Posting to follow. I'm in Ontario now but will be heading west. I'm done with winters!
+1!
I'm looking for a city or town on the west coast that has:
- walkable distance to necessities, so no need for a car
- close to library, farmers market, small local food shops, ocean and mountains
- close to trails for hiking, jogging, and biking
- lots of charm and beauty
- liberal open minded people
- not too much rain, and mild winters
I haven't explored too much yet but so far I'm thinking Victoria fits the bill.
Hah! I think Retired@63 posted a similar list of criteria a year or two ago (but added fiber arts community too). Truly, EVERY city/town on Vancouver Island from Victoria to Courtenay/Comox (and maybe Campbell River? It's been a while since I've been up that far) fits those criteria. Plus all of the Sunshine Coast and most of the Gulf Islands. And probably the Okanagan and the Kootenays, too, depending on your definition of mild winters (those places have true 4 season climates, with dry, fluffy snow for 3 months and not super-harsh temperatures). Basically, you're describing all of the west coast rain shadow and much of BC overall. :)
The biggest criteria to think about, if you're considering the coast, is 1) budget and 2) how many truly urban amenities to you want. If you want opera, lots of movie theatres, several fancy theatres, a large stadium concert venues, etc, then Victoria it is. Nanaimo still has a symphony and a lovely concert venue downtown, and easy access to Vancouver if you want big city amenities (sports teams, big name touring music and art acts, etc). All of the island communities have active arts communities and TONS of local theatre, music, etc. Even here in Duncan they broadcast the Met operas live in our theatre!
Budget-wise (if you're coming from TO, you'll be fine anywhere. :) ), Victoria is pretty expensive, the rest of the island and coast much less so, but all of BC can be pricey compared to LCOL areas in the rest of the country.
The biggest
