Island too. Plenty of water around too, lakes, sea, inlets - take your pick.
A bit further north are Duncan and Nanaimo areas, weather is a bit worse but houses are cheaper, there was a lot of construction going on in Nanaimo last time we were there, not sure how it is now though.
Basically, the further north you go, the worse the weather gets but the cheaper the housing is.

Re: British columbia
 

Here's a link to give you an idea of prices in Nanaimo although Duncan is more reasonably priced (I think)
http://www.coastrealty.com/pages/for...&search=Search

Nanaimo suits us at the moment, personally I love being near to the sea :) but it's very different from the mainland! (I'd live there if I won the lottery ;))

Still lots of construction here & the houses are dropping in price so a good time to buy me thinks?

Re: British columbia
 

Thank you for all the advice so far!! :)

Any advice and tips is more than welcome!!