Nanoose Bay has a population in 2021 of 6,540 people with 40% in the 65+ category and an average age of 55 and it is comprised of two main parts - Nanoose and Fairwinds.  Fairwinds is named after the Fairwinds Golf Course.  This area is popular with people coming from Vancouver and Alberta.  It offers parks, walks, golfing, ocean activities and a couple of marinas.  There’s something for almost everyone.  This is not an inexpensive area but there are some great acreages with riding rings, farms- hobby and full blown, smaller lots and houses built around the golf course.  There are many people retiring to this area. Building does cost more here due to the challenges of the land with hills and lots of rock but the end result is a beautiful West Coast community. There are a couple of good restaurants here and a small grocery store and gas stations but for most of your big shops, you’ll be heading into Nanaimo or Parksville.  Nanaimo tends to be the central hub on the island for shopping.  Some people even head to Courteney as they have a great Costco.  Medical care would be found in Nanaimo, the Parksville urgent care or Courteney/Comox.  If you live here, be prepared for regular trips into another area for supplies.  Housing here varies and there are some nice strata options if condo living appeals to you.  

Parksville, 2021 population of 13,642 is a small city and has a lot to offer.  Its becoming very popular with younger families too.  Though there is still a large segment of 65+ year old (44%), younger families are now moving in. Real Estate in Parksville is more affordable to its close neighbors of  French Creek and Qualicum Beach with a great variety of housing options to choose from - today it has become a very nice and beautiful place to call home.  The community beach is incredible, Englishman Falls a great place to go to relax, hike or bike….  Rathtrevor Provincial park is right in its midst.  It runs along the ocean and is a very scenic city.  Parksville is a place many choose to retire in.  Many people go to Nanaimo for their supplies as costs can be higher here but there are some good grocers and restaurants here.  

French Creek a small community of about 1100 people and built along the water is a small fishing area between Parksville and Qualicum Beach.  Get some fresh fish down on the docks there.  You will find some beautiful housing options here too.  Wembley Mall is close by with many new homes.  The septic treatment in French Creek can be a bit foul smelling so beware of that.

Qualicum Beach, 2021 population of 9,303 has 56% of its population 65+ is very much a retirement type of place.  Its quaint and cute with some fun stores, shops and restaurants.  Qualicum Foods is the primary grocery store.  There are summer markets in Qualicum that are fun to go to and you have some nice local fresh fruit and vegetables.  Nice housing but prices are higher here then Parksville or Nanaimo.  More than 50% of the people there are over 50 so know it is an older community. There’s a nice community centre with pool here.

Errington and Coombs combined have a population of about 4,500 people with the majority in the under 65 age categories and  are just outside Parksville and Qualicum and offers some nice rural living.  Housing and prices vary extensively here depending on what you want.  It can be a more affordable place to buy an acreage if you are looking for that.  This is part of the agricultural centre of Vancouver island and there are still many farms in the area. They are primarily a farming and residential community.  The area does have a nice walking path along the Port Alberni highway that is pleasant to walk.  There are lots of trails/ hikes, in the area plus camping.  Some of the parks nearby like Englishman River Falls, Little Qualicum River Falls, and a nice lake & beach at Cameron Lake are easily accessed from here.  If you are looking for a rural lifestyle, this may be a great fit for you. I’d be happy to help you in any of the your real estate pursuits on the Central Vancouver Island areas.