Latest Sims Real Estate Group Listing Videos & Blog Posts on Vancouver Island, BC.

Are you seeking out an area on Vancouver Island designed to meet your family's needs but isn't in the tourism-centric area of the city? Take a closer look at Cedar. Though Cedar may be thought of as a small village, it is home to a number of up and coming neighbourhoods and exceptional amenities. If you have yet to visit the area, now is the time to do so. It is a country-charming region, but still has ample modern amenities to offer. It is this unique charm that has helped Cedar to become one of Nanaimo's most desirable places to buy real estate.

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Exploring Cedar

Cedar is only a few minutes from the southern portion of Nanaimo. However, that small space makes all of the difference. It is helping real estate buyers looking for tranquility to find exactly what they need. The area is cozy and a bit rural, due in part to the natural beauty around it. It is this type of location that encourages home buyers to move into the area while allowing them easy access to the big city at the same time.

There are various amenities here including golf courses, various community shopping and dining areas, and outstanding recreational opportunities. It is easy to get around the region from Duke Point ferry. In addition to this, Cedar has a strong sense of community and provides an easy opportunity for home buyers to discover a vibrant lifestyle.

Real estate in Vancouver Island's Cedar area is quite diverse. You will find it remains some of the most affordable property in the area, but new developments and higher demand are boosting values here. Those who live in Nanaimo or who are moving to the area will find Cedar to be a rich place to call home, surrounded by modern amenities but still rural. Take a closer look at this area to find out what you can expect.

Perhaps you live in the busy portion of Vancouver. You spend your days dealing with congestion and a hectic lifestyle. On the weekends, you long to have a place to go to relax and unwind, where the quality of your life can be much better. Check out Sooke. Located on Vancouver Island, at the southern region, this harbourside village is perhaps one of the most soothing locations in the big island. It is more rural than other areas, but it provides most of the amenities you need and want.

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Sooke Offers Just About Everything

If you hope to buy a second home or relocate to a more rural area, Sooke is an excellent option. It is home to about 10,000 people and just to the west of Victoria. It only takes about 40 minutes to get to the city along West Coast Highway 14. The area also has some of the mildest climates in the region. And, the views of the mountains are exceptional. It is this shelter from the mountains that makes it such a desirable place to live.

There's plenty to do and see here. You're along the waterfront, have ample fishing opportunities, and can spend your weekends mountain biking if you like. The area has a strong artisan lifestyle, with various art shops and food establishments run by locals. You will also find a large marine business here, especially for those tourists looking to get out onto the water to do a bit of saltwater fishing. Kayaking, surfing, and diving are all popular here as well. The Sooke River is an excellent location for salmon fishing and Matheson Lake Regional Park provides you with an ideal place to launch a canoe.

The real estate options in Sooke are numerous. Large single family homes, smaller condos, and a variety of custom built properties are available. Take a closer look at what this community can offer you by booking a tour with a local agent.

Vancouver Island is quite the large area. You have plenty of regions within the island that you can select to live in. Each one is quite distinct. For many people, the Central Island region is ideal. This is perhaps the best area for those who want to enjoy the warm ocean breezes and the tranquil lakes that this island has to offer. The mountains here create somewhat of a shelter, helping to keep the temperatures more moderate and level. There is some great fishing in this area as well.

Home in Comox | Image Provided by VIREB.

Cities to Choose From

Vancouver Island's central area has plenty to offer. This area is a bit more rural than near the western or eastern coastlines, but that is one of the key reasons so many people buy here. You will find spacious farmland, outstanding, lush forested areas, and incredibly serene escapes to call your own. Consider these cities.

Qualicum Beach has a strong British heritage. This is one of the best small towns in the area. It offers some great open spaces, provincial parks, and it's only a few minutes from just about everything. If you want to be on the water, this is a good choice.

Lighthouse Country is on the eastern coast of the central area of Vancouver Island. It has a strong Native culture and some 60 miles of coastline and beaches for you to enjoy. It's naturally beautiful and home to properties that offer expansive waterfront and ample land.

Comox is another ideal choice. It is a charming seaside village founded in the mid-1800's. The recreational activities are great here including golf, swimming, and outstanding hiking. It's a bit more remote but highly desirable for those looking for a peaceful retreat.

Any of these locations are going to be ideal for those looking for a serene lifestyle in the heart of one of the most beautiful areas of the region. Check out all Central Island has to offer to you.

Nanaimo is one of the most well-known cities on Vancouver Island. It has plenty to offer those who wish to live here. The city has a long history, outstanding recreational opportunities, and quality schools. It is a city to retire into, one to buy a second home in, or the ideal place to raise your family. Take a look at some of the various areas and amenities that Nanaimo has to offer.

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Check out some of the best areas in Nanaimo, based on what you hope to enjoy.

Beban Park is an ideal location for those who want to be close to all of the amenities and recreation this area has to offer. You will find everything from playgrounds for all ages, golf, multi-use trails, various playing fields, and ample outdoor fun. There is also the Vancouver Island Exhibition located here.

If you want to live in a more urban area, consider the Old City Quarter. It is definitely filled with incredible coffee bars and specialty food stores. It's right off Bastion Street. You'll find time to enjoy outdoor art galleries and enjoy the historic charm of the buildings here.

For those who wish to live by the water, Departure Bay is an excellent choice. You will also fin Swy-A-Lana Lagoon Park and Maffeo Sutton Park are excellent options. In these areas, you will also have various amenities, beaches, picnicking areas, and ample boating options. Quennell Lake is an excellent area for those who want to have easy access to freshwater fishing. You'll find smallmouth bass an trout are plentiful here.

What do you hope to enjoy when buying real estate in Vancouver Island? Nanaimo has a unique blend of older communities, upscale and modern neighbourhoods, and more remote, natural areas all of which can provide you with a wide range of amenities. Take a closer look at all of the options available to you in this area.    

Buying real estate on Vancouver Island provides homebuyers with many types of properties and even more opportunities to find true natural treasures. If you are looking for a more remote area to call home, perhaps to purchase a cabin tucked into the woods right along the water, consider the Pacific Rim region. This area is very popular for those who are traveling from larger cities such as Seattle and Victoria and who want to step away from the crowds and hectic life to find something more relaxing.

What Is Life Like on the Pacific Rim?

If you visit Port Alberni or any of the other port areas along the shoreline, you will find the area is remote. You can spend some time hiking and fishing here. You'll find plenty of opportunities to catch salmon. However, there are many areas of shopping, dining, and golfing. You can easily spend your entire weekend biking the area.

Who is the right person to buy a home on the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island? If you are an outdoor lover and want to own your own slice of one of the most remote areas in the region, this is the place to call home. You will find the coastline is about 90 minutes from the bigger cities, so not too far away. This could make the ideal weekend home if you live in Vancouver or one of the other cities on the island. Nevertheless, you'll enjoy this area if you want to boat, enjoy sandy beaches, or plan to spend your time simply locked away with nothing but nature around you.

The best way to get to know the Pacific Rim area is simply to explore it. Plan a weekend or a week here. Get to know the region up close. You'll quickly fall in love with it and never want to leave. That's why real estate here is so desirable.    

Vancouver Island provides home buyers with ample amenities and some of the very best in real estate values. This region is well known as a tourism destination because of its natural wonder. Yet, it has much more to offer buyers. If you are thinking about buying real estate on Vancouver Island, one community to take a closer look at is West Point Grey. It could be the family-centric area that is ideally suited to your needs.

As one of the oldest neighbourhoods on Vancouver Island, it has something special to offer those living here. It's located on the western side of the city. Perhaps what makes is so well known is just how close it is to the beach. There are two very popular beaches here. Jericho Beach and the Spanish Banks. While these beaches are fantastic during the summer, they are just as alluring during the colder months. If you love the thought of living along the water, West Point Grey can help you to feel right at home.

While it is a family focused community, West Point Grey is also a popular shopping destination. You will find Point Grey Village is one of the best areas in the community to get everything you need. You can walk from one shop to the next. It's established as its own small, charming community. Shopping aside, the city is also ideally suited for families because of the numerous parkland areas and playgrounds. Community events, including the Point Grey Fiesta, take place here throughout the year.

From the views overlooking the water to a community that offers just about everything within easy reach, West Point Grey is an excellent choice for today's home buyer. To learn more about it and to explore all it has to offer, talk to a local real estate agent. Get to know all that Vancouver Island can offer to you and your family.    

Vancouver Island has a variety of locations that make it special. Many people focus on the western and southern portions of the island when it comes to choosing a place to live because this is the most accessible and more developed area. However, the North Island area can be just as alluring and full of opportunity especially for those who are looking for a spacious home to call their own or those who want to live in a more remote area.

Home in Port Hardy, BC

What Is Up North?

The North Island area is perhaps more remote than any other portion of the island. However, this provides a unique opportunity to find the ideal home. You will find that it is rather easy to access Victoria from most of this area. However, you are also only a matter of a short distance drive from Vancouver itself. If you are looking for a weekend home that gives you the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and spend your weekends fishing, then this is the place to live.

That's not to say there are no developed areas here. In fact, North Island is seeing more development than ever before. There are various accommodations and galleries here. There are shops and fine restaurants. This is specifically prominent around the areas of Port Hardy and Port McNeill. You will also find that there are various venues to afford you the benefits of everything from kayaking to scuba diving.

And, for those who want to take advantage of the tourism area, this region has a strong eco-tourism industry present. Buying a home for rental benefits here is often a profitable venture for those who know what to buy and where to look. The good news is that no matter why or what you hope to buy on Vancouver Island, a local expert is available to help you to better get to know the area and all that it has to offer to you.

The Campbell River is a fantastic place not only to visit but also to call home. This community has something for everyone. If you want to find an affordable Vancouver Island home, you'll find that here. On the other hand, it has a growing luxury real estate market as well. As you consider the Campbell River area, take a bit of a closer look at what you can expect in the market here.

In the North

Campbell River is actually quite the large city comparatively. It sits in the northern portion of Vancouver Island. While it looks and often times feels remote, it has a large and growing downtown area. This is where many of the local businesses are. It is also home to some of the best beachfront homes on Vancouver Island. This unique mix creates quite the feel of a resort town. Yet, many of the people that buy real estate here live here. You'll quickly get to know your neighbours.

From the fun artisan shops (be sure to check out the funky furniture shops) to the busy downtown town area, there is always something to do and see here. But, it does not just provide you with a city feel. In fact, you will find dozens of outdoor activities here. These include motor cross, hiking, ice skating, freshwater fishing, biking, and kayaking. Many people love this region for the salmon fishing, but you will also find it is a fantastic place for families as well.

If these are some of the activities you see yourself and your family enjoying, consider meeting with our Vancouver Island real estate agents. Let us help you to find the ideal home along the Campbell River that fits your family's unique needs. Most importantly, you'll quickly see this area is a treasure for those who want both a city like feel and ample nature surrounding you with views that extend for miles.