Are you planning a move to British Columbia but looking for a quieter location away from the big cities? If so, you may be interested in living in Kimberley, BC, just one of the many attractive small towns in BC.
In 2022 CBC readers voted Kimberley as BC’s Best Small Town, and it’s not hard to see why. This peaceful community lies just minutes from a ski resort in a beautiful mountain location. Property prices are low, crime rates are among the lowest in the country, and the climate is dry and sunny.
We will give you all the key information about living in Kimberley, BC and an unbiased view of the pros and cons of living in this town.
Living In Kimberley, BC – The Facts
Here are some key facts about this mountain town for anyone interested in living in Kimberley, BC.
Where Is Kimberley, BC?
Kimberley lies in southeastern BC in the Purcell Mountains. Its closest city is Cranbrook which lies around 30 km south of Kimberley. Calgary is around a 4.5-hour drive to the northeast (via the Crowsnest Pass), and it will take around 10 hours to reach Vancouver on the west coast.
Calgary International Airport is the closest major airport to Kimberley. The Canadian Rockies International Airport is closer to home and offers regular flights to Calgary and Vancouver. This small airport is just a 20-minute drive from Kimberley.
What Is The Population Of Kimberley in 2023?
The population of Kimberley in 2023 is around 8,394, based on the latest government of BC estimates released at the start of the year.
The town has seen steady growth in recent years. The latest federal census data (released in 2022) showed a population of 8,115, representing a growth in the population of Kimberley of 9.3% between 2016 and 2021.
The average age of the population is 44.4, a few years higher than the national average of 41.9. The population of Kimberley is predominantly white and English speaking. According to the latest census data, visible minorities account for just 3% of the population. The largest minority groups living in Kimberley are South Asian, Chinese, Filipino and Latin American.
What Is The Weather In Kimberley, BC, Like?
Most of Canada experiences cold, harsh winters with pleasant, moderately hot summers. However, BC’s coastal location and mountain ranges mean its climate isn’t typical of Canada.
You will find significant variations in the climate even within the province. Overall the BC weather is milder and wetter than the rest of Canada. The south coast has the mildest winters in Canada and warm, pleasant summers, while the southern interior has very short winters with long, dry, hot summers.
The weather in Kimberley is typical of Canada, with cold winters and pleasantly warm summers. The average January low is minus 12 Degrees C, while the average July high is 27 Degrees C. The climate is dry, with just 432 mm of precipitation annually and 148 mm of snowfall.
What Is The Cost of Living In Kimberley Like?
Most immigrants find the cost of living high in Canada, and BC is one of the more expensive provinces. House prices in BC are around 50% higher than Canadian averages.
Rural areas are cheaper but still subject to higher provincial taxes. Sales tax is 12% on most goods (5% GST plus 7% PST) compared to 5% in provinces such as Alberta, and the top income tax rate is relatively high.
Despite high BC taxes, the cost of living is relatively low in Kimberley. This is because property prices are low. The average property price of a home in Kimberley is around $410,000. This is significantly lower than both the BC and national averages.
What Is The Kimberley BC Economy Based On?
The community of Kimberley was initially developed around one of the largest zinc mines in North America. The mine closed in 2001, and the town remains primarily a tourist and recreational destination. Kimberly Alpine Resort is a ski resort less than a 5-minute drive from the centre of town,
Is Kimberley BC A Safe Place To Live?
Canada is one of the safest countries in the world to live in. Crime rates are low, and the country always features near the top of the annual Global Peace Index rankings.
Canada, Quebec, Ontario and the Maritime provinces have the lowest crime rates, while the highest in the territories. BC crime rates are above average for Canada. However, Kimberley is one of the safest communities in Canada, with exceptionally low crime rates.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
Do you want to know how much an electrical engineer earns, what the best neighbourhoods in London, Ontario, are, or if Yorkton, Saskatchewan, is a good place to live?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
What Are The Schools In Kimberley, BC, Like?
Canada has a strong and publicly-funded education system, which consistently ranks as one of the best in the world. Education is administered at a provincial level, and BC has a reputation for excellent education within Canada.
Kimberley has two elementary schools, one middle school and two secondary schools. One of the secondary schools is an alternate school which provides specialized programs for students whose needs aren’t met in the mainstream system.
- Lindsay Park Elementary School
- Marysville Elementary School
- McKim Middle School
- Selkirk Secondary School
Dual-track French immersion programs aren’t available at the schools in Kimberley. However, there is a francophone school in the town where students learn entirely in French.
What Is The Healthcare In Kimberley, BC Like?
Canada has an excellent publicly-funded healthcare system which covers “medically necessary” care. Generally, hospital and doctor visits are covered, while other types of care, such as dental, optical and prescriptions, are funded for certain groups of people.
In Canada, healthcare is administered at a provincial level, so anyone living in Kimberley, BC, would be covered through BC Healthcare.
You should be aware that there is currently a shortage of family doctors in much of Canada, and it can be difficult to find clinics taking on new patients. This is especially true of the smaller towns and cities.
The closest hospital to Kimberley is East Kootenay Regional Hospital, around a half-hour drive in Cranbrook. Within the town, Kimberley Health Centre has a team of doctors, nurses and technicians providing care and testing services.
Pros And Cons Of Living In Kimberley BC
The pros and cons of living in Kimberley, BC, will vary from person to person, but whatever you are looking for, these are key factors for you to consider.
Pros Of Living In Kimberley BC
- Stunning location
- Peaceful
- Low property prices
- Sunny, dry climate
- Ski resort
- Outdoor activities
- Low crime rates
Cons Of Living In Kimberley BC
- Too isolated for some
- Limited job opportunities
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