Never lived in Vancouver -- but I know, in vancouver, anything can happen because it is a huge centre. If this excitement is for you, then go to Vancouver. Food is also a bit cheaper. "Nature" is always close on the coast.

You said you were looking for a certain vibe, I think Victoria is the vibe you spoke of in general. Some communities are better than others, depending on how active you are in them. You probably know a place is what you make of it.

Another place to look into is Nanaimo. Very active community -- to me, opportunity is seemingly there. Also, Courtney & cumberland up north is nice.
There are also many islands. Some are harder to live on year round than others. When I think of moving somewhere, I like to spend more time there and see if the synchronizations align. Some islands I know tribeys on; Saltspring, Galliano, Gabriola, Mayne, Pender, Hornby.

As far as neighboor hoods in Victoria go, I make a few generalizations about what they are physically like (to my eyes anyways)

OAKBAY, just outside fernwood, in Saanich, great buses and 15 minute (ish) bike ride down town. Has alot of amenities and good community within walking and biking distance. Close to ocean and many parks.

FERNWOOD, can be "ghetto" in some parts, but also surrounded by community, community gardens, community hubs and character homes.

GORDON Head: further away, but it is quainter than anything and close to all the best green areas in Victoria. Tons of history, beautiful homes and gorgeous trees.

VIC WEST; pockets are soooo amazing. Close to downtown, and majik can be found in certain areas. Close to REALLY beautiful parks and ocean trails.

ESQUIMALT; close to down town, certain pockets nice, can be VERY ify sometimes b/c of the people who drift through.

JAMES BAY; old people + more low income housing, super close to downtown and lots of character houses. Its a neighboor hood many of my friends like.

FAIRFIELD; "upper class" tons of community, close to some of the best parts of Victoria - downtown, cookstreet village,

UPLANDS; GORGEOUS houses and close to tons of nature... the furthest away from downtown while still being close to downtown that you could comfortably go.

HIGHLANDS; out in the booneys, away from Victoria, if you have a car you can find some beautiful community houses and large acreages w/o the stress of super high cost. Also amazingly close to greenbelts of S. Vancouver island park systems.

LANGFORD/COLWOOD; far away, don't bother... really. Some people might contest this.

SOOKE; we always need more awesome people out here. Surfing, parks, beaches, forests, some very cool people who really love their community... also kinda "redneck" feely sometimes -- but that isn't always the feeling you get.

METCHOSIN: nice area. Has minimum lot size laws, so huge propertys, as well us some pockets of amazing communities.. just alittle out there.


hmmm,
ya! good luck.
And remember, you get what you put in.


-Zzz