Looking for the best neighborhoods in Nanaimo, British Columbia? As a Vancouver Island real estate agent one of the most common questions I get is, "What is the best neighborhood in Nanaimo?" And the answer is... it depends.
Carly Carey's Top 5 Neighbourhoods in Nanaimo, British Columbia
All of my favourite neighbourhoods have access to great hiking and most of them have ocean views. I love the outdoors, hiking, trekking down to the river, and spending time at our many lakes. Visiting amazing hidden ocean spots across Vancouver Island and just being outside is what makes living here great! Let's dive in to some of my favourite neighbourhoods and help you choose!
North Jinglepot
Jinglepot is located at the base of Mt. Benson and you have the opportunity to live on sprawling acreages in the middle of town. It’s literally the best of both worlds. You’re out in the middle of nowhere but you’re five minutes from downtown.
Once a very rural region, this community has seen slow but steady development over the past few years. That being said, North Jingle Pot homes for sale maintain their rustic atmosphere by way of larger lots and the natural back drop of sloping Mount Benson. The Nanaimo real estate market often comprises a blend of properties, from million dollar listings to quaint cottage-style homes, and this is particularly true of North Jingle Pot. For a custom home, look to North Jingle Pot for large acreages.
Departure Bay
Departure Bay is so cute and has so many mid century homes. It has tons of personality and lots of style. The whole neighbourhood is built on a hill and so most of the homes have a view of Departure Bay beach and the ocean. Departure Bay beach is great for swimming, has a playground and a great local coffee shop across the street where you can get snacks, drinks and in the evening they serve wine!
The oceanside views from Departure Bay homes for sale are incredible, as many homes overlook the BC Ferries passing in and out. Lot sizes are often larger in this area and offer a variety of architectural styles, ranging from character, to split-level, to luxury homes. There's also a modest selection of condos and townhomes available.
Hammond Bay
Hammond Bay is so gorgeous and many newcomers gravitate towards that area because it lines the coast of Nanaimo. You have Piper’s Lagoon and Neck Point, both great beaches for an evening walk or a swim in summer. It’s the perfect way to cool off in that mid summer heat.
Hammond Bay is a Nanaimo neighbourhood in between Dover Bay and Departure Bay which runs along a beautiful coastline (you may be familiar with Hammond Bay Rd which spans from the Old Nanaimo Highway near Woodgrove Mall until Departure Bay Road).
Downtown Nanaimo
Downtown has gorgeous character homes and it’s fairly walkable. It’s on a hill so a lot of the homes have a great view of the harbour but it’s still easy to walk down to the restaurants. For example, I love the Vault Cafe. Not only is it inclusive but they have amazing coffee and food and live music at night.
Called The hub city, the harbour city or bathtub city, Nanaimo is a community of many names with a unique, exuberant spirit all its own. For many, Nanaimo serves as the first taste of the wonders that Vancouver Island has offer once they arrive via the BC Ferry Terminal from the lower mainland. Nanaimo real estate allows buyers a chance to become part of a dynamic city on the rise with limitless opportunities on the horizon.
North Nanaimo
Everyone loves North Nanaimo! The reason why is because you can find moderately priced homes all they way to executive homes and most of them have an ocean view. You’re close the mall and restaurants and it’s a really comfortable way to live.
Convenient, upscale and well-positioned—these are just a few of the qualities that attract savvy homebuyers to North Nanaimo homes for sale. Widely considered a prestigious and affluent region of Nanaimo, North Nanaimo is home to many of the city's most desirable move-up and luxury neighbourhoods. Even more stunning than the homes are their surroundings, which provide breathtaking views of the Salish Sea, northern gulf islands and nearby coastal mountains.
Learn More about Vancouver Island Neighborhoods:
Neighborhood guides to Nanaimo, Central Island, and Gulf Island
Want to find a house in Nanaimo? Let’s talk!
I was born on Vancouver Island and grew up right here in Nanaimo. As a true local, I know the Nanaimo area in special ways that only someone from here can know.
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