Whenever you’re planning a big move - such as from the BC coast to the BC interior - it’s a good idea to do some research about the area that you want to move to: what the weather is like, what the schools are like, and the job opportunities available. Depending on what type of life you live the interior might be a better option for you than the coast. However, there are some differences that you should know before committing to the big move.

WEATHER

The weather in the interior versus the coast has some dramatic differences. While the coast is known for its heavy rainfall, cloud cover, wet slushy winters, and tends to have a chill for many days that gets into your bones, the interior is quite the opposite. With warmer summers, dry cold winters, and limited rainfall, it’s the perfect climate for those who love outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, boating, and more!

HOUSING COST

Housing costs vary no matter where you are located and have increased everywhere in this day and age. However, you will find the cost of housing significantly decreases as you move towards the interior of British Columbia and away from the coastal areas. The coastal areas of BC vary from around $950,000 in the Victoria area to $1,270,664 in the Vancouver area. The interior greatly differs from that at around $718,500 in the Shuswap and $1,063,800 in the Central Okanagan regions.

TERRAIN

The coastal regions have wetter climates allowing for more grass and swamp-like conditions. Lakes, rivers, and islands are scattered in and around coastal areas, as well as the oceans bordering certain cities and towns. The terrain of the interior is filled with vast mountain ranges and large lakes, and forests. Depending on the location in the interior desert like grasslands can be found due to lack of rainfall and limited snowfall.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

When it comes to jobs and careers, you’ll find that the BC interior does have a great requirement for workers, but long-term career opportunities may be harder to come by. This doesn’t mean that they aren’t available; for instance, if you’re relocating to an major area such as Kelowna, Kamloops, or Prince George, then you’re choice of career will be substantially higher than in a more rural area like 100 Mile House or Barriere. And of course, if you’re looking for farm or ranch land, then you’ll be able to find those opportunities virtually anywhere in the BC interior, especially towards the south and central areas of the region.

LEISURE AND ENTERTAINMENT

Again, because of the relatively low population density, leisure and entertainment activities will obviously be different to the vibrant lifestyle of the BC coast, but of course it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re into Lake life, hiking, and the great outdoors, the Okanagan and the Shuswap is the perfect place! There are also some great seasonal opportunities, such as winter sports and horse riding, and of course, the city life of Kelowna isn’t too different to that of Vancouver in many ways.

You’ll find something for everyone in the BC interior. If you’re considering a move away from the lower mainland, it’s worth talking to your realtor, or better still, if you know someone who’s already made the move, just ask them!

Contact Jeremy Osborne for more information on moving within BC.