new member, which area to live in

[Nparker]

It should be noted that Broadmead is considerably north of the core of the city, and due to it's design on a hillside, pretty much requires a car for even the most basic of tasks (i.e. no corner stores). There is a fairly good shopping centre at the western edge of the area, but one almost never sees anyone walking in the area. It is a classic suburban, auto-centric model straight out of the 1950s. Granted its original phases sport some pretty decent west coast contemporary architecture (c. 1970s), but in terms of sustainability and carbon impact it is strictly old-school.

[pseudotsuga]

veering off topic...

Yes, in Broadmead shopping & many other things are best done by car...and it is a very sleepy area.
But I like to give it a bit of credit...there are quite a few multi family buildings, and if you leave the streets you can see people strolling the fantastic trail network. Also, the architecture mentioned is often found underneath groves of mature douglas firs.

Not that I'd want to live there.

[yodsaker]

Maplewood is quite nice, a lot of streets have a nice country feel to them with mature trees, no sidewalks and some nice houses. More reasonably priced than FF, OB or Rockland.

[Baro]

I've lived here my whole life and I've never even heard of maplewood! Where is it?

[victorian fan]

Turn right off high Cook onto Maplewood (runs parael to Cedarhill Golf Course).
Maplewood changes it's name at Tatersall to Blenkinsop.

[victoriabound]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!! Yes we have kids so we need to be near schools, rec etc. Part of considering the move to the area is to get out of the car routine. Neighborhood is really important. I agree I have seen some nice homes come up in Rockland. But am afraid it is just a place for a house- any further insight to Cadboro Bay or even if we conisdered going out a tad to the Elk Lake area. We are concerned about being surrounded by too many seniors ( checked out the Monterey Rec Center and it was a seniors center. A nice mix of population might be more healthy. Do kids still play on the street anywhere?!!
Thanks again

[gumgum]

Two words: South Fairfield! You will not regret it. I live there and I love, love, love it. Great walking neighbourhood, schools nearby, shops and downtown within walking distance. Beacon Hill Park, Dallas Road (The ocean) within walking distance. Great community spirit. A great mix of kids, older students, professional aged people, and seniors.
Do me a favour...drive over to Cook St. Village. Get out of your car and have a coffee, stop at some of the shops, then walk over to Dallas Rd. Head east along the water until you reach Ross Bay cemetery. Head up Memorial Crescent and left on May - peruse the back streets around there. By the time you make it back to Cook St. Village, head into Beacon Hill Park. Cross the park heading west, you're practically downtown.
You can't get a better neighbourhood for walking.

And yes! Kids play on the streets here! And people actually talk to their neighbours!

[yodsaker]

Originally Posted by victoriabound

Thanks everyone for your suggestions!!! Yes we have kids so we need to be near schools, rec etc. Part of considering the move to the area is to get out of the car routine. Neighborhood is really important. I agree I have seen some nice homes come up in Rockland. But am afraid it is just a place for a house- any further insight to Cadboro Bay or even if we conisdered going out a tad to the Elk Lake area. We are concerned about being surrounded by too many seniors ( checked out the Monterey Rec Center and it was a seniors center. A nice mix of population might be more healthy. Do kids still play on the street anywhere?!!
Thanks again

Yes, the Monterey Centre is for seniors. It is a seniors' centre. Sounds like you missed the Oak Bay Rec Centre which is a o0 minute walk away. Lots of people there from age 2 up.
Kids play on the street in several OB neighbourhoods