Left Nanaimo for Alberta a few years ago. I will say with the migration in/out at this point, Nanaimo is relatively on par with many areas in Alberta when you factor in insurance, property taxes and utilities. Nanaimo is still a great city, and I still own a property there, if the city can get a handle on the homeless population and crime it would be a great start, but I guess you could say the same about most cities in Canada now.
My experience coming up from the Bay Area in California is that the greater Nanaimo area, like mid Island (eg Cowichan Valley, etc, like maybe ~ Duncan up to Campbell River or so), is definitely more affordable than Vancouver or Victoria, but isn't necessarily the very cheapest possible. If you REALLY want to go as cheap as you can, there are options like Tahsis, Zeballos, or even Port Alberni, and on the mainland you can find towns like Prince George, or even some towns in the Kootenays, etc, which are cheaper. If you really want to be in the heart of the social actions - ie Vic and Van - you'll pay more. If you just want beautiful nature and don't mind being more remote and having fewer amenities, you very well might find you fall in love with a quiet little town like Gold River. For me personally, I find the balance between affordability, access to great socializing, as well as access to great outdoors activities, is best around the mid island, but to each their own!
@@Ritaisrelocating Yeah, everything is perfect. But, because you are creating professional content you need to be more professional. You are done 90% but there is a mistake I have seen and that is your channel algorithm doesn't understand your content properly. So, it would be best if you wrote an algorithm-friendly description. I will share the rules to make algorithm-friendly descriptions if you want. Shall I share?
Hi! Plenty of people use public transportation. It really depends on the lifestyle you're looking for. Obviously the bus will take you longer etc. I personally wouldn't want to live here without a vehicle.
The costs are too high for a backwater with so few amenities, I wouldn't recommend Nanaimo. If you want a small community that's close to a city that actually brings something to the table other than a walk on the beach, look to Sidney, BC. The people are a little more sophisticated and Victoria, BC is just 30 minutes away depending on traffic. Sidney is nice, and Victoria is a great little city.
I agree that Victoria is a much nicer and well designed city than Nanaimo. But putting yourself in a position where you need to commute to get there isn't great. Victoria's biggest asset is its density and walkability. Parts of Nanaimo are walkable, but it has a big issue with sprawl, and an ugly downtown core. I'd really recommend people look at Duncan and Courtney as options.
@@PaulBantock Duncan and Courtney are lateral moves, unsophisticated, tawdry little places. The commute from Sidney to Victoria is 40 minutes to an hour with parking and the bus and cycling is about the same. I say it's worth it. Sidney is also good if you're retired or a person who can work from home, then go into Victoria for lunch, or diner and drinks. A pleasant day in the city.
Left Nanaimo for Alberta a few years ago. I will say with the migration in/out at this point, Nanaimo is relatively on par with many areas in Alberta when you factor in insurance, property taxes and utilities. Nanaimo is still a great city, and I still own a property there, if the city can get a handle on the homeless population and crime it would be a great start, but I guess you could say the same about most cities in Canada now.
Great video Rita! Lots of interesting information. In Powell River gas is 192.9!
Good Info. Thanks
You're welcome!
That's a huge jump for property taxes. No avoiding taxes that's for sure. Not easy to get ahead in the world that's for sure.
My experience coming up from the Bay Area in California is that the greater Nanaimo area, like mid Island (eg Cowichan Valley, etc, like maybe ~ Duncan up to Campbell River or so), is definitely more affordable than Vancouver or Victoria, but isn't necessarily the very cheapest possible. If you REALLY want to go as cheap as you can, there are options like Tahsis, Zeballos, or even Port Alberni, and on the mainland you can find towns like Prince George, or even some towns in the Kootenays, etc, which are cheaper. If you really want to be in the heart of the social actions - ie Vic and Van - you'll pay more. If you just want beautiful nature and don't mind being more remote and having fewer amenities, you very well might find you fall in love with a quiet little town like Gold River. For me personally, I find the balance between affordability, access to great socializing, as well as access to great outdoors activities, is best around the mid island, but to each their own!
How are you doing? I am a regular viewer from your channel. I am just here to tell you that you are creating very amazing content. Good luck to you.
Thanks! I really appreciate your viewership!
@@Ritaisrelocating Yeah, everything is perfect. But, because you are creating professional content you need to be more professional. You are done 90% but there is a mistake I have seen and that is your channel algorithm doesn't understand your content properly. So, it would be best if you wrote an algorithm-friendly description. I will share the rules to make algorithm-friendly descriptions if you want. Shall I share?
Well am just passing through the procedure....
so just came here to see the Nanaimo place
Hi Rita, planning to move to nanaimo next year. Is it advisable to lease a car to get around or public transportation is enough? Thank you!
Hi! Plenty of people use public transportation. It really depends on the lifestyle you're looking for. Obviously the bus will take you longer etc. I personally wouldn't want to live here without a vehicle.
The costs are too high for a backwater with so few amenities, I wouldn't recommend Nanaimo. If you want a small community that's close to a city that actually brings something to the table other than a walk on the beach, look to Sidney, BC. The people are a little more sophisticated and Victoria, BC is just 30 minutes away depending on traffic. Sidney is nice, and Victoria is a great little city.
I agree that Victoria is a much nicer and well designed city than Nanaimo. But putting yourself in a position where you need to commute to get there isn't great. Victoria's biggest asset is its density and walkability. Parts of Nanaimo are walkable, but it has a big issue with sprawl, and an ugly downtown core. I'd really recommend people look at Duncan and Courtney as options.
@@PaulBantock Duncan and Courtney are lateral moves, unsophisticated, tawdry little places. The commute from Sidney to Victoria is 40 minutes to an hour with parking and the bus and cycling is about the same. I say it's worth it. Sidney is also good if you're retired or a person who can work from home, then go into Victoria for lunch, or diner and drinks. A pleasant day in the city.
Nanaimo is free isn't it? Asking for a friend in Surrey.
Feels that way after I just had a meal out at Cultus Lake. Take me back!
Hi rita
HI KENZIE!!
If you can’t survive Canadian living you’d better find a new place to live because this is as good as it gets.
I will save you all time. NO. you're welcome. And quit bringing more people here!!!
You're healthcare system needs nurses and techs. Be quiet. You need people. Nanaimo will grow.