Why live in Comox Valley?
Comox Valley is located roughly one hour north of Nanaimo. With a population of just 66,000 people, the area is extremely community-oriented and full of small-town charm, not to mention the fact that it is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. From one of the top skiing destinations on the island to Strathcona Provincial Park (BC’s oldest provincial park), and nearby Denman and Hornby Islands, there are so many ways to explore the great outdoors in Comox Valley. Plus, since the region is quite a ways away from the larger cities of Victoria and Nanaimo, the cost of living tends to be significantly less.
Quality and diversity of education in Comox Valley
The Comox Valley School District, otherwise known as BC School District No. 71 operates 22 schools in the area, servicing over 10,000 students in Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and Denman and Hornby Islands. In total, there are 15 elementary schools, three secondary schools, one middle school, and two alternative schools in the Comox Valley. Meanwhile, the Comox Valley is home to its own post-secondary institution, North Island College. You will also find many post-secondary options on Vancouver Island, including Vancouver Island University in nearby Nanaimo, as well as several colleges and universities in the capital of Victoria, like the University of Victoria, Camosun College, Royal Roads University, Vancouver Island School of Art, and Pearson College UWC. Victoria is just over two and a half hours by car from Comox. Lastly, if you’re willing to take the ferry across to the mainland, Vancouver boasts some of the most reputable educational institutions in BC, like the University of British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, Capilano University, Vancouver Film School, the Art Institute of Vancouver, and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.
Most populous cities in Comox Valley
The most populous neighbourhoods in Comox Valley are North Comox, East Comox, West Comox, Central Comox, and Downtown Comox.
Quality of infrastructure for Comox Valley
BC Transit brings public transportation access to the residents of the Comox Valley through a series of bus routes. There is also a regional airport in the area, Comox Valley Airport, which operates flights daily to Edmonton, Calgary, and Vancouver. Meanwhile, international flights can be accessed by driving two and a half hours to Victoria International Airport or by taking a ferry to Vancouver and flying out of Vancouver International Airport, the province’s largest airport. In terms of water access, Comox is home to the Little River Terminal, where BC Ferries operates a route between Comox and Powell River. To get around the island, the Island Link Bus and Vancouver Island Connector are also available and can connect passengers with other major cities on Vancouver Island, such as Nanaimo, Victoria, and Tofino. When it comes to healthcare, North Island Hospital Comox Valley is located here. However, Nanaimo also has a major hospital, Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Safety and security for Comox Valley
A Comox Valley detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) is tasked with keeping Comox Valley residents safe. That said, crime rates are incredibly low, far below that of any major city on Vancouver Island. The area is also not prone to natural disasters. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1.
Comox Valley property market
Comox Valley is a hotspot for families of all ages, retirees, and even those from other parts of the province or country who are looking for a place to buy a seasonal home. Thus, investing in a home in the Comox Valley would be a smart decision. The types of properties typically available here include bungalows, semi-detached homes, detached homes, townhomes, apartments, condos, and cottages.
Standard of living in Comox Valley
The standard of living in Comox Valley is extremely high. It offers a mild, temperate climate, year-round recreational activities ranging from scuba diving to skiing to hiking, a low crime rate, and affordability - something that is lacking in many other parts of British Columbia. If you’re looking to move somewhere to improve your quality of life, Comox Valley might just be it.
Something wonderful about Comox Valley
Comox Valley has a reputation for being the adventure capital of Vancouver Island. This is due to the main outdoor activities available here. For example, if you’ve ever wanted to scuba dive in crystal clear waters, head on over to nearby Denman and Hornby Islands. Alternatively, if you love skiing and snowboarding, the Comox Valley is home to Mount Washington Skiing Alpine Resort, Vancouver Island’s only full-service ski resort. Finally, if you live in the Comox Valley, you will have Strathcona Provincial Park at your back door. Strathcona is known to be one of the most beautiful parks on the island, boasting glaciers, mountain peaks, lakes, and more, there is a wide range of hiking and camping facilities in the park to suit all levels.
