Whistler is no ordinary ski town. You may have just heard about it because of the Winter Olympics and the like but this place is more than that! Sure, Whistler is known for all sorts of winter sports, but the more spend time here, the more you'll realize just how great of a town it truly is. Perhaps, you might even consider moving here! Even if you're not into skiing or going to luxury resorts, this doesn't mean you can't start a new life in Whistler. Who knows? You might even find it pretty easy to settle down here! Especially when you let this relocation guide help you!
Overview
Despite its fame and historic significance, Whistler is a pretty small town. It's not exactly rural, per se, but it's also not a major city too. Currently, it has a population of around 13,982 residents, far from the numbers of other prominent Canadian cities. And yes, Whistler is a very cold destination. Though summer can still warm things up here, the rest of the year will likely have you wearing multiple layers of clothing. Specifically, Whistler's coldest month is December, with an average maximum temperature of around -0.2°C (31.64°F). Its hottest month is July when the average maximum temperature is around 24.0°C (75.2°F).
Source: Flickr.com/ GoToVan
Getting Around
For a small town, you probably think that it's difficult to get around Whistler when you don't have your own care here, right? While it is more convenient to live in Whistler with a car, this doesn't mean you necessarily need one. For the most part,
Whistler's public transport is efficient enough for many commuters. The town offers buses, taxis, and
transportation apps that can take you anywhere, not to mention various vehicles you can rent too. And don't forget the gondolas for when you want to reach the high mountaintop areas!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Where to Live
Now, how about choosing where to live? You're likely thinking that your only choice is to live in a snow-ladened area, aren't you? Don't worry, Whistler isn't the ice city you think it is. Just like any other town, this place is made up of
different neighborhoods, some of them are colder and some are warmer than others. There are also those districts that are busy and bustling, like Alta Vista and Function Junction, but also a few areas that are a lot more peaceful, like Alpine Meadows and Creekside. It's up to you to choose which neighborhood suits you best!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Real Estate
Before you settle down in Whistler, you ought to know the
living costs here first. Even though it's a small town, it's also a famous ski resort area. Many wealthy people retreat here for some winter fun or to escape their hectic lives. And because of this, living in Whistler can get very expensive. Its common rental fees alone can have you paying a minimum of C$2,000.00 to a maximum of C$8,000.00 per month for your
luxury home here. And what of food? How much do you need to spend on groceries that can last you for at least a week? Around C$144.34.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Employment
It can't be stressed enough how small of a town Whistler really is. On the bright side, this makes it a great place for a peaceful lifestyle as long as you don't mind the cold weather. But on the other hand, this also means that you have fewer employment opportunities here than in other cities. Make no mistake—even when the
Canadian job market is doing well, it doesn't mean there will be more job openings here in Whistler. The very few industries that flourish here include tourism, hospitality, food, and healthcare. You'll have an easier time
finding a job if your field is any one of these.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Education
Are you concerned about your kids when you relocate to Whistler? There's no need to worry! This place may be a ski town but it doesn't lack
fine educational institutions! Schools like the
Whistler Waldorf School and the
Whistler Institute are all exceptional examples. They ensure that students of all ages receive the high-quality education that they deserve. They also boast first-class amenities, great programs, exciting extracurricular activities, and more! Your kids will want for nothing when they enroll and study here. Who knows? They might even get higher grades here than anywhere else!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Healthcare
Just so you know, healthcare is the least of your problems when you're starting a new life in Whistler. The town has ample
hospitals and clinics that will ensure your well-being. Beyond the prominent
Whistler Health Care Centre, tons of general practitioners and medical specialists have opened their own private practices throughout the area. However, before you set up an appointment, make sure you have the proper coverage. Since you'll now be a legal resident of Canada, don't forget to register under
the country's healthcare system. This will help you a lot in the long run!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Safety
You'd be glad to know that Whistler has a pretty low
crime rate. Currently, its general crime rate is only 14.29%, which is considered quite low. And while this doesn't mean the town is crime-free, you also don't have to stay alert all the time. Just stay aware of your surroundings and you're good to go! Especially since Whistler's safety rates are notably high. The town enjoys a 96.43% safety rate during the day and 75.00% at night. Despite the difference between the two, these numbers still look good overall.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Taxes
Relocating to Whistler means you'll now be part of
Canada's tax system. And depending on what you do here, you're gonna have to start paying various taxes. One of the most important is, of course, your income tax. Getting to start a new life in Whistler means you're also working here, and part of your salary goes to the government. But just how much of it, exactly? Well, it depends on how much you earn per year. For example, if you earn around C $50,197.00, your income tax rate is 15%. It goes higher the more your salary increases.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Relocation Tips
Now, for some final relocation tips. Firstly, you ought to
open a local bank account here. Despite how popular online money-exchanging programs have become nowadays, they can never replace the security and convenience of standard financial institutions. Secondly, you should also
join a local mobile network. This will make it easier for you to keep in touch with your new acquaintances in town and back in your hometown/country. Not to mention give you enough data so that you can get access to wifi no matter where you are. And in a mountainous area like Whistler, you'll need this a lot!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
If you have plans to start a new life in Whistler, this relocation guide can serve as the help you need. It has all the basics for you to properly settle down in this beautiful ski town. As well as to ensure that you can live out a good life too!
