THE COMOX VALLEY
This is a region on the east coast of Vancouver Island and includes the city of Courtenay, town of Comox, village of Cumberland, and other surrounding areas including Royston, Union Bay, Fanny Bay, Black Creek, and Merville. The communities of Denman Island and Hornby Island are also included as part of the Comox Valley.
One of the main reasons why this area is great for relocation is the affordability of the properties. In fact, Courtenay was ranked on MoneySense as one of the top three places in Canada to retire because of the affordable taxes.
The Comox Valley offers a lot in the way of resources, and so this increases the value of properties here while still remaining much more affordable than other more urban properties. Healthcare facilities are continuing to expand, as is more construction. There are plans for a new hospital to be built in Courtenay. There are also several retirement communities and assisted living facilities in the area.
Similar to Victoria, Courtenay still offers a fairly moderate climate for most of the year, allowing for more active lifestyles with lots of outdoor activities. There is a small international airport located in the Comox Valley as well. There are many parks, river and forest trails, bicycle-friendly transportation, and various active seniors’ groups all over the Comox Valley.
There are lots of opportunities to develop hobbies, as this area abounds with photography, gardening, and farming opportunities. They even have a year-round farmer’s market with a diverse range of farmers, crafters, and chefs! The valley has its share of small festivals during the summer, and is a big attraction during the winter months because of Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Learn to ski or snowboard, or take a snowshoeing trek through the mountain peaks if you are feeling extra adventurous!