Everything You Must Know Before Moving From Kelowna to Victoria in 2023
Victoria is located on Vancouver Island's southern tip, making it one of Canada's most desirable places to live. With a population of over 85,000 people and plenty of attractions such as world-renowned Butchart Gardens, Victoria has something for everyone! Whether you're looking for some tranquility or an adventure-filled escape from reality - Victoria can offer both experiences and everything in between!
Moving to Victoria from Victoria
Moving to a new home can be exciting, but offers some daunting tasks at the same time. While preparing for a big move from Kelowna to Victoria in 2023, there are many factors to consider. But not to worry; we have narrowed down the top 5 most important moving considerations - cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live, pros and cons and best moving solutions - that will make your transition smoother. Let's delve into these factors in more detail in the next section.
Cost of Living
Victoria is the proud capital of British Columbia, boasting an array of attractions and landmarks while also being one of the largest cities in Canada. Moving to such a vast city requires a bit more planning than usual; expenses are bound to differ depending on your lifestyle and the new sights you explore. To make sure that you are fully prepared for your move, below is a comparison table of Kelowna against Victoria so that you can make an informed decision about your relocation plan.
| Category | Victoria | Kelowna |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate (Production Home) | $294 / sq ft. | $350 / sq ft. |
| Real Estate (Custom-Built Single- Family) | $290 / sq ft. | $400 /sq ft. |
| Housing (1 Bedroom) | $1300 / Month | $1200 / Month. |
| Housing Utilities and Insurance | $200 - $250 / Month. | $200 - $250 / Month |
| Transportation | $85 / Month for a Monthly Transit Pass. | $53.25/Month for a monthly transit pass. |
| Car Insurance | $1,500 / Year. | $1,680 / Year |
| Entertainment | $150 / Month | $400 / Month. |
| Grocery Cost for 1 Person | $240 / Month | $300 / Month. |
| Communication (Phone and Internet) | $110 / Month | $90 / Month |
| Health and Fitness | $60-100 / Month (depending on the gym and type of membership) | $50-80 / Month |
| Sales Taxes | 7% / Year | 12% / Year |
The cost of real estate in Victoria is lower than in Kelowna, with the average price per square foot being $294 compared to $350. The same goes for custom-built single-family homes, where the cost in Victoria is $290 per square foot, while in Kelowna it's $400. Rent prices are also lower in Victoria, at around $1300 a month compared to $1200 a month in Kelowna. Utilities and insurance prices are similar for both cities, costing roughly $200-250 a month each. Transportation costs less in Kelowna as well, with the monthly transit pass costing only $53.25 compared to Victoria's $85. Car Insurance is more expensive in Kelowna however, averaging at around $1680 per year compared to Victoria's price of $1500 annually. Entertainment and grocery costs are higher in Victoria than in Kelowna; entertainment costing about $150 a month and groceries costing about $240 a month compared to Kelowna's prices of around$400 and $300 respectively. Communications such as phone and internet are cheaper in Kelowna as well, with an average of around $90 a month compared to Victoria's estimated price of around$110 per month. Health and fitness costs also vary between the two locations; it typically costs between $60-$100 a month for membership fees at gyms and health clubs in Victoria whereas it is somewhat cheaper in Kelowna at an average of between$50-$80 a month. Last but not least, sales taxes are higher in Kelowna than they are in Victoria; they stand at 12% annually compared to 7% annually.
Benefits of Moving to Victoria
Victoria provides a stunning natural environment with beautiful scenes and mild climate. Meanwhile, Kelowna does not offer the same level of landscape appreciation. Moreover, Victoria is renowned for its world-class events that are great for nightlife and other experiences. This is something Kelowna cannot provide in comparison. Furthermore, with many active lifestyle options such as cycling routes, parks, and beaches there is always something to do in Victoria. Contrastingly, it can be difficult to explore new activities or find fun things in Kelowna due to its size and lack of options. Finally, the strong economy in Victoria allows for more employment opportunities compared to what you would find in Kelowna's economy which tends to be weaker than most Canadian cities.
Best areas to live in Victoria
Choosing a neighbourhood in Victoria can be tricky; the sheer amount of options available can make it difficult to narrow down. To help make your decision easier, we've compiled a list of what we believe are the best areas to live in Victoria.
Uplands
The Uplands neighbourhood is one of the most affluent areas in Victoria, and it is home to some of the city's most affluent citizens. Downtown Victoria lies just a few kilometres away, providing easy access to numerous amenities and attractions such as the harbourside restaurants, boutique shopping districts and vibrant nightlife. The neighbourhoods surrounding Uplands are relatively quiet, with well-kept gardens, parks and trails located only a short walk away. From here, visitors can explore all that Victoria has to offer from outdoor adventure spots such as Craigdarroch castle to art galleries or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Dallas Road beach. Life in Uplands offers something for everyone; from quaint cafes tucked deep in residential streets to dozens of top restaurants located mere blocks away - it's almost like living two different lives!
Oak Bay
Victoria's upscale neighbourhood of Oak Bay is known for its quaint village, stunning views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, and many beaches. Just a few minutes' drive away are attractions such as Craigdarroch Castle, Hatley Park National Historic Site and Butchart Gardens. At its heart is a unique mix of shops and cafés surrounded by parks, trails and quiet residential streets. Moving to the area means being near the city without sacrificing nature's beauty – after all, it's what makes Victoria a world-renowned destination! Living in Oak Bay gives you access to a diverse range of amenities including restaurants, galleries and boutiques within walking distance. What's more, friendly neighbourhoods allow you to enjoy close-knit community living with easy access to local parks and other recreational activities nearby. Whether it’s taking in the breathtaking views or experiencing nature at your door step; life in Oak Bay provides an opportunity for exploration all year round!
Gordon Head
Gordon Head is a neighbourhood in Victoria and it has over 20,000 inhabitants. It is bordered by the Cadboro Bay and the University of Victoria, giving it a picturesque view of both nature and academia alike. Attractions such as Royal Roads University, Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, and Fort Rodd Hill are just a few kilometers away - walking distance for many residents. Life in Gordon Head is mostly composed of peaceful surroundings with plenty to do close by - making it an ideal place for anyone moving to Victoria in 2023!
Ten Mile Point
Ten Mile Point, a seaside enclave in Victoria, is known for its affluent population and stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by Cadboro Bay to the east and Ten Mile Point Beach to the west, offering an abundance of recreational activities from swimming and kayaking near Cadboro Bay to sunbathing on the beach. Westshore Town Centre is just a few minutes away for shopping and dining, while downtown Victoria is only 20 minutes away. Ten Mile Point offers residents a peaceful lifestyle with quick access to all that Victoria has to offer. Residents enjoy breathtaking views of ocean vistas combined with close proximity to parks, shops and restaurants.
Fairfield
Fairfield is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Victoria, having been established in the mid-19th century. It is surrounded by lush gardens and trees, providing an oasis of peace close to busy downtown Victoria. Attractions near Fairfield are located within a few kilometeres, with Butchart Gardens being only 5 kilometres away and the University of Victoria just 8 kilometres away. Life in Fairfield offers a unique combination between suburban living and urban amenities - it's perfect if you're looking for a peaceful home with easy access to restaurants, shopping, parks, beaches and more!
Pros
- The perfect weather in Victoria compared to Kelowna is a definite plus when moving there.
- The benefit of moving from Kelowna to Victoria is the opportunity to experience life in a larger city.
- Moving from Kelowna to Victoria in 2023 offers more employment opportunities due to its larger population and thriving job market.
Cons
- Despite its picturesque views and bustling culture, the higher cost of living in Victoria can be a major drawback for those moving from Kelowna.
- Considering the increased population, moving from Kelowna to Victoria can often lead to more traffic congestion.
- Moving from Kelowna to Victoria means you're farther away from the majestic mountains that surround the city.
What Are the Best Moving Solutions in Moving From Kelowna to Victoria?
Moving from Kelowna to Victoria can be a huge process, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. There are many local moving companies that offer comprehensive services to make sure your move is as stress free as possible. Hercules Moving Company, for example, provides everything from packing and loading supplies to storage solutions and professional installation of furniture and appliances. Meanwhile, they also offer customized moving plans tailored specifically for long-distance moves and even offer special rates for some customers. No matter what moving company you choose, it's essential that you remember to check their reputation online as well as their registration with the Canadian Association of Movers (CAM). This way you can ensure that your possessions are in the right hands during the move and prevent any unwanted surprises along the way.
Conclusion
Moving to Victoria from Kelowna in 2023 is a great idea for anyone interested in exploring beautiful natural surroundings and enjoying the city's vibrant art and culture scene. There are many considerations to keep in mind including cost of living, benefits of moving, where to live and best moving solutions. The cost of living is lower in Victoria than Kelowna, with housing prices being particularly lower. Furthermore, the entertainment and health & fitness options available in Victoria provide a much more diverse lifestyle experience than what can be found in Kelowna. Uplands, Oak Bay, Gordon Head, Ten Mile Point and Fairfields are some of the best neighbourhoods located close to the best attractions and amenities that Victoria has to offer. However before you choose one it’s important to weigh out both pros & cons when planning your move from Kelowna. The right moving company can make all the difference! Hercules Moving Company offers comprehensive services tailored specifically for long-distance moves so you can rest assured that your belongings will be safe during transit . With lots of helpful articles available online explaining how to prepare for a successful move from Kelowna - you're sure to find success!
