Everybody knows that British Columbia in Canada takes pride in its most temperate climate and the most breathtaking views. But everyone also knows it is the most expensive province to live in Canada.
Despite higher costs of living, BC is still a top choice for many Canadians and immigrants to relocate.
Why Choose British Columbia for Relocation
If you are planning a move anywhere in British Columbia, you are about to discover one of the most spectacular places in Canada. British Columbia has a pretty diverse climate, depending on where you choose to live. Near the coast, you’ll experience dry summers and wet but mild winters. Near the Okanagan or Cariboo, winters are warm and summers quite hot. In contrast, the northern coast gets more rain and colder winters.
British Columbia is a Dream Moving Destination
It is no surprise that many individuals dream of moving to British Columbia. Some of the reasons why it is a great moving destination are:
- Higher wages and benefits
- High standard of living
- Excellent healthcare
- Cultural Diversity
- Low crime rates
A move to British Columbia needs to be planned carefully, particularly the city in B.C. where you choose to settle.
Live your dream: Move to B.C.’s amazing cities
The good news is that the good life in British Columbia is not limited to Vancouver or Victoria where prices are astronomical. You can look further afield as BC has many other smaller but just as nice places to live, work, or play. BC Business released a study of the best cities to live and work where there is a good work-life balance. From cost of food, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, people need to consider many factors for choosing where to relocate. British Columbia has family-friendly cities with dynamic job markets where you can live the dream.
Studies show that people who choose to live outside of Vancouver can save as much as 20% to 30% of their income.
Below are B.C.’s top cities to relocate based on cost of living, employment opportunities, quality of life, healthcare, and other important criteria.
# 1 – Saanich
This community in Vancouver Island within the Greater Victoria Area has become a thriving city with more than 115,000 residents. It features sandy beaches that families can enjoy but also has a low unemployment rate and great schools. The local economy remains vibrant with the presence of the Vancouver Island Technology Park.
Average home prices in Saanich start at $577,652, much lower than prices in Vancouver that go over the $1 Million mark.
# 2 – Fort St. John
Fort St. John was hailed by BC Business as the best city in BC with a work-life balance. This city boasts of a high average household income at no less than $126,850, and an income growth of 27.3. While its population was less than 20,000 as of 2011, it has a steady population growth of 10%. It has a rural and farming population but the urban centre has retail, industrial, and service sectors, as well as an oil and gas industry.
Average price of homes for the first half of 2017 in Fort St. John is $289,833, according to the BC Northern Real Estate Board.
# 3 – Coquitlam
As of 2016, this city in B.C. had a population of 139,284. It is a suburban city comprising one of 21 municipalities of Metropolitan Vancouver. Located in the warmest region of Canada, average annual temperatures are from 13.4 degrees Celsius to highs of 22.7 degrees in the summer months and lows of 1.4 degrees in winter. It is a bedroom community, with most residents commuting to Burnaby, Vancouver, and other Vancouver suburbs to work. Rolls-Royce, Coca-Cola, and Sony are among its notable employers.
The average household income in Coquitlam is $94,206. MLS statistics show that the average home price is at $796,000 for an average house.
# 4 – Delta
This municipality of Greater Vancouver offers lots of green spaces, a mild climate, breathtaking landscapes, and abundant recreational opportunities. Take all these factors into account and you have all the ingredients for a great quality of life. People living here love its clean and safe neighborhoods and profit from a stable economy. In fact, the average household income of $108,000 is some 30% higher than the national average. It has the biggest container terminal in the country which accounts for much of the local economy.
Average home prices in Delta are much higher at $976,000 in 2017. But keep in mind that their average household income is much higher too.
# 5 – New Westminster
This small town located in the Lower Mainland of B.C. Canada boast of charming neighborhoods with tree-lined streets and old homes with character. It is geographically small, with a population of about 71,000, but has undergone massive revitalization in the last 10 years. It is the fastest growing city in the province and many say that their population will double in the next 20 years. The average household income is $78,000 with an income growth of 11%. The presence of many leading employers such as Royal Columbian Hospital, Douglas Canada, and Walmart, helps to sustain a dynamic labor market.
As Vancouver real estate keeps skyrocketing, many new homebuyers are seeing the huge potential of New West, as it is fondly called by locals, where average home sale price is much, much lower.
# 6 – Kamloops
This modern city with 100,000 residents is about a 4-hour drive from Vancouver. It is a city with a relaxed lifestyle, a warmer climate, and has a mixed landscape of forests, lakes, mountains, and valleys that all offer abundant leisure opportunities. It is a mecca of arts, culture, shopping, and lifestyle amenities that would keep any urbanite busy. Due to the presence of Thompson Rivers University, the largest in B.C., the city also has thousands of students, local and foreign.
Kamloops has a diverse economy
Kamloops draws a diverse range of businesses from healthcare, financial services, high tech, and many others that keep its economy dynamic and stable. The average household income is $91,000 and the average home price is $408,000 for an average house. These many factors have made Kamloops a very appealing place to move to.
# 7 – Burnaby
This fast-growing city of 222,000 residents has transformed from an agricultural area to a bedroom community. It has excellent access to other areas of B.C. including Vancouver (driving can take only 25 minutes) and also the USA. It has become highly urbanized with lots of industrial firms and commercial outlets. It is considered as a highly desirable place to live and work because of its efficient local government, ethnic diversity, beautiful environment, and lower cost of living.
Burnaby is growing fast with increased job opportunities
Many individuals have successfully relocated to Burnaby due to its growing economy. Some of its notable employers include Chevron, Creo, Telus, Pacific Blue Cross, and Ballard Power Systems. The average household income in Burnaby is $82,000. The price for an average house in Burnaby as of 2017 is $783,000.
Choosing Burnaby as your moving destination is a great choice. With so many family-friendly communities, employment opportunities, great schools, and recreational attractions, you and the whole family will surely be entertained all year round.
# 8 – Surrey
Surrey is largely a suburban city and is the 2nd largest after Vancouver. Its population is estimated at close to 395,000 with a foreign born population numbering 150,235.
It has one the biggest industrial centers in B.C. with a fast-growing technology and clean energy sectors. It is also active in manufacturing, education, health, agriculture, and the arts. Many individuals live in Surrey and commute to Vancouver for work. They enjoy pristine beaches, urban forests, golf courses, and hundreds of biking trails and pathways. All in all, Surrey offers a more affordable option to living in B.C. while remaining close to Vancouver.
The average family income in Surrey of $95,139 is much higher than the regional average in BC. Real estate prices are much lower in Surrey; it is even possible to get a 3-bedroom home for less than $500,000.
# 9 – Richmond
This coastal city of British Columbia is also part of Metro Vancouver and has a population of over 218,000 as of 2017. It also has the highest immigrant population in the country, (it has a significant Chinese population) with more than 60% of residents foreign-born.
The local economy is supported by thousands of jobs in the retailing, tourism, manufacturing, aviation, services, fishing, agriculture, and government. It is also leading in high-technology due to the presence of Sierra Wireless and Norsat. There are also a number of large shopping malls in the area.
The average family income in the area is $87,026, with an income growth of 11.5%. As of 2016, average home price in Richmond reached $998,000, according to Canadian Real Estate Wealth data.
# 10 – Kelowna
This city in the center of fabulous Okanagan Valley offers a lifestyle of fun and surprises. Its diverse neighborhoods, spread around the highlands, provide spectacular views of the lake.
It also has a dynamic job market with many jobs available from its rapidly growing tech sector and other businesses. It also has an endless array of entertainment and outdoor activities for the young and old. The average family income in Kelowna is $87,555 while home prices average at $700,000 for a single family home. The city has benefited from migrants looking for outlying communities with a rural feel yet close enough to the city.
Long Distance Moving to British Columbia
Moving to B.C. from Alberta, Ontario, and other provinces in Canada will need major planning. Hiring a reputable and experienced long distance moving company will guarantee that your move is smooth and stress-free. Depending on your point of origin, your moving company will provide you with the best method of transporting your household and personal goods to your B.C. destination. The most important thing you need to consider is your choice of moving company. Believe it or not, moving companies are not equal.
When looking for the right mover, it is critical that you think about:
- The size of your move
- What moving services you need (full packing, partial packing, Moving only, complete services)
- Your budget
- Your timetable
The Cost of Moving to BC
Moving companies offer a wide array of moving services you can choose from. The cost of your move is also significantly affected by your choice of moving company. Long distance movers offer flat rate moving fees to make it more affordable. Their charges are based on weight of your inventory (in pounds).
Once you choose a moving company, it is important to arrange for an in-home assessment so they can estimate the weight of your cargo and provide you with a guaranteed moving estimate.
