Anyone know what NELSON, BC is like?

Question

I would like to move there, or visit one day, can anyone tell me what its like, the people, home prices, rent, etc. I looked at sites on the net, but id like personal experiences, if any possible

Answer 1

Nelson was built as the government administration centre of what was a large and booming silver mining district in the 1890s. After the First World War however the area went into decline, became somewhat more dependant on the forest industry and has never really seen a boom like that until now. Today growth in Nelson and the Kootenays in general is driven by "lifestyle immigrants" and tourism. People are coming here now to live in the mountains and have the outdoors at their step. Nelson in particular has attracted what could best be described as a somewhat "eccentric" crowd that has made it a particularly "artsy", liberal sorta town. I think part of it is that Nelson made a special effort to preserve many of their heritage buildings from the 1890s when most everywhere else in the region just knocked'em down in favour of late twentieth century sprawl (Cranbrook is a prime example of that). That effort has made Nelson quite a beautiful city in itself that has character far surpassing most of it's neighbours.

As to it surroundings, well Nelson is right in the middle of the Selkirks Mountains which means LOTS of moisture. Add this to the narrowness of the West Arm of Kootenay Lake and you tend to get darker clouded in winters. That said, if you're a skier you won't give a damn because that means the best powder in BC is just up the hill from you.

As to cost of living, well, one of the biggest problems for young people in the Kootenays right now is that real estate and even rent here is in a period of steady inflation because of the tourist/lifestyle boom. Despite the fact there is work to be found, much of it is low paid service industry stuff. It makes for fairly difficult living circumstances, but in a lot of ways it's no different than trying to make it on a somewhat higher paying labour job in the city.

Anyway, good luck.

Answer 2

Wow. Better you than me. Have you checked highway reports? They sound awful for the whole route. My road atlas says it's 285 miles from Kamloops to Nelson. If things are as bad as the highway reports indicate, I think it could take as much as 8 hours. I'd definitely want 4 snow tires. The worst part will probably be between Christina Lake and Castlegar(Paulson and Nancy Greene summits), near the end of the trip so leave just before it's light out and don't waste time stopping to look at scenery. I've driven that stretch in fog, in the dark, with snow on the road and it was NO FUN!

Answer 3

Johnny Canuck said it all. I drive thru Nelson at least 4 times a year. Friendly and opened minded people. And truly, no lie the best Pizza I ever had.... I hv no ownership or connection what so ever... Canadian 2 for 1 pizza! Ask anyone who lives there!

Answer 4

it is small, quiet and a nice place to visit