getoutofbritainquick

I may have a company transfer soon and we are just doing some research on the Victoria area of Vancouver Island. We are looking at good neighbourhoods and schools for our 9 and 13 year old children.
Hoping to have a reckie trip the week after next for a few days. Been looking at Bear Mountain as a starter but not looking too good with the schools in the area. We have sufficient funds to live in Victoria but would prefer somewhere a little more rural with up to 40 minute commute. Any advice on the area would be much appreciated. Thanks

rivingtonpike

To the West is the Sooke region. James MC can help you there. To the North is the Mill Bay/Shawnigan/Malahat area. I can help you here. Depends how much you want to spend and how far you're prepared to commute. Schools seem to be generally better to the East and North of Victoria. Not so good in Sooke and Langford. PM me if you'd like a chat. We're in Mill Bay.

Blesbuck

You could also look at Central and North Saanich, I live in North Saanich and it's rural between rain forests and the Saanich Inlet with lots of small farms with livestock and fruit trees

getoutofbritainquick

Thanks for the heads up will be in touch. This has hit us very suddenly while we was away on vacation in Florida and we have not had much time to do any real research. Once again thanks for the heads up.

luvmeboys

we're in Shawnigan Lake and I actually work at a school there. Nice community and a lovely area to live.

james.mc

...as per rivingtonpike's suggestion... The Sooke region gets my vote. Well it would.. we live there
It's on your limit of 40 minutes commute from Vic and a great area for family/kids recreational outdoorsy things to do.
Not too sure about the schools.. there are a few that don't look too shabby, but as for performance?? No kids=No idea.

We live in East Sooke... pretty picturesque and rural. Also, on the rural front and little closer to Victoria, you could maybe look at Metchosin.

Aviator

Highlands. Rural, commutable to the ferry, airport and the city. I always liked the Munn Road area.

getoutofbritainquick

The area's you suggest look wonderful and can see why people want to live there. The schools seem to be the issue. We looked at Sooke and Langford (liked Bear Mountain area) but the schools all seem to be not so good with low school rankings (some of the lowest in the Province). We are spending 4 days on the island next week to check it out.