I just came in after snowblowing another 20 cm of snow that fell over night. The cutting along the back path of my house is shoulder height (over five feet), and despite some melting last week, the snow is now as deep as it's ever been this winter. I'm about ready to throw in the towel.
I'm nearing 58, and probably could retire as early as three years from now. Of course by doing so, I would be taking a hit on my retirement savings. BC has always intrigued me, and there is no question the winter weather is a damned sight better there than it is here in the Maritimes.
My question to you people out there is "where in BC can you retire with the best bang for your buck?"
I assume Vancouver and Victoria are out given the high cost of living, but I have visited BC several times and would consider several locations:
1) - inland areas of the lower mainland (Chilliwack, Langley, Hope).
2) - southern areas of the lower mainland (White Rock)
3) - mid coast areas of Vancouver Island (Chemainus, Nanaimo)
4) - sunshine coast (Gibsons or even Squamish)
5) - southern Okanagan Valley (Osoyoos, Penticton, Kelowna)
I have never been to the Okanagan, so I would appreciate hearing impressions of this area. I like wine country and it appears attractive. I have visited all the other places mentioned and I know that there are some drawbacks to most (e.g. rain in Squamish), but I would appreciate getting some honest feedback regarding affordability, climate and amenities.