witchileiz

Well, finally got a job secured for me... so we are over there in about 4-5 weeks. Have an 8 yr old daughter and looking for where to live. I will be working downtown, so figuring Fairfield is good for walking/cycling to work now... Sir James Douglas school seems OK, but not sure there are houses I could ever afford to buy there (we will be renting for a year or so at first).

Would love to live in Oak Bay, but my new manager told me it is 'old money' and that got me worried that there wouldn't be enough families with kids around. I know OB can be expensive, but there are still odd old-timers available here and there at a doable price for us. Willows school looks nice also.

My daughter is shy, but really looking forward to a new school...so I don't really want to get her settled in a school in Fairfield and then have to move if we buy in Oak Bay....

Factors for consideration: getting to work downtown and back quickly (bike, walk/bus). Schools that encourage the arts and have out of school care.

I like Fairfield, but just don't see many small/old houses we could possibly buy (more giant houses split to units, or condos), in a year or so, but if it is more dense with families, maybe this would be better for the dd...

Would love to hear from anyone living in or near those areas. I had originally decided on Gordon Head, as I expected to work either UVIC, Jubilee or Camosun College, but now that my job area has changed, so has my idea on where to live....

Appreciate any thoughts from any locals! Thanks

rwin

I think Gordon Head is still a decent place to live. Getting downtown from there shouldn't be a problem either by bike or bus. If I was to move back to Victoria that would be my first choice.

For an easy commute, I'd avoid the Saanich Pennisula or western communities.

rivingtonpike

We've got friends with 2 young girls in Oak Bay. They say there is a limitation on available kids for theirs to play with within immediate walkability. I think that your boss is right - largely "old money". Also, very expensive. Not sure what your budget is going to be but I'd be very surprised if you get any change out of $2000 per month rent. Fairfield is more "trendy" to my mind, but a bit hippy for my taste (I'm an old fart). Cook St Village area seems to be much "younger" - land of the yummy mummy!

Lots of young families a bit further out but then commuting becomes a necessary evil. Mind you, you get a lot more bang for your buck.

The4BellsLondon

Oak Bay currently over run with film crew .. It is now "Gracepoint" .. The US version of Broadchurch. Lots of Whovians undertaking Tenant spotting !

susieh

Oak Bay still has plenty of people who've owned their houses for 40/50 years, but there are definitely lots of families coming in too. I think I mentioned in a previous thread that we live in the Jubilee area and there are loads of families on our street with young kids. It's Victoria rather than Oak Bay, but close to all the shops on Oak Bay Ave, a big Safeway and the rec centre, plus near several bus routes (10 mins to town by bus or walkable in 40 mins). We didn't see many houses we could afford in Oak Bay itself, but if you can afford it, it's a great location!

Fairfield is lovely too - again, too pricey for us, but I'd definitely live there. Margaret Jenkins is a good school. I don't know anyone at James Douglas, but I'm sure it's fine too. I have friends with kids at Willows and it's a lovely school, with French immersion and English.

Oaklands (north of Fernwood) is another area we looked at which seemed family friendly, so you might want to check it out too.

Yup, Gracepoint is being filmed just round the corner from us, but I've still not spotted Mr Tennant!

The4BellsLondon

My friend is make up on set .. Am working on a visit

susieh

Ooh, nice! Haven't seen any filming on Oak Bay Ave for the past week or so, so hoping they'll be back soon!

Jackandvictor

That's because they were filming in Sidney last night and this morning. It's funny seeing the American flag alongside a Californian one fluttering over the Gracepoint Police building at Seaport place!

susieh

There was a US postbox outside the newspaper office in Oak Bay!

dollface

ooooooooo, how cool. Broadchurch was excellent. I feel David is certainly worth a gander

Wonder why they decided not to cast Olivia Colman.

witchileiz

Thanks for the responses - really helpful actually - and I must say, I'm don't mind bumping into Dr Who! Got a poss rental lined up in both Fairfield and Oak Bay. Still erring towards OB a little, so may see you around SusieH! Thanks again...

charlottyb

I live in Oak Bay, just round the corner from Willows school. It is a great area and there are lots of families here. Particularly the area around Estevan village, and then the other side of Oak Bay Avenue near Monterey (the middle school, that my 11 year old daughter goes to).
As another poster said, rent on a house would be approx $2000/mth here, and houses can be hard to find to rent in this area too.
DM me if you have any more questions.

rivingtonpike

Went passed the Gracepoint "office" in Oak Bay this morning and all the cars parked outside still have US licence plates so I guess they must be coming back soon.

Nice area though - very trendy....

susieh

Feel free to get in touch once you get here! Congrats on the job!

The4BellsLondon

Trendy ? I think more like a nice English Village ..