Where to live in Victoria??

Category: Local Questions & Answers

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6/12/2009 E Carol D. says:

We're also thinking about moving to Victoria. We're former Winnipeggers who have lived in Long Beach (near Los Angeles) for almost 10 years. We're well established here, but we definitely plan, maybe 7 or 8 years down the road, to return to Canada. We're open to suggestions about where we might live in Victoria.  We're an active middle aged couple; we don't actually want (nor can we afford) a house, so we hope to find a large condo not too far from downtown and cultural venues, but also close to water and trails. Like Cassandra (who posted here earlier this year), we want to be near great restaurants and entertainment. Would love to hear from anyone with ideas- thanks so much!

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   6/13/2009 Beth "never bethany" C. says:

   If you can afford it, buy in Cook Street Village, or at least the Fairfield area. It's so lovely - close to Dallas Road (ocean, off-leash dog area, Beacon Hill Park, kite-flying at Clover Point), lots of groceries, restaurants, laundry, coffee, bookshop, etcetera. If Cook St. Village isn't in your price range, Quadra Village (Hillside Quadra area) is up and coming - they put in a Fairway market in place of the Brick a couple of years ago, and the community is improving and growing - good groceries, great coffee (Caffe Fantastico) a pub (5th St. Bar & Grill), a Roger's Video, a few little restaurants and shops, a movie theater (the Roxy) and more. It's still a little 'sketchy' at times (I live here, and have for 6 years), especially around Mac's Convenience store at night, but I walk around alone at all hours and feel just fine. I love the neighbourhood and it's improved and improving a lot.
   
   Fernwood is also very nice, and on the up....the Belfry theater puts on great plays, there are nice restaurants, a good pub, a cupcake shop, a giant community bulletin board, a record store, lots of friendly hippie types with nice gardens. I used to live in the heart of Fernwood and miss it.
   
   Hope to see you here soon, and good luck!

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   6/15/2009 E Carol D. says:

   Thanks a million for the suggestions. Beth--they'll really help us get oriented. As it happens, we'll be in Victoria later this week, so we'll be setting out with a rental car and a GPS and checking out all of your neighbourhoods. I've also fallen for the Gorge/Tillicum area--it looks gorgeous, but we'll find out when we get there! Again, much thanks!

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   6/17/2009 Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

   Fernwood sounds like my kind of place! You're a wealth of information Beth!
   @ E Carol -- good luck with your move! Hope you'll find your perfect neighbourhood and will let us know how you make out!

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   6/19/2009 Linda "in Victoria" S. says:

   Gordon Head/Camosun College is a great area.  Not too far from town and you won't get the homeless/transients/crack heads going through your garbage.
   
   Fernwood is starting to clean up a bit but it's still known as a not very safe area.  I live in a condo near the Craigdarroch castle (not far from Fernwood) and cars are always getting broken into, people going through our garbage (maybe up to 10 people a day!).   We even found a homeless person living in our utility room!!!!  Besides that it's a great location for me as I can walk to work and the price was a real steal.
   
   I agree with Beth that Cook street village is a cool place and near everything and is slowing improving, however you mentioned you are both middle aged, as I am, so you may want a little more quiet with more space.
   
   So if you don't have a car then Cook Street Village is your best bet, if you have a car Gordon Head area is only about 10 minutes to town (if that).
   
   Good luck and welcome.
   
   PS:  It's difficult to meet people in this town so be prepared and don't take it personally... they're old English here.  They're very friendly but not very inviting as it takes a long time for them to let you in their circle.

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