Nanaimo, 2021 population 99,863 with an average age of 46 is composed of many different neighbourhoods each appealing to people for different reasons. Nanaimo has households of various compositions with only about 26% of the population being over 65 years old. I’ll give you a very brief overview of them but if you want details, please reach out to me.  I’m happy to share what I can.

 I have attached a link to the map system provided by our board so click on that to find out where each of these communities are located. 

Cedar, Chase River and Extension all have a more rural feel overall- there are plenty of city type lots but also a lot of acreage living.  There are many parks and outdoor recreational opportunities in these neighbourhoods.  In fact, some of Nanaimo’s best mountain bike trails are up in the Extension area.

South Nanaimo  is a growing community as it is very family based and has been more affordable say then North Nanaimo.  Many of the new homes being constructed are in this area.  Vancouver Island University (VIU) is located in University District and this section is really a part of South Nanaimo.  There are several parks in the area including a nice water park.  Colliery park and dam has a great off leash dog area and some nice walking paths.  The Parkway trails runs along the edge of South Nanaimo and extends all the way to Aulds road.  There are a few different schools in South Nanaimo.  The Nanaimo Aquatic and Ice arena are in South Nanaimo right next to Nanaimo District Secondary School and by VIU. 

University District and South Jingle pot are located at the South end of Nanaimo and offer a lot of parks and a nice quality of life.  Hawthorne is a nice neighbourhood in South Jingle pot and has plenty of sunshine.  Its next to Buttertubs marsh- a bird sanctuary.  University District is a bit split as part of it is on the University side of the parkway and the other section goes up the hill and overlooks the city.  There are some fabulous views from that higher side often called College Heights (VIU was Malaspina College when this area was developed hence the name College Heights).  Westwood park is in this area offering a approximately 6 km walk around the lake.  There are many trails that extend from Westwood Park and give a variety of hiking and mountain biking options.  You can actually bike over to Mount Benson from this area.  Westwood Lake is a nice swimming beach in the summer.  Schools vary in these neighbourhoods but there are some nice options.  South Jingle pot continues to develop the Hawthorne community offering some newer homes.  It is a mix of different ages. 

Central Nanaimo is what I think of as the hospital district.  It is made of primarily of older homes (mid century type homes) and a mix of various types of strata options from older buildings to newer.  Its a convenient place to live as you have easy access to almost all parts of the city.  If you are looking for a newer home, it may not be the best neighbourhood as newer homes are harder to come by. There have been some nice strata developments though and the Country Grocer shopping plaza and area is a nice hub. 

Pleasant Valley and Divers Lake run between the old island highway and the Parkway trail.  Diver Lake offers some older homes (1970’s…) on larger lots.  This is changing as new homes are going in.  There are a couple of new areas being built out in Diver Lake.  Pleasant Valley is close to some shopping and Metral Dr runs thru it- a nice bike path.  The Parkway Trails runs through Pleasant Valley and along Diver Lake so you have some nice bike riding or walking there.  There is also the E & N Path that is nice to ride, walk or even scooter on. 

Brechin Hill and Downtown run into each other.  There is a real mix of types of housing here.  Brechin Hill itself is made up of older homes many with some nice views of the harbour.  Downtown area has some beautiful character homes.  Prices vary between them.  The Seawall path runs thru parts of both and is a nice walk, bike or inline skate. Maffeo Sutton park is in the centre of the Seawall path and is a lovely place to catch a summer concert, market or what not.  Many different events are held here.   There are some beautiful strata options along the waterfront thru much of Downtown and Brechin Hill.  

The Old City is comprised of early 1900’s type homes but also some mid century types.  There are very elegant character homes and there are also small miners cottages here.  Easy access into downtown.  Bowen Park is a nice park that is between Central Nanaimo and Old City Quarter and South Nanaimo.  There is a great frisbee gold course there and also outdoor tennis courts, community centre, outdoor pool, volleyball courts and more.  Zoning in the Old City Quarter allows for a mixed use of business and residential so you will find many accountants, and other types of businesses throughout this area.  The Old City Shopping Quarter is here offering some quaint restaurants and shops to explore.

Departure Bay is a fantastic family neighbourhood with many sub communities within it.  Around the Bay, many homes were built in that mid century to a bit later age.  Sherwood Park is a bit newer with new homes down around Nottingham.  Departure Bay   is where one of the primary ferry terminals is found .  The Departure Bay beach is a nice gathering place with a swimming beach, kids park, and a nice place to hang out.  The Nanaimo Golf course runs thru the top of Departure Bay and anything around it is very lovely.  There is quite a bit of new construction occurring as lots were quite large and some subdivision has been occurring.  Its a great neighbourhood to call home.  Departure Bay has a nice patio home complex that may appeal to the 55+ crowd as well as some nice strata options. Great school options.

Uplands is the neighbourhood next to Departure Bay.  Houses tend to be a bit smaller than those in Departure Bay and were built anywhere from the 60’s and 90’s though again there is a variety of ages.  There are quite a few newer and older strata developments in Uplands.  Uplands is conveniently located and has a lot to offer.  Great schools too.

Hammond Bay and North Nanaimo are both very popular and more expensive neighbourhoods.  Some people find Hammond Bay more challenging to get in and out of but it is a quiet and beautiful neighbourhood with some fantastic views and parks.  There are great beach access points in both of these areas.  North Nanaimo is closest to all the North end conveniences like Woodgrove Mall, Big Box stores, Costco and so forth.  Prices are higher but many fell it is well worth it.  Good schools service these areas.  Hammond Bay still has an issue with cell service and the internet so if this is important to you please check it out while you are there looking at homes.  A new cell tower has now been approved but is likely not going to be constructed until late 2025 or even 2026 (according to someone I spoke with at Telus).

North Jingle pot is actually part of the Regional District of Nanaimo and the City of Nanaimo and is more of a country feel right in the midst of the city.  You feel like you are very rural but its very convenient to almost everything.  There are a couple of city developments (Rockridge and Avonlea) which are both beautiful developments.  But, then it is mostly acreage living.  Benson Meadows is found here and is a quality development of 2.5-5 acre lots primarily.  Good school and easy access. Lantzville 2021 population of 3817 with the majority in the 15-64 age bracket (only 26% are 65+)  is its own town but right on the edge of Naniamo at the North end.  Its a mixed community from city type lots to acreage and everything in between.  A small community feel and a great place to call home. Housing varies from typical city lot sizes to small acreages.  There are a few larger pieces of property but many fall into that small acreage category