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Retirement can mean full retirement, semi-retirement or relocating to a new area with an intent to retire and get away from the hustle and bustle, stresses and high prices of city life in areas such as Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton and other comparable parts of Canada. There are many reasons why people retire in the Comox Valley. Retiring in the Comox Valley offers a higher standard of living and a slower pace of life coupled with great weather and a scenic backdrop that is hard to beat in any other part of Canada are among them. Let’s review of a few of the advantages offered by this central part of Vancouver Island.

Demographics
An often asked question is whether or not the Comox Valley is a sleepy retirement community. The answer is definitely not. The median age in BC is about 42 while the median age in Qualicum Beach to the south is about 64. Courtenay which is the central economic engine of the Comox Valley comes in at about 48.

Newcomers
Moving to the valley need not be intimidating if you do not know anyone who lives here. There is a very active selection of groups that cater to newcomers. Community service organizations are plentiful in Comox and Courtenay and so are sports, cultural, arts and social organizations. Each of these organizations can offer you a welcoming door to our terrific community.

Outdoor Life
Part of living in an area of temperate weather and scenic splendor is being able to get out and enjoy it. Taking a trip to the Comox Spit or Pier, walking down to Marina Park by Comox Bay or heading out to any of our many beaches and parks to enjoy the surrounding natural environment can be a start to your day here. Visiting one of a number of wineries or farmer’s markets, playing a round of golf at a variety of different golf courses, participating in any number of outdoor recreational activities or enjoying one of our many events throughout the year can also help fill quite a few days.

Food and Drink
Courtenay and Comox and the surrounding area offer an incredible number of eating establishments and food types that should be sufficient to satisfy just about any palate. Add all of the pubs and other options for a drink (many with entertainment) to your agenda and need for libation and you will be impressed with what the area offers.

Home Choices
Once you have visited the area you may wish to consider staying and retiring in the Comox Valley. It offers just about any type of home you can dream of. Courtenay offers many different homes for saleis and it is the largest segment of the overall market. If, by chance, you cannot find it on the real estate market there are a number of very good builders who will work with you to help you build the custom home of your dreams. Choices are many and prices are well below Vancouver and the surrounding area.
Thinking of a visit or coming out to stay? Contact Brett and let him know so he can help you find what you are looking for so that you can make the Comox valley your new home

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• What You Need to Know about Moving to Vancouver Island

Moving anywhere on Vancouver Island, such as the beautiful Comox Valley area, could be the best choice of your life. There are a significant number of homes for sale in Courtenay. That old real estate adage, “Location, location, location” almost doesn’t apply here. That’s because the rich diversity of plant and animal life, not to mention the beauty of the Pacific Ocean, ensures that every house is on its own strip of paradise. With that said, here are some things you should keep in mind when you move to Vancouver Island.

Island Time
With a bustling real estate market, internationally renowned artists, and thriving industry, it’s easy to forget sometimes that life does move a little differently here. Our residents value a quality of life that is easy to love. We understand that sometimes the ferry comes late, or a deer stands in the middle of the road. It’s what we love about this beautiful land we call home.

We’re Hot
I’m not just talking about the physical beauty of the place (although, Mother Nature did outdo herself here). Vancouver Island is receiving more attention than ever thanks to the skyrocketing real estate prices on the mainland. If you move here, everyone is going to want to visit you. Who could blame them? Between the hiking, old growth forests, stunning beaches, and abundant sea life, this place is an unabashed paradise.

We Protect Our Nature
It’s important to respect the beautiful land that we are living on. Be aware that you may receive helpful advice from neighbors and new friends about interacting with the many species of animal and plant life. From the moss to the eagles, everybody has a home, and we try and make sure that each living organism has a next generation.
We’re Great for Kids

Kids love “The Island.” The distractions of technology have a lot to compete with here – with the help of bike trails and beaches, soccer fields and the rock pools, snowboarding and the rock cave exploring, we get our kids outdoors. It’s a safer world on the Island, and parents trust kids to bike around and explore. Whether they are climbing trees or learning that barnacles bite, our kids are engaged with the world around them.

If you’re not sure if this is the place for you, come and check out a local bed & breakfast or hotel/motel. Walk around, get to know your potential new community. If the vision of Vancouver Island doesn’t enthrall you, the feeling will.

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• More Fun Things to do in the Comox Valley

The Comox Valley is one of the greatest spots to live in the country thanks to its people, culture, and the natural beauty surrounding it. Tourism plays a big part in the economy here and plenty of people flock to our towns, cities, and parks to enjoy everything we have to offer. If you are thinking about building a life here, then you should know about some more fun things to do in the Comox Valley.

The Island Music Fest

One of our personal favorites, the Island Music Fest is a three-day event that takes place in Courtenay and features a wide range of musical styles. The area’s premiere festival for eclectic music and a mix of local and international acts is a big draw for the island, and one of the most popular events on the calendar. It’s just one of the many rich cultural traditions that take place here. There’s a reason why they call us the Valley of the Festivals.

The Comox Community Market

The Comox Community Market is a family-friendly, fun, and completely local market that offers a great variety of different crafts, jewelry, health products, textiles, coffee and more. This weekend gathering is a social event for many people around the area, and you always see familiar faces. It’s a great place to support local vendors, meet up with friends, and enjoy the beautiful weekend weather.

Seal Bay Nature Park

One of Vancouver Island’s most beautiful parks, Seal Bay Nature Park is a popular and stunningly beautiful park located in the Comox Valley that has a little something for everyone. With a fully functioning campground, beautiful views of the water, and nice beaches to spend the day on, you can do everything from picnic with family to exercise. People come from far and wide to see the beautiful natural landscapes here.

If you are looking for reasons to come live where we live, you won’t need to look very far. A high quality of life, friendly locals, rich culture, a strong economy and a beautiful environment are just a few. There are also a ton of great things to do. Do you have questions about the buying a home in the Comox Valley? Brett Cairns of REMAX Ocean Pacific Realty is here to answer them.

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• What the Quality of Life Survey Says About the Comox Valley

Ever since the middle of the 19th century, people have been drawn to the Comox Valley for a variety of reasons. Some came here to find greener pastures for their farms, others to enjoy the weather, and still others just to escape the city and breathe a little bit of fresh air. Today, the valley still attracts residents from around the country and around the world with a combination of its natural beauty, cultural attractions, small-town feel, and of course some of the beautiful homes that are for sale here. The Quality of Life Survey for the area was undertaken by the local government in order to assess the standard of living here, and here is what it had to say.

The region has an incredibly diverse choice of housing

While many areas have a diverse range of options, such as condos, apartments, and small and large homes, few have the same choice options that the Comox Valley has, and even fewer at the prices offered. Home prices might not be going down, but at the moment, there is an excellent amount of choice for residents here. This means that you can find whatever you want at a price you can afford.

The region is growing

There has been a strong increase in the market demand for affordable housing in Courtenay that is growing. So much so that the government expects an additional 10,000 homes by the year 2031! What this shows is that the secret of our valley is getting out to the world, and more and more people are coming into the area to experience all of the great things it has to offer. This has led to new developments of condos and housing, as well as the services to support them.

We all know that living in the Comox Valley is great, but it always helps to have real concrete data to back up our claims. Recent surveys have shown that our region has diverse housing options, is burgeoning, and has great housing policies – all the more reason to come out and see for yourself. If you are thinking of buying a home in the area, contact Brett Cairns, your local real estate professional.

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• Fun Things to do in the Courtenay Area

This beautiful, upscale area of Vancouver Island has been a hot spot since it became a city early in the 20^th century. The funky home options in Courtenaycontribute significantly to this area’s overall home sales and they are generated through this community of roughly 25,000. With a combination of local amenities, stunning views of nature, and great value, this location is among the best for buying a home. There are a lot of great things to do in and around the area, and here are three fun things to do in Courtenay.

Seal Bay Nature Park

This scenic park his home to long trails and breathtaking nature. Ideal for walking around, doing some hiking or just to sit and relax and take it all in, Seal Bay Nature Park is one of the best attractions in an area full of great ones. Dense forests, amazing beaches, and if you’re lucky, the opportunity to spot a seal pup or two make this a great place to spend your free time.

Wayward Distillation House

This artisan distillery is located right in town. Their local brand of vodka and gin is famous in the area, and they use real local honey to make many of their concoctions. The people are friendly, and are always willing to sit and talk. Stop in for a tasting, or pick up their stuff at one of the many retailers in the area. You won’t be disappointed.

Crown Isle Golf Course

Is there any better place to spend your leisure time than a beautiful golf course? Whiling the hours away over great conversation, the great outdoors, and this great sport make for fantastic weekend afternoons. Famous in the area and known for being a picturesque location, many of the locals swear by it. If you’re thinking of moving to the area, make sure to check this place out.

There are plenty of reasons to move to the Courtenay area. Besides the beautiful views, friendly people, and good prices, this place has many local attractions to keep you busy in your free time. If you love nature, a good wine, a great local distilling tradition or leisurely afternoons on the golf course, there is no better place than Courtenay. If you have any questions about other great things to do in the local area, don’t hesitate to look us up or give us a call.

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• Top Five Inexpensive Local Comox Valley Outings

The Comox Valley offers an incredible number of things to do for people who enjoy getting out and exploring, eating, outdoor recreation, cultural activities, relaxing, and sporting events. Often, this can happen with little or no expense involved. Here are a few of my favorites. There is much more to do here than browse homes and properties in all parts of Courtenay.

First, visit the Comox Marina and talk a walk out onto the long pier that wraps around the harbour area where all of the boats are moored. The scenery is spectacular, the fresh Pacific air is invigorating, and the overall impact is relaxing. As you walk out onto the walk way stop about ½ way on the rights and read about our local history;

Second, enjoy the Comox Spit and the awesome vistas looking southward into the Georgia Strait. Take a stroll down the beach and just sit and watch the boats, marine life and fish. Sitting on the beach at sunset can be particularly calming and a great way to end a day in paradise;

Third, participate in some of the local farmers markers and enjoy some of our great culinary spots that range from local bistros to finer dining. Also check out some of the wine tasting opportunities at some of our local wineries. The Comox Valley Farmers Market is located at the Courtenay Exhibition Grounds from May through October. From November through April the market can be found indoors at the Native Sons Hall in Courtenay. Many smaller markets are located in various locations throughout the valley. Local Wineries include the 40 knots on Anderton Road in Comox, the Beaufort on Pickering Road in Courtenay, and the Coastal Black on Endall Road in Black Creek.

Fourth, take part in local events and enjoy a variety of festivals. Some that are coming up are;
1. A Tribute to Elvis Presley at the Sid Williams Theatre in Courtneay (March 20, 2015);
2. Aspenglow Food and Drink Festival at the Mount Washington Resort (March 21, 2015);
3. PGA Tour Qualifier Golf Event at the Crown Isle Resort (May 5-8, 2015);
4. Art and Bloom Festival at the Kitty Coleman Woodlands Gardens (May 24-26, 2015);
5. BC Shellfish and Food Festival at various locations in the Valley (Jun 12-21, 2015);
6. Fireworks and the Symphony at the Courtenay Air Park (July 4, 2015);
7. Vancouver Island Music Festival at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds (Jul 10-12);
8. Downtown Courtenay Market Days (Jul 18, 2015);
9. The Filberg Festival at the Filberg Heritage Lodge & Park (Jul 31 – Aug 3, 2015);
10. Comox Nautical Days on BC Day Long Weekend at Comox Marina Park (August 1-3 2015);
11. Comox Air Show at CFB Comox (Aug 15, 2015); and
12. Comox Valley Exhibition at the exhibition grounds in Courtenay (aug 28-30, 2015).

Fifth, if you enjoy great hamburgers, French fries and take out Chinese food, visit Georges Food Bar located at the bottom of Comox Avenue in Courtenay. This local family owned business produces great comfort food and it has been a landmark in the Valley for decades. Enjoy!