This is the long form of the relocation page, which is where to start if you are posted here. Most families end up comparing Comox with Courtenay, and it helps to read how a house-hunting trip runs before you book flights. You can have new listings emailed to you or simply watch the market until the dates are firm.
The lay of the land
The Comox Valley sits on the east coast of Vancouver Island, about an hour north of Nanaimo on the Inland Island Highway. Courtenay is the city, Comox the seaside town, Cumberland the village, with smaller communities from Fanny Bay to Black Creek. Mount Washington is 30 minutes up the hill; Campbell River is 40 minutes north.
Getting here and away
The Comox Valley Airport has direct flights to Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton. BC Ferries runs from Little River to Powell River, and Nanaimo's two terminals connect to the Lower Mainland. Buckley Bay serves Denman and Hornby Islands.
Work, school and health
19 Wing CFB Comox, the Comox Valley Hospital, School District 71, North Island College and the resort and construction sectors are the largest employers. The hospital opened in 2017 and anchors a large healthcare workforce.
Military and RCMP moves
Ray is registered with BGRS and has handled postings in and out of 19 Wing for years. He plans house-hunting trips so inspections and subject removal can happen inside your window.
Out-of-town buyers
If you cannot be here for every step, Ray manages inspections, contractors and walkthroughs on your behalf and keeps you updated by phone and video. Clients from the Lower Mainland and Alberta have bought with him without setting foot in the Valley until possession day.
Checklist
- Pre-approval from a lender that works in BC
- Commute and lifestyle priorities ranked
- House-hunting trip dates set
- Listing alerts running before the trip
- Local inspector and lawyer or notary lined up
- Movers and vehicle transport booked
- BC driver's licence and MSP enrolment on the list