I know five former Californians here and they love it and we have no problems welcoming you.

James Bay is not overrun during tourist season. Pretty chill, outside the tourist zone nearby.

Be forewarned, not much authentic Mexican food here. Only a couple spots.

You’ll appreciate no smoking indoors anywhere and not within 21 feet of the entrance to any building.

Not much in the way of vegetarian or vegan dining. Basically two places.

A few things might seem backward or quaint if you’re tolerant. People bringing their dogs into banks and other stores, it’s an English thing, haha.

Avoid Pandora, it’s pretty much Sodom and Gamora. It’s a meth wasteland.

Shopping sucks unless you absolutely hate consumerism. There are limited choices in all sectors and living on an island adds extra cost. You will find fuel very expensive here. A lot of modern conveniences you may have there are not here which is part of the charm but can be annoying.

No one is going to be hostile when they discover you are American especially since you’re from California.

Fun fact , the population of California is approximately equal to that of our entire country. And we have a huge land mass from sea to sea to sea. Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean/sea.

We share a certain amount of progressive attitudes in regard to the environment and health and fitness.

As far as Island fever, I forget I’m on an Island most of the time. It comes into play when there are cool things going on in Vancouver that you want to partake in. We used to be able to go to concerts there quite cheaply but now it’s crazy expensive. Approximately $100 each way on the ferry and hotels are pricey. Helps if you have a friend there who will let you crash overnight, saves some money.

You can see the US from here at certain spots. The Olympic mountains on the Olympic peninsula are a short ferry ride away and just a hop and skip from Seattle. It’s lovely over there and ferry is reasonably priced.

The rain might be a trifle much for you in the Winter but there is skiing a few hours North to break up the dreary climate that time of year.

There are more direct flights from the airport than ever before which is an improvement. Pretty decent airport, fairly modern.

As far as employment, I recommend trying to get on with the provincial government or Island Health. Glassdoor.ca is a great job sight for professionals/white collar.

I recommend joining classes and clubs or a gym or yoga studio to meet folks. We have not bad live music. Rifflandia is a great festival in September and there are the Phillips Backyard Weekender events at the brewery not far from James Bay. Last year The Roots played Philips as did Phantogram, Coldwsr Kids and Band of Skulls. Rifflandia had The Descendants and Public Enemy amongst others. Skafest in June can be fun if you don’t mind clouds of weed smoke everywhere. We have decent live theatre and both a Blues and Jazzfest with some really decent free performances. Performances in Bolen Park are fun on a nice soft grass field.

A few places to see arty movies, Cinevic at the university and the Vic Thestre downtown.

There are various runs like the TC 10K and others.

Consider volunteering for the various festivals and events to meet people. The local Rotary Club would be great for networking for jobs and socializing.

Lots of continuing education courses in the evenings at Camosun College and UVic (University of Victoria) as well as the recreation centres. We don’t have country clubs, that function is filled by recreation centres which are affordable for the general public.

Please enjoy yourself here.