Brechin Hill
Located near the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal, Brechin Hill is the large hill that you see as you disembark from the ferry terminal. This area is scattered with homes in various sizes, and price ranges. In this neighbourhood, buyers can find some smaller, affordable homes, many of which boast views of Departure Bay and Newcastle Channel. In addition, Brechin Hill is close to a couple of great waterside restaurants and is not far from the downtown core and waterfront promenade.
Cedar/Yellowpoint
Located just south of Nanaimo, Cedar/Yellowpoint offers a wide range of options for those looking for a more rural setting. Home owners in this neighbourhood delight in the vast amount of green space and the numerous parks and trails. What sets this area apart is its abundance of agricultural land mixed with many of Nanaimo’s most beautiful waterfront properties. Nanaimo’s Duke Point Ferry Terminal and the Nanaimo Airport are in close proximity.
Central Nanaimo
Central Nanaimo is, as the name implies, about halfway between the North end and the South end of Nanaimo. It’s located near the hospital, as well as numerous malls and shopping centres, parks and trails and the Beban Park Recreation Centre. Homes in this area are varied in size and style and are often in an affordable range.
Chase River
Just minutes south from the downtown core of Nanaimo, Chase River possesses a ‘country in the city’ like atmosphere. Chase River is a unique area because part of it remains within the city with all municipal services and part is in the rural Regional District. It is a popular, attractive place to live and it continues to develop new residential opportunities. Also, close proximity to the Duke Point Ferry Terminal and Nanaimo Airport.
Departure Bay
Departure Bay is one of Nanaimo’s most distinctive areas. This historic area has developed into one of Nanaimo`s most coveted neighbourhoods. This is an ideal neighbourhood for commuters to the mainland with the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and one of our sea plane terminals located here. Departure Bay residential area is characterized by the beautiful beach, perfect for swimming, walking or just relaxing. Homes in the area range from south-facing beachfront, to ideal 1960`s plus homes on one of the two hills that meet. The area has numerous older homes, as well as many renovated and updated homes. Lots in this area tend to be larger and the terrain allows for many views as the homes are often built on sloping land overlooking the ocean. The Departure Bay area is one of the few areas in Nanaimo with south-facing ocean views.
Divers Lake
Located near the North end of town is Diver’s Lake. Not a popular spot for swimming, Diver’s Lake is known for its great trails and bike paths. Numerous homes are in and around this area. Residents get to enjoy the scenery of the lake as well as the great park and trails in addition to being only minutes away from a number of malls and restaurants.
Extension
Historically an old mining town, today the Extension neighbourhood is a quiet, rural community about 17 minutes from downtown Nanaimo. Homeowners in the Extension neighbourhood take advantage of the lower property prices to build large homes with plenty of space. It’s quiet, rural lifestyle is appealing to many: especially since you are still within a short drive to all the amenities that downtown Nanaimo has to offer and close to one of Nanaimo’s best swimming spots; Nanaimo River.
Hammond Bay
Located in North Nanaimo, Hammond Bay Road is a long stretch of road overlooking the ocean between Departure Bay and the North Island Highway. Homes in this area often boast incredible views of the Pacific and are close to a number of public beach accesses and waterfront parks and trails including the beautiful Piper’s Lagoon and Neck Point. Luxury homes, beautiful waterfront properties, smaller family homes and homes perched on the mountains are all located here. Homeowners in this area are close to a number of great restaurants and shopping centres, including Vancouver Island`s largest shopping centre, Woodgrove Centre. In addition, the Hammond Bay neighbourhood is close to the Departure Bay Ferry Terminal and one of Nanaimo`s seaplane terminals.
Lantzville
Previously a suburb of Nanaimo, Lantzville has become its own municipality in recent years. Just north of Nanaimo, Lantzville is a beautiful, small ocean town. Lantzville boasts spectacular beaches and that small town feeling, while still being in a convenient location, bordering the North end of the city of Nanaimo and all of the city`s urban amenities.
Jingle Pot Area (North & South Jingle Pot)
The Jingle Pot area is a long road that stretches from the South end of Nanaimo to the North end. As a result of the distance this area covers, the Jingle Pot area is very diverse in its housing. North Jingle Pot has Mount Benson serving as its backdrop, and offers residents a rural setting while still being in very close proximity to the mega shopping centres, big box stores and all of the conveniences of North Nanaimo. South Jingle Pot boasts its close proximity to the beautiful and popular Westwood Lake, a perfect spot for a swim or a 6km hike. In the South end there is a mix of rural properties and subdivisions which are close to the downtown core of Nanaimo. Homes in the Jingle Pot area range from old farmhouses, larger estates and modern subdivisions.
North Nanaimo
North Nanaimo describes a relatively large area of Nanaimo and is comprised of mainly newer homes (usually within 30 years of age at most). Although not in the heart of downtown, the Northern end of Nanaimo is packed full of great restaurants, big box stores, beaches and the largest mall on Vancouver Island, Woodgrove Centre. North Nanaimo has seen tremendous growth over the last ten years, with lots of waterfront homes, ocean view homes and quiet family neighbourhoods. In addition, getting downtown is no more than a 10 to 15 minute drive.
The homes in North Nanaimo often boast spectacular views of the ocean and are usually larger in size. In the North end, you can find large luxury homes, family homes and a great selection of condo developments and town homes. The North end is a very popular for retirees and families as so many amenities are close by.
Old City
The Old City Quarter of Nanaimo is a historic area in downtown Nanaimo with buildings from the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Heritage buildings are well maintained in this area and the Old City Quarter has become a fundamental part of Nanaimo’s identity. Today the Old City Quarter is a refreshing mix of beautiful heritage buildings, restaurants, boutiques and is known as the ‘arts district’ of Nanaimo. The Old City neighbourhood offers great potential with the ongoing revitalization of our downtown and the ever popular waterfront promenade. Here you can hop a sea plane and be in downtown Vancouver in 17 minutes.
Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley is located near Mostar Road and Brannen Lake. Here you can take in views of Mount Benson while still being close to the nearby Woodgrove Centre, big box stores and many great restaurants that the north end offers. Owning lakefront property and lake view property is more than possible in this neighbourhood. Families and retirees alike delight in having a home which boasts its own private dock, perfect for taking a morning dip, hopping on your boat or taking a twilight kayak ride. For those who do not live directly on the lake, public beaches provide a great opportunity for all to enjoy.
South Nanaimo
South Nanaimo immediately borders the University District and houses some of the oldest homes in the city, making it an affordable area. With its proximity to the University and downtown core, South Nanaimo has become a great place to live, renovate, restore and invest. New neighbourhoods such as Hawthorn Heights are offering single family homes, town homes and commercial opportunities. As the revitalization of downtown Nanaimo continues, this area will continue to expand with the creation of more new residential developments providing an even broader range of opportunities. Here you will find funky, old character homes as well as recently renovated homes with all modern amenities.
University District
As it name implies, the University District neighbourhood describes the area surrounding Vancouver Island University. A popular area for home buyers and investors alike, the University District offers a wide range of housing options, many with revenue producing capabilities. The area above the University, known as College Heights, offers some of the most panoramic views of the entire city and ocean beyond. The University district is just minutes to the downtown core of Nanaimo and its pubs, eateries, boutiques and waterfront walkway.
Uplands
Conveniently located in the Central North area of Nanaimo, the Uplands area is an ideal place for families, with its affordable homes and close proximity to various malls, restaurants and all levels of schools. The changing landscape throughout Uplands provides homeowners with many different types of terrain for their homes – some perching on large rocky outcroppings overlooking Long Lake, a popular public beach and park. The great mix of housing in this area includes many great family neighbourhoods, retirement housing, independent living residences, condos and townhouses.