Portrait of Carly Carey, Realtor®

Carly Carey

Realtor®

Revitalized Area Centered Around VIU!

University District Real Estate

The University District neighbourhood is self-explanatory, in that properties of this community encircle Vancouver Island University: a world-class learning institution that plays a huge role in the educational, cultural, and economic life of Nanaimo. This district is one of Nanaimo's most desirable, particularly for students, due to its proximity to the campus as well as the University Village Shopping Centre and both indoor and outdoor recreation facilities. Contact the Carly Carey Real Estate Team today to start your home search, or click to learn more about University District real estate.

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Great Amenities
Educational Opportunties

University District Real Estate Stats

Average Home Price $663K
Lowest Priced Home $320K
Highest Listing Price $1.1M
Total Property Listings 31
Avg. Days On Market 47
Avg. Price/SQFT $461

Property Types (active listings)

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Mix of sun and clouds over University District, South Nanaimo
bringing together old & new

University District Overview

The University District area offers a selection of both old character homes and brand new developments, including single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. The influx of young families and students attending the university has shaped the revitalization of this neighbourhood, making it a top pick for a range of homebuyers. Harewood is a neighbourhood within the University District, known for its charming character homes—remnants from Nanaimo's intriguing mining history. The area north of Sixth Street has seen the most re-development.

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Character Homes
Investment Properties
Purple Tulips outside Nanaimo University campus Camera Icon
High-Profile Homes

University District Real Estate Highlights

  • 01
    Affordable character homes with a fascinating history
  • 02
    Plenty of new construction in brand-new subdivisions
  • 03
    Direct access to Vancouver Island University
  • 04
    Great investment opportunities catering to the high student population
Life In The University District Colliery Dam provides shaded, established trails to walk your dog (both on-leash and off-leash areas available) as well as steep, winding hikes for an awesome workout!
everything you'll ever need

Great Shopping

The University District is just minutes from the University Village Shopping Centre, which offers essentials like grocery stores, cafes and a Starbucks, pharmacies and a Shoppers Drug Mart, and other desirable amenities in a well-manicured plaza with ample parking. Family-owned restaurants, thrift stores, and more are found within this neighbourhood,

Additionally, the  Nanaimo Parkway grants residents easy access to all of the other shopping malls and services that Nanaimo has to offer. This part of the city also has bikeable streets and public transit routes that go directly to the campus and the downtown.

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Great Shopping
Local Businesses
Chase Trails & Waterfalls

University District Real Estate

While the University District is recognized for its eccentric mixture of old and new properties, this neighbourhood's real estate market extends beyond just single-family homes. First-time buyers in particular often choose townhomes, and this neighbourhood offers a number of complexes that are located near the university campus. Condos are also an option for new buyers.

For those interested in building their own custom home, this neighborhood sometimes offers land or tear-down opportunities. 

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Sports Facilities
Top Schools

Top University District Highlights & Attractions

This neighbourhood is recognized for being family-friendly and close to amenities, which suits a range of prospective homebuyers. Residents are within walking distance to the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre, which is notable for its pools, waterslides, and fitness facility, as well as the Nanaimo Ice Centre and the ball fields. Additionally, like many other Nanaimo neighbourhoods, the University District is home to several parks and green spaces, which range in size. This includes the old athletic field, Robins Park, Harewood Centennial Park, and the Serauxmen Sports Fields at Third Street Park. Baseball fields, playgrounds, and other facilities are just a short walk, bike ride, or drive away.

Nearby schools include Fairview Elementary School, Georgia Avenue Elementary School, Nanaimo District Elementary School, and John Barsby Secondary School.

Red Japanese Maple tree and pond in Tamagawa Garden, VIU

University District Real Estate Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do a lot of students live in Nanaimo’s University District?

A: The University District demographics are a mixture of families and students, and includes single-family and multi-family homes. This neighbourhood does have quite a few rental properties that are great options for students.

Q: Are there any bus routes in the University District?

A: Several bus routes go through the University District: 5 (Fairview), 6 (Harewood), 8 (Cedar), 15 (VIU Connector via Parkway), 15A (VIU Connector via Jingle Pot), and 40 (VIU Express).

Q: Is Colliery Dam Park dog-friendly?

A: Colliery Dam Park, which is one of the city’s larger parks, is known for its hiking trails along the lakes, wildlife-watching, fishing, and more. Parts of the trails are dog-friendly, with designated off-leash and on-leash areas.

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Bench, surrounded by trees, overlooking the Nanaimo waterfront
Carly Carey
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If you would like to discuss your central Vancouver Island real estate questions from Lake Cowichan through Qualicum and everywhere in between, please reach out. I love talking about Naniamo real estate and I can’t wait to meet you to discuss your next home with you.