What surprises people most after moving to the South Cariboo?

For many people, moving to the Cariboo is something they think about for years before actually doing it. They imagine the space, the quiet, the slower pace — and often, they’re right.

But even when the move is a good one, there are still surprises.

Most of the people I work with don’t regret moving to the Cariboo. What they do say afterward is something like:

“We didn’t realize how different some of the day-to-day things would feel.”

That difference isn’t bad — but it’s important to understand it before making the move.

Here are some of the things that tend to surprise people most after relocating.

The pace changes more than expected

People expect life to slow down — but they’re often surprised by how much it does.

In the Cariboo:

• Errands take planning

• Appointments aren’t always immediate

• Spontaneity looks different

For many, this feels like relief. For others, it takes adjustment.

The people who settle in most comfortably tend to stop measuring time the way they did in the city and start leaning into a more intentional rhythm.

Distance becomes the norm surprisingly quickly

At first, driving longer distances can feel inconvenient.

But over time, many people say they stop noticing it the way they expected to. Trips become purposeful. Days feel less fragmented.

What surprises people isn’t the distance — it’s how quickly it becomes part of the routine.

Quiet can feel unfamiliar at first

One of the biggest adjustments is sound — or the lack of it.

The quiet many people crave can feel unsettling initially, especially in the evenings or during winter. Some clients tell me at first it is hard to sleep when it is so quiet.

This usually passes.

People often say that once they adjust, they realize how much constant background noise they were carrying without noticing.

Winter isn’t the hardship people expect — but it requires respect

Winter surprises people in two ways.

First, it’s often more predictable than expected.
Second, it requires more personal responsibility.

Snow management, access, and planning become part of daily life rather than something handled invisibly in the background.

Those who prepare and adjust expectations tend to find winter manageable — even enjoyable. Those who expect it to function like city winter often feel caught off guard.

You become more connected to your home

In the Cariboo, people tend to spend more time at home rather than constantly going out.

This surprises some people — especially those who relied on restaurants, events, or errands for variety.

Over time, many discover they enjoy:

• Being more present at home

• Using their space intentionally

• Letting routines feel simpler

For others, this shift highlights the importance of choosing the right property and location.

Community feels different — but often deeper

Social life in the Cariboo doesn’t usually come with built-in structure.

Connections tend to be:

• Smaller

• More intentional

• Built over time

People who expect instant social activity can feel isolated at first. Those who are comfortable building relationships gradually often find the sense of community more genuine than they expected.

Regret usually comes from expectations, not the move itself

One of the biggest surprises is this:

When people struggle after moving, it’s rarely because the Cariboo was the wrong place. It’s usually because expectations didn’t line up with reality.

The move works best when people:

• Take their time

• Choose fit over urgency

• Accept that lifestyle change comes with adjustment

Final thoughts: surprises aren’t warnings — they’re information

Every move comes with a learning curve.

The Cariboo tends to reward people who approach the transition thoughtfully, with curiosity rather than urgency.

If you’re considering a move and wondering whether the lifestyle will actually feel right long-term, understanding these common surprises ahead of time can make the experience far smoother.

And if you want to talk honestly about what day-to-day life here looks like — without pressure — 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