Nanaimo Real Estate

Is Nanaimo a good place to live?

Nanaimo is one of the largest cities on Vancouver Island. Historically it began as an outpost for the Hudson Bay Company and today has turned into a bustling, thriving city. Nanaimo-Ladysmith’s central location, mild weather, hiking trails, oceanfront, and number and accessibility to amenities and recreational options make it an ideal place to live for many.

Numerous shopping options from locally-owned boutique shops to giants like Costco and Woodgrove Centre allow options for a variety of shopping styles. Lively eateries and unique shops are found aplenty in the Old City Quarter, while more big box chains can be found concentrated on the northern end of the city. Bastion Street contains an outdoor art gallery, perfect for browsing during a lunch break. Front Street is where you’ll want to be on Fridays to take advantage of the Farmers’ Market, providing local fruits, vegetables, and handmade goods.

Nanaimo is more than just a shopper’s paradise. Outdoor recreation is very popular due to Nanaimo’s weather. Mountain biking, hiking, sailing, golfing at 15+ courses, and relaxing along the waterfront at Piper’s Lagoon are some of the many options. The Abyss (Extension Ridge) near Harewood Mines Road is extremely popular for mountain biking, but there are numerous trails suitable for both biking and casual hiking.

Cost of Living in Nanaimo

Cost of living has increased across the board, all over British Columbia. However, Nanaimo’s cost of living is still relatively affordable when compared to other cities. Regarding the “Nanaimo vs Victoria” comparison, housing prices, rent, groceries, and general consumer prices are still lower in Nanaimo than in Victoria.

Sometimes, living somewhere with a low cost of living can mean there is less to do and see. That isn’t the case in Nanaimo, where there are several recreational options and amenities available. Keep in mind it is easy enough to Vancouver for a trip. So how far is Nanaimo from Vancouver? The BC Ferries have a route from Nanaimo in Departure Bay that leads to Horseshoe Bay in North Vancouver. If you prefer to get there quickly you can jump on a Seaplane or Helijet! These direct routes paired with a low cost of living means taking a trip to Vancouver is very attainable.

Ladysmith is a separate town but is often linked with Nanaimo due to its proximity. Ladysmith is a great option for those looking to live in a smaller town that is close to Nanaimo’s amenities. Ladysmith’s cost of living is usually quite similar to Nanaimo so it is worth considering Ladysmith real estate listings when browsing those for Nanaimo.

Houses for sale in Nanaimo

Are you looking for property for sale in Nanaimo? The Harbour City has many real estate listings with ocean views and countryside acreage. The city has been growing, which means there is a wide selection of both commercial and residential real estate listings available. Older parts of the city contain mid-century single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses, while new oceanfront condominiums and executive-style waterfront homes are being developed. All this development means more commercial properties are being built alongside the boom in housing. New restaurants, offices, medical buildings, and retail stores are incorporated throughout.

If you are searching for new listings on Vancouver Island, please view our Nanaimo MLS® listings for that perfect fit!