British Columbia is easily one of the top places for people to retire, and for good reason. The climate is typically pleasant, nature’s beauty can be seen everywhere, and there are all kinds of activities to enjoy! It’s no wonder that British Columbia is the fastest growing retirement destination in all of Canada! If you’re looking at British Columbia real estate and are wondering what some of the best cities to retire to in British Columbia are, then you’ve landed on the right page. Continue reading to learn more about these popular retirement cities in British Columbia and what makes them ideal for retirees.
Popular Places to Retire in British Columbia
Victoria, BC
Victoria real estate is a popular place for retirees to live for many reasons. We’ve already mentioned that the whole province of BC is ideal, but Victoria specifically has a lot to offer. It seems as though whichever way you turn there’s a golf course, park, or some other outdoor space enticing people to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.
Property taxes are also relatively low compared to other places in Canada, which is especially beneficial to those who don’t have a mortgage on their home. There are also a lot of doctors and medical professionals in Victoria, which is important to many over 65 years, so they don’t have to travel far to receive excellent medical care. Though Victoria is located in Canada, the city has an average of 319 days above freezing each year. Combine that with the refreshing and healthy sea air, Victoria is one of the healthiest places to live in Canada!
Some major hospitals in the area are:
- Royal Jubilee Hospital
- Victoria Oceanside Health
- Victoria Heart Institute
- Base Hospital
Nelson, BC
While Victoria is surrounded by west coast waters, Nelson real estate is surrounded by mountains. Located in the interior of British Columbia along Kootenay Lake’s West Arm, Nelson offers some of the best living conditions for retirees. Nelson offers big city amenities while keeping a small town feel, with a population of over 10,600 people. If you like supporting small businesses, you’ll love living here as Nelson prides itself on the number of family-owned businesses that thrive here. Nelson is a duly-named Heritage City with a heritage downtown area and over 300 restored heritage homes, churches, and homes! Property taxes are relatively low, giving even more incentive for homeowners to live here!
Nelson has an average of 262 days a year above freezing, which aids in its residents spending a lot of time outdoors. Whether it’s on the water, on a golf course, admiring the historical charm, or simply soaking up the mountain air, it’s no wonder retirees flock to Nelson to enjoy life.
Kootenay Lake Hospital is centrally-located and serves all of Nelson, BC.
Vancouver, BC
Located near Burrard Inlet and English Bay, Vancouver was ranked #3 as one of the most-livable cities in the world in 2016 and our unofficial winner of our faceoff post of Toronto vs Calgary vs Vancouver. It continues to be a world-class place to live for people of all ages, including retirees. Like most of British Columbia, Vancouver’s scenery is breathtaking and unforgettable. Vancouver offers a stable lifestyle, quality health care and environment, and a strong infrastructure. Vancouver is a huge city with a population of over 675,000 people. If you enjoy the urban lifestyle, while also appreciating the outdoors, you’ll love Vancouver, with so much to experience on land and water. If you decide to own a piece of Vancouver real estate, you won’t regret it!
Being as Vancouver is a part of such a large metropolitan area, access to quality healthcare is easy to find. Some top hospitals in the area include:
- Vancouver General Hospital
- St. Paul’s Hospital
- Mount St. Joesph Hosptial
Duncan, BC
Located on Vancouver Island with a small population of about 5,000 people, Duncan offers a relaxed lifestyle with a focus on being outdoors. The Chemainus River and the Cowichan River run through here and offer an abundance of things to do.
Regardless of where you buy one of the many homes for sale in Duncan, you’re sure to be met with a stunning view of the ocean or mountains. It’s no secret that being outdoors and breathing fresh air is good for your health, and you can find that in Duncan! This city has become a popular place for retirees with the availability of active adult lifestyle communities that have been established here.
Though Duncan is a small town, residents have close access to the Cowichan District Hospital.
Parksville, BC
Known as Canada’s Retirement Capital, Parksville is located on Vancouver Island and is a hot spot for retirees to enjoy all that life has to offer. While some look to vacation here, and buy a second home, others enjoy a community setting and look at Parksville homes for sale in an active adult community. The town centre knows its community and has a convention centre, medical offices, and senior-specific stores to cater to the demographics that live there.
Do you like the leisurely sport of golf? If so, then Parksville has you covered. There are eight golf courses for people at all skill levels, and they are open every day of the year. Other outdoor activities include fishing, lawn bowling, walking, and more.
While there are several medical offices located in Parksville, the closest hospital is the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. It’s located about 36.5 km or 29 minutes from the Parksville city centre.
If you’re relocating to British Columbia from the USA check out our USA to Canada Retirement Guide.
