Old City Real Estate
Rich with history and culture, the neighbourhood of Old City, Nanaimo is composed primarily of historic homes, as well as seaside condos and modern reconstructions. Old City was the original heart and soul of Nanaimo's 1880's coal mining activities, serving as an economic and shipping centre. Today, Old City is home to Nanaimo's quaint downtown core, harbour-side amenities, and historic district. Old City is easily one of Nanaimo's most visually interesting communities and offers a cornucopia of unique real estate options. Contact the Carly Carey Real Estate Team today to start your home search, or click to learn more about Old City real estate.
Old City Real Estate Statistics
| Average Home Price | $605K |
|---|---|
| Lowest Priced Home | $250K |
| Highest Listing Price | $1.4M |
| Total Property Listings | 48 |
| Avg. Days On Market | 60 |
| Avg. Price/SQFT | $514 |
Property Types (active listings)
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Old City Overview
The Old City, which is located on and overlooks the waterfront, is referred to as such because of its long history. Residents of this neighbourhood enjoy its walkability and central location, as well as its landmarks and older buildings. Mixing history with modern innovation, the Old City has a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and countless opportunities for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Real estate in the Old City district is made up of gorgeous single-family homes (typically bungalows) and the high-rise condos that make up Nanaimo's skyline.
Old City Real Estate Highlights
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01The Heart of Nanaimo
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02Independent specialty shops, boutiques and restaurants
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03Mix of revitalized heritage buildings and new constructions
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04Historic homes, condos and single family homes
Where Old & New Meet
Though not formally recognized, the Old City district is split into two fairly distinct regions: the downtown core and the historic district across the bridge.
Recent efforts to attract visitors to the downtown business district have been extremely successful, and downtown Old City is a favourite location for Nanaimo locals and explorers alike. Offering local boutiques alongside larger retailers, there's much to see and discover in this neighbourhood.
Historic District
Across the bridge, additional businesses and hundreds of historic homes can be found along the streets of Old City, many of which boast a heritage home designation. Revitalization grants from the city encourage heritage renovations of both of these property types, helping permanently preserve the unique architectural diversity of the neighbourhood. In many cases, Old City businesses double as the owners’ private homes, serving as a creative mortgage-helper solution.
Top Old City Attractions & Amenities
Apart from the multitude of businesses in this neighbourhood, one of the biggest highlights of the Old City neighbourhood is the Harbourfront Walkway, which begins at the Port Theatre and runs along the waterfront, ending at the Townsite Marina. It passes through Maffeo Sutton Park, recognized for its large, colourful Nanaimo sign. Many enjoy strolling down by the water, perhaps indulging in some gelato as they go, viewing the boats in the marina and the sea planes landing/taking off. There are also whale watching services in this area
Additional highlights include the Vancouver Island Regional Library. A particular hit with the kids, this is located right next to the Nanaimo Museum and the Vancouver Island Conference Centre, and has a large mural on the exterior side. Port Place Shopping Centre offers a lot of the shops and local dining spots, but most of the boutiques are located along Commercial Street.
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Old City Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How old is the Old City district?
A: The Old City district has a long history. The city of Nanaimo was first founded in the 1850s, and buildings in the Old City were constructed not too long later, in the late-1800s. The Occidental Hotel, which is no longer in use but is still standing, was built in 1866.
Q: What sort of events take place in the Old City?
A: The Old City, on account of its central location, sees tourists and hosts events annually. These include everything from Halloween trick-or-treating events to summer concerts.
Q: What is the oldest building or structure in Nanaimo?
A: The oldest structure is the Bastion, which was moved in 1974 and revitalized in 2010. It is lit up for special events and occasions, though mostly commemorative.
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