And why the Comox Valley might be your perfect fit
If you talk to people about what makes a place a good spot to retire, you’ll get a variety of answers. (And as a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) and long-time Comox Valley Realtor, it’s actually something I’ve done quite a bit of.) But when it comes right down to it, there are a few things that most people agree upon – access to good healthcare and amenities, a strong sense of community and, of course, decent weather.
While everyone has a different idea of what their retirement will be like, most people are looking for a place that will meet their financial, physical and social needs. So, if you’re starting to think about making a move for retirement, here are some things to consider and some reasons why the Comox Valley is a wonderful place to be!
Healthcare
The fact is, as we get older, our need for healthcare increases. So, it’s important to find a place that has the facilities and physicians to meet your needs. Before moving to a community, consider stats about doctor availability and physician-to-patient ratios and see what kind of facilities are located within the region.
Fortunately for us in the Valley, finding a physician isn’t usually a problem. And the opening of the Comox Valley campus of the North Island Hospital project means we have the latest and greatest in equipment. Coming in at more than $330 million and opening October 1, 2017, the new hospital ensures Valley residents will be well cared for today and into the future.
For more information on a range of local healthcare topics, check out my blog entitled: Keeping healthy: Comox Valley health services and resources for retirees.
Amenities
Good transit, walking and biking trails, public libraries and good recreation facilities are all at the top of the list with retirees. While the thought of settling into a rural community may sound good in theory, the practicalities of it all may start to sink in once a move has been made. Think long and hard about what you want to do with the extra time that you now have. If you’re hoping to get out and about, a community of less than 10,000 may not meet your needs.
Within the Comox Valley there are plenty of excellent ways to keep busy and getting there isn’t a problem with the help of BC Transit. Have a look at my blog about local recreation and leisure options. Clubs and hobby groups, recreation and volunteering are part of what make the retirement years enjoyable, and this region doesn’t disappoint!
Weather
Well, what can you do about the weather? Not much, other than move west.
Located on the inner coast of the Island means we enjoy the occasionally wet, yet comfortable, days for which places like Victoria and Vancouver are renowned. Generally speaking, we’re a couple degrees cooler in the winter and a couple degrees hotter in the summer than down-island. Here is a good link that describes what our yearly weather trends tend to be.
Sense of Community
While, admittedly, a “sense of community” is open to interpretation, I think that some of the things that contribute to it include a vibrant and inclusive arts scene and an established downtown core or gathering area. Live in a big city and you can feel lost, live in a rural location and you can feel isolated. Talk to residents to find out about “the feel” of a place before you make any decisions.
Even though the Town of Comox, the Village of Cumberland and the City of Courtenay, as well as their various outlying communities, all have their own distinct feel, they come together to create a general warm sense of community. Known for its cultural and recreational opportunities, this region is a welcoming and inviting place to make a home.
Interested in seeing what the area presents in terms of housing? Read my blog about local retirement housing options to see how the Comox Valley may suit you. In fact, I encourage you visit my website to look at local listings or to browse more of my blogs to find out more about all the Comox Valley offers and learn about the local real estate market.
And make sure to get in touch with any questions for me through my website or my Facebook page!
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