What are the biggest mistakes people make when moving from the Lower Mainland to the Cariboo?

If you’re thinking about moving from the Lower Mainland to the Cariboo, you’re probably feeling two things at the same time: excitement and uncertainty.

Most of the people I work with are established couples who are done with traffic, noise, and congestion. They want space, privacy, and a slower pace of life. But almost everyone quietly worries about the same thing:

“What if we get this wrong?”

The truth is, the biggest mistakes people make when moving to the Cariboo aren’t about choosing the wrong house — they’re about underestimating how different this move really is.

Below are the most common mistakes I see from people relocating from the Lower Mainland, and how you can avoid them.

Why this move is harder than people expect

On paper, moving north looks simple:

• Sell the city home

• Buy something with land

• Enjoy a quieter lifestyle

In reality, this move is emotional, logistical, and deeply personal. You’re not just changing houses — you’re changing how you live day to day.

What works in Chilliwack, Mission, or North Vancouver doesn’t automatically translate to 100 Mile House, Bridge Lake, or Interlakes. When buyers treat this like a typical real estate transaction, problems tend to follow.

The biggest mistakes I see over and over again

1. Rushing the decision because they’re “done with the city”

This is the most common mistake.

Many buyers are emotionally exhausted by the Lower Mainland. Traffic, density, noise, and constant pressure make people want out now. That urgency can lead to rushed decisions.

What happens:

• Buyers fall in love quickly

• Red flags get minimized

• Due diligence feels like an obstacle instead of protection

Slowing down doesn’t mean missing out. In rural markets, it often means avoiding expensive regret.

2. Assuming rural properties are easier or cheaper

Rural doesn’t automatically mean simpler.

While purchase prices can be lower than the Lower Mainland, rural properties often come with:

• Higher maintenance responsibility

• Private systems (water, septic, access)

• Longer distances for services and repairs

City buyers are used to calling someone else when something breaks. In rural living, you are often the someone else — or you plan ahead carefully.

3. Underestimating wells, septic systems, and access

This is where many relocations go wrong.

Wells, septic systems, and road access aren’t minor details in the Cariboo — they are central to whether a property works for year-round living.

Common oversights include:

• Not understanding well capacity and reliability

• Assuming all septic systems are the same

• Not thinking through winter access or road maintenance

These aren’t reasons to avoid rural living — but they are reasons to approach it properly.

4. Buying for the dream, not the day-to-day reality

It’s easy to imagine the dream:

• Coffee on the deck

• Lake views

• Privacy and quiet

But day-to-day life includes:

• Snow removal

• Driving distances

• Property upkeep

• Seasonal changes

The happiest relocations happen when buyers balance lifestyle dreams with practical realities.

5. Choosing the wrong REALTOR® for a rural move

This is a big one.

Many buyers talk to agents who:

• Don’t live or work rurally

• Treat acreage like suburban property

• Rely on generic pricing and MLS exposure

• Don’t explain why things matter

Rural real estate requires local knowledge, patience, and a very different strategy. Without that, buyers are often left feeling confused or unsupported.

Client story: “We loved it… until we looked closer”

I once worked with a couple relocating from the Lower Mainland who had found a property they absolutely loved. It had space, views, and privacy — everything they thought they wanted.

But when we slowed down and looked deeper, we uncovered issues they hadn’t considered:

• Water limitations that didn’t suit full-time living

• Access challenges they hadn’t experienced yet

• Long-term resale concerns they hadn’t thought about

They were disappointed at first, but ultimately relieved.

Later, after purchasing a property that truly fit their lifestyle, they told me:

“We’re so glad we didn’t rush. This feels right — not just exciting.”

That’s always the goal.

How to avoid these mistakes

You don’t need to be an expert in rural real estate — but you do need the right approach.

That means:

• Asking better questions early

• Taking time to understand infrastructure, not just appearance

• Thinking about year-round living, not just best-case scenarios

• Working with someone who understands both the Lower Mainland mindset and Cariboo realities

Is the Cariboo the right fit for you?

The Cariboo is an incredible place to live — for the right people.

You’ll likely thrive here if you:

• Value space, privacy, and independence

• Enjoy outdoor living year-round

• Are comfortable planning ahead

• Want a quieter, community-focused lifestyle

It may be challenging if you:

• Need daily city-level convenience

• Don’t want responsibility for property upkeep

• Expect everything to be close and immediate

There’s no “right” answer — just the right fit.

Frequently asked questions

Should we rent first before buying?
Sometimes renting short-term can help confirm lifestyle fit, but it’s not always necessary with the right guidance and rentals are hard to find around here.

Is winter living really that hard?
Winter requires preparation, not fear. Understanding access and systems is key.

Do people regret moving to the Cariboo?
Most regret comes from rushing or unrealistic expectations — not from the move itself.

Can we do this in stages?
Yes. Many people transition gradually, and that can reduce stress significantly.

Final thoughts: slow down to get it right

Moving from the Lower Mainland to the Cariboo can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make — if it’s done thoughtfully.

The biggest mistakes aren’t about choosing the wrong property. They’re about rushing, assuming, and not having the right local guidance.

If you’re considering this move and want a calm, honest conversation about what makes sense for you, I’m always happy to help you think it through.

Amanda Oldfield
Amanda Oldfield Realtor – Exp Realty
96 Hwy 97, 100 Mile House, BC
250-318-5202