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ExiledFlamesFan · 07-15-2014, 09:44 AM

Hey HockeyPuck

My situation was somewhat similar to yours, except I am just starting my career. Grew up in Calgary and took a job in Penticton (30-45 mins from Kelowna). I plan on moving back to Calgary once I get some more experience and build my resume.

Okanagan pros
-you can do anything outdoors here. Lakes, mountains, skiing, biking. You can easily live a very active lifestyle.
-climate-could be a con though. The summers are oppressively hot, especially for Calgarians used to mild summers. The daily high has been above 30 for a couple of weeks here now.
-slow pace. If you're into a slower lifestyle this area is much less exciting than Calgary.

Cons
-EVERYTHING is more expensive. Gas is 20cents/L more expensive. Car insurance is 20-50% more expensive. PST is 7%. Add at least 7% to pretty much everything you buy. Any big purchases will be much more expensive. Housing may or may not be more expensive. Income tax is much more expensive especially if you're a high earner.
-god forbid your children get sick, there is only one childrens hospital in BC and it's in Vancouver. In Calgary you have pretty much all healthcare treatment available, here in the Okanagan you will have to go to Vancouver for certain specialized treatments and/or if your kids get really ill.
-it's probably worse here in Penticton, but the average age here is gotta be about 60. So many retirees, such a boring place to live especially compared to a young energetic city like Calgary. Kelowna is much the same, filled with retirees.

I agree with most of the other posters, the Okanagan is a great place to visit or retire, but spend your high earning years in Calgary. It's not like you're moving from Winnipeg or Regina, you already live in a great city with many awesome lifestyle opportunities.

Personally, as soon as I move back to AB my pay will go up 30-40%. I can't wrap my head around how expensive BC is and how little the pay is.

Instead of moving to Kelowna, take all that extra cash you're earning and go on a monthlong vacation somewhere warm during Jan/Feb

07-15-2014, 09:44 AM	#146
ExiledFlamesFan Lifetime Suspension Join Date: Jul 2014 Exp:	Hey HockeyPuck My situation was somewhat similar to yours, except I am just starting my career. Grew up in Calgary and took a job in Penticton (30-45 mins from Kelowna). I plan on moving back to Calgary once I get some more experience and build my resume. Okanagan pros -you can do anything outdoors here. Lakes, mountains, skiing, biking. You can easily live a very active lifestyle. -climate-could be a con though. The summers are oppressively hot, especially for Calgarians used to mild summers. The daily high has been above 30 for a couple of weeks here now. -slow pace. If you're into a slower lifestyle this area is much less exciting than Calgary. Cons -EVERYTHING is more expensive. Gas is 20cents/L more expensive. Car insurance is 20-50% more expensive. PST is 7%. Add at least 7% to pretty much everything you buy. Any big purchases will be much more expensive. Housing may or may not be more expensive. Income tax is much more expensive especially if you're a high earner. -god forbid your children get sick, there is only one childrens hospital in BC and it's in Vancouver. In Calgary you have pretty much all healthcare treatment available, here in the Okanagan you will have to go to Vancouver for certain specialized treatments and/or if your kids get really ill. -it's probably worse here in Penticton, but the average age here is gotta be about 60. So many retirees, such a boring place to live especially compared to a young energetic city like Calgary. Kelowna is much the same, filled with retirees. I agree with most of the other posters, the Okanagan is a great place to visit or retire, but spend your high earning years in Calgary. It's not like you're moving from Winnipeg or Regina, you already live in a great city with many awesome lifestyle opportunities. Personally, as soon as I move back to AB my pay will go up 30-40%. I can't wrap my head around how expensive BC is and how little the pay is. Instead of moving to Kelowna, take all that extra cash you're earning and go on a monthlong vacation somewhere warm during Jan/Feb Last edited by ExiledFlamesFan; 07-15-2014 at 10:47 AM.