Why more locals are swapping city life for Vancouver Island

City life has its perks and being in the heart of the bustle is great, for a certain amount of time. It’s not even about getting older — you could live downtown all your life if you wanted to. It’s about your priorities changing, and the challenge of finding a new home to match.

This, along with the following factors, is the reason why more locals are ending their relationship with Vancouver and moving to Victoria.

In 2018, a report by Statistics Canada revealed that over 9,000 Metro Vancouver residents moved to other areas of BC between June 2016 and July 2017. Vancouver Island also had one of the highest levels of inter-provincial migration in the country with 0.7% of people relocating to Victoria.

With beautiful beaches, fresh, clean air, a small-town vibe, and an unwavering sense of community, Victoria has a lot to offer. And if you decide to make the move there, you’ll never look back. Here’s why.

Immersion in nature

Esquimalt Lagoon Bird Sanctuary/@tranquil.elements, Instagram

Have you ever noticed how some of Vancouver’s hiking trails are just so crowded and over-done? We’ve had enough of seeing views of Quarry Rock on our Instagram feeds! On Vancouver Island, there are an abundance of hiking opportunities — so you have plenty of options to choose from. That’s the beauty of life on the Island.

The beautiful Esquimalt Lagoon Bird Sanctuary is located 10 km west of Victoria and it’s home to waterbirds including the American Coot, Mallard, and Northern Pintail, among many others. Goldstream Provincial Park, Thetis Lake Regional Park, and The Butchart Gardens, are also easily accessible natural havens where you can embrace nature.

Lifestyle

If you’ve spoken to anyone who has made the shift from Vancouver to Victoria, they’ve likely told you how their lifestyle has changed dramatically. They can take last-minute trips to neighbouring islands like Sidney Island, San Juan Island, Pender Island, Galiano Island, and Mayne Island, with ease.

With a great small business community, there are opportunities to start your own business, the tech scene is growing (but not overpopulated), and you’ve got tons of options when it comes to dining out at local eateries in Victoria.

If you’re craving the best brunch around, head to Jam Cafe — yes, the lines are insane but totally worth it. Or if you’re in the mood, drop by Don Mee Seafood Restaurant in the heart of Chinatown for some of the best Dim Sum you will ever have (trust us, just ask any local). With options like these, what’s not to love about the Victoria food scene?

Affordability

Sarah Jane/Pexels

Last year, a report by Zoocasa revealed that homes in the city of Vancouver hovered around the $1,196,000 price mark — an average that’s completely out of most millennials’ budget. In contrast, you can find a new oceanfront townhome starting from the mid-400s in Victoria. Imagine being able to enjoy breathtaking ocean views in a waterfront home you could call your own.

Reality check: There’s a new opportunity for your life to include all of this. Two Waters, a collection of 707 two, three, and four-bedroom oceanview townhomes by Relevant Properties are coming to Colwood in Victoria, just 25 minutes from the downtown core. Previewing in early March and available now for registration, you could be living here much sooner than you think. Each home is being designed with multiple living areas and flex spaces for all different family types, giving you all the space you need.

These durable, liveable homes cultivate community and a sense of harmony with the land, bringing people and nature together — without disrupting local ecosystems. And living here offers you ample outdoor amenities including walking trails, picnic areas and a natural water channel running through the community, which will feel like you’re forever on vacation.