It’s not all farmland but it’s much smaller than Toronto thats for sure. There are libraries, museums and public transit (although we didn’t need it) from what I remember. I think if you’re used to living in a big city, it may not be what you want unless you want a slower lifestyle. I envision it as a retirement place, somewhere to relax. Just my two cents.

Victoria is not farmland, though there is plenty to be found in surrounding areas. I think if you like really urban locations, Vancouver would be a better fit. Victoria is more like Ottawa than Toronto—it’s laid back and largely populated by government workers and tourists. The public transit is good, but nowhere near what you’d be used to. That said, Victoria is a beautiful city with a good art and music scene, great libraries and museums and a climate that allows outdoor activity year-round.

victoria is great. not a whole lot of karaoke (although it does exist), and if you’re into anonymity and going to a different club every night you’ll be bored, but it’s friendly, down-to-earth, and artsy.

vancouver is better for asian culture and subculture, and general excitement, but it’s also less friendly and more materialistic. i preferred victoria, and i moved there as a young woman (as in, i’m not the typical retired victorian that people like to joke about), but i’ve always been more of an indie-band/art gallery/arts-and-crafts/potluck person, and less of a clubbing, chrome-and-steel person. the museums in victoria are small but good, and so are the libraries and community centres and the Y. there are great craft and farmer’s markets, second hand bookstores and tons of local outdoor features to enjoy in all that mild weather victoria gets - beacon hill park, dallas road, the chinese cemetery - and a little out of town there are lakes to swim in, beaches, surfing, and, yes, farmland full of awesome produce that you can bike or drive to and more rigorous hikes. i loved it. the blossoms start in january… there’s lots to like. it’s very gentle, and if you have a job there, or are an entrepreneur, you’re set. (employment can be an issue.)

is there some way you can visit for a while first?

Hey Jin,

I’ve spent my fair share of years in big cities – lived in TO for almost a decade and loved it! I have to say now that I am a little older – married, kids, etc. – I really prefer Victoria. It has everything a big city offers but it’s still a ‘small town’. Great restaurants, hockey, entertainment and more. I really love it here! Hope that helps.

Victoria’s quite a beautiful little city, and though it’s often over-run by tourists and grey-hairs, it does boast a University and a college so there’s ample amounts of young people to keep things interesting. It’s small though, but that might be just what you’re looking for. Think of Ottawa, but a little smaller and on the Pacific ocean. There’s restaurants, karaoke, live music, live theatre and pretty much everything a big city has, just less of it. And you don’t have to drive 3 hours to get out of the urban jungle and into the wild. Try it, you’ll probably like it. Visit http://www.vancouverislandlife.com to preview some of the attractions you’ll find there

I was one of the tourists vingo spoke about. Our cruise ship stopped in Victoria for a few hours between Alaska and San Francisco ( I live in Los Angeles)

I felt like I was in an England hybrid.It was a gorgeous city. I would have liked to have stayed there longer so I could see what it looked like at night.

We did go to a magic shop for ADD boy, The Olde Spaghetti Factory for me , the miniature museum, and the post office to get Snickerdoodles passport stamped :)

Here is a site to visit for info

I’m from Vancouver and I went to Victoria for a week, after that I was ready to move there!
Its got the big city vibe of cool people and interesting things to do. I really enjoyed it.
I honestly think that if you really are considering moving there, go first and take a look, couch surf, check it out.
Quite a risk to just MOVE.
love love
and all the luck
-Sam