Given the mild climate and natural beauty of the Parksville & Qualicum Beach region, many retirees continue to relocate to the area. The higher cost of living in the Lower Mainland, Vancouver, and Victoria is encouraging a younger generation to move to this beautiful oceanside area as well.

Compared to the rising costs of living in Vancouver and Victoria, Parksville & Qualicum Beach offers affordability, less traffic, less stress, and a lifestyle built around your richness, not riches.

Find out what locals already know about this hidden gem. Below are the top 5 reasons to live in the beautiful Oceanside region:

Affordability

The average home price in the region, although up from last year, currently sits at $850,000, and is still more affordable than the mainland. You can start thinking three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a nice sized backyard for the family to enjoy, as opposed to a Vancouver/Victoria studio apartment or condominium space.

Less Traffic

No more hours spent in gridlock. You can have a shorter commute and spend less time in traffic. With a smaller population, it's simply not a problem that we face here in Oceanside. The only traffic you may find is on a hot summer's day at some of the best beaches that Canada has to offer.

Less Stress

It's true, Vancouver Island is more laid back. Why wouldn’t you want to lower your stress and live longer? Residents around here are not in a big hurry and take more time to enjoy the moment. It really is no wonder why. It is absolutely beautiful here. With the Georgia Strait to the front, and Arrowsmith Mountain to the back; bounties of old-growth forests with clear picturesque streams surrounded by eagles and whales...you're starting to get the picture- it's amazing.

The Lifestyle

The Parksville Qualicum Beach region is very community-oriented. Year round there are various unique events that bring the community together. Come and see the annual sand sculpting competition, with its small-town feel. Not only will you know your neighbours, but you will likely get to know everyone on your entire block. This area is family focused and has very low crime rates which make it a safe environment to raise a family or retire.

Build Your Life Around Richness, not Riches

Open your front door and swim in the river, hike in the forest or kayak in the ocean - no two-hour drive required. All of Vancouver Island is at your doorstep from this central location, your outdoor adventure lifestyle is awaiting you. Start dreaming your adventure, it's never too far.

You can do it!

With a growing economy on Vancouver Island, the Central Vancouver Island region is becoming a desirable location to buy real estate. Baby Boomers, young families, entrepreneurs and single professionals alike are all purchasing homes in the region. The possibilities are endless and loaded with potential.

If you are interested in learning more about moving to Parksville Qualicum Beach, be sure to give us a call or please join our subscribe list so we can keep you up to date on homes available that suit your needs. Make your next move, your last move to Parksville Qualicum Beach, BC.

-Parker McDonald

Parker is well-versed in the Qualicum Beach & Parksville area and thoroughly loves being a real estate agent. Parker specializes in relocating his clients to the Parksville Qualicum area from all over Canada. Interested in making a change?  Contact Parker McDonald directly by calling 250-951-5662. Find out what life in a true Canadian paradise can be like for you and your family.

Parker McDonald
460 Realty
Qualicum Beach
679 Memorial Ave. Qualicum Beach BC, V9K 1T4

In the summer months, people from all over Canada and The U.S. visit the Oceanside area, comprising, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Nanoose and beyond to enjoy the splendid beaches and pristine lakes of the region. Tourists and residents alike take in marvelous summer attractions such as the Parksville Beach Festival, the Craig Street Market and the ever-popular Seaside Cruizers Show and Shine. Below are some suggestions for what to do off-season in our well-known summer destination.

New Year's Day Polar Bear Swim

Tired of shoveling snow in Alberta? Why not start the year off right at one of Canada's top beaches? At the Parksville Beach on New Year's Day, costumes are not only allowed but encouraged. This year marked the 27th Annual Polar Bear Splash.

Head to Oceanside Place

Our area is blessed with a top-notch Sports and Ice Arena, Oceanside Place Arena. Head out to see an Oceanside Generals game. The Generals are a Junior B Ice Hockey team based out of Parksville. The team is coming off a strong December collecting 7 of 8 potential points! Rather play than watch? Join one of the adult senior hockey teams for some great exercise and social fun. More interested in skating? Head to the RDN website for the current skate schedule.

Take a hike eh?

There are a plethora of provincial and regional parks to explore. One could argue they are even more beautiful in the winter months. Little Qualicum Falls, Top Bridge Park, Englishman River falls or Rathtrevor Beach. Take your pick, you won’t be disappointed. Just don’t forget your camera.

Thirsty?

There are the classics including the Shady Rest Pub and the Black Goose Traditional English Pub. Looking for something new? Mount Arrowsmith Brewing will be opening its doors later this year. The company hopes to bring the great people of Oceanside together and rumor has it there will be a tasting room. Mmmm, a tasting room.

Hit the Golf Course

Mild-winters are the norm here in mid-Vancouver Island and there are 5 championship courses no further than 20 mins from one another that are open year-round. Qualicum Beach Memorial Golf Course is my personal favorite in the winter due to its excellent maintenance and superior drainage.

Take a day trip

The world is your oyster with the region's Central Island location. We are never too far from anywhere you want to be! (Local tip: if you are looking for oysters head about 30 mins north of Qualicum to Fanny Bay Oysters.) Vancouver is a short flight away via our local Qualicum Beach Airport. In Vancouver, visitors can catch a concert, do some shopping or check out a Vancouver Canucks game

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If you prefer to unwind, head to Tofino for some storm watching and surfing. In the mood for some fresh powder? Mount Washington affords an amazing opportunity to ski, snowboard, tube or snowshoe and is located just an hour away.

Whatever the weather, whenever the season, there is always something to do in this central Vancouver Island paradise!

-Parker McDonald

Parker is well versed in the Qualicum Beach & Parksville area and thoroughly loves being a real estate agent. Parker specializes in relocating his clients to the Parksville Qualicum area from all over Canada. Interested in making a change?  Contact Parker McDonald directly by calling 250-951-5662. Find out what life in a true Canadian paradise can be like for you and your family.

Parker McDonald
460 Realty
Qualicum Beach
679 Memorial Ave. Qualicum Beach BC, V9K 1T4