Pros and Cons for living in Courtenay, BC
When considering a move to any new town or city, it is important to be aware of both the positive and negative aspects of the area. A perk for some might be a consideration for others. As pros and cons are subjective, we’ve provided a list of what we feel are advantages and potential disadvantages for someone considering a move to Courtenay.
What is Courtenay BC known for?
Situated in the stunning Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, Courtenay offers a picturesque backdrop of mountains, forests, and waterways. The region’s mild climate allows residents to enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities throughout the year, from hiking and skiing to fishing and kayaking. It’s a place where you can enjoy the outdoors, build lasting relationships, and experience the unique charm of Vancouver Island living.
Sounds great, doesn’t it?
Advantages for moving to Courtenay
Looking for some good reasons to move to Courtenay? Consider the following.
Courtenay is relatively affordable
Compared to major cities in British Columbia like Vancouver and Victoria, Courtenay offers a more affordable cost of living. Housing prices, rental rates, and daily expenses tend to be lower, making it more accessible for individuals and families.
Year-round mild, temperate climate
The weather in Courtenay is fairly comfortable most of the time. Summers are usually warm but not as excessively hot as you’d find in places like the Okanagan. While it does snow in the winter, the season is relatively mild compared to other parts of Canada. It receives a similar amount of rain compared to Vancouver and other surrounding areas.
Healthcare is not neglected
It seems like it doesn’t matter where you go in British Columbia, it’s going to be difficult to find a family doctor. While the pressure to find a physician does exist in Courtenay, the infrastructure supports an already well-established health care system. The North Island Hospital opened in 2017, for example. North Island College also has several programs and courses related to health care such as nursing and homecare, in which grads often choose to search locally for a job before moving onto other areas. Within existing medical facilities, residents report a high satisfaction with the quality of medical equipment available, friendliness of staff, and overall skill level.
Education options are plentiful
Families flock to Courtenay for many reasons and good schools are one of them. Combined with the same school district as Comox, there are several fantastic elementary and secondary schools for families. Those wanting to pursue further education can attend North Island College or other reputable schools.
Potential Disadvantages for living in Courtenay
Is Courtenay a safe place to live?
One of the factors people tend to look for is how crime rates are relative to other nearby cities. While Courtenay does see a moderate level of crime, it is still reportedly lower than places like Port Alberni or Duncan.
As with any city, there are some areas that are better than others. Ballard Fine Homes is a custom home-building company that has built several homes in Courtenay. Such homes on Mission Road and Klanawa Crescent, for example, do not appear on crime maps as problematic areas because their locations were carefully chosen by our experts.
Things to do in Courtenay
While there are shopping centers, restaurants, and recreational facilities, the variety and options might be more limited when compared to a larger city like Vancouver. If you are someone that likes to try a new restaurant every time you go out to eat, then you may find yourself on repeat a little more often in Courtenay. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing – there are some fantastic restaurants and breweries located downtown. The small-town feel of Courtenay means that there are opportunities for small-talk as you get to know local business owners.
Where Courtenay shines is in its outdoor recreation. If you are someone that enjoys hiking, fishing, skiing, boating, camping, or hanging out at the beach or lake, then you will be pleased with the options in and around this city. Mount Washington Alpine Resort and Nymph Falls Nature Park are local gems.
Ready to make the move to Courtenay?
If you are considering moving to Courtenay, the team at Ballard Fine Homes are happy to assist with questions about the area, custom home-building feature recommendations, and homes for sale that are already built to the highest standards. Whether you are on the fence or confident, contact us to find out more information about taking the next step together. We look forward to hearing from you!
