The beautiful capital of British Columbia! Known for its mild climate, vibrant cultural scene, and stunning coastal landscapes, Victoria is a top destination for those seeking a balanced lifestyle with urban amenities and outdoor adventure. Located on Vancouver Island, the city offers a unique blend of historic charm, modern conveniences, and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Move to Victoria, BC
Welcome to Victoria BC
Whether you’re relocating for work, lifestyle, or retirement, Victoria provides a high quality of life, with excellent healthcare, thriving arts, a robust job market, and endless recreational opportunities. Victoria’s neighborhoods offer a wide variety of lifestyle options, from bustling urban centers to quiet seaside communities. Let’s explore what makes this city such a wonderful place to call home!
Victoria and its surrounding areas offer a wide variety of neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe and amenities. Whether you’re looking for urban energy, family-friendly communities, or quiet retreats close to nature, there’s something for everyone in and around Victoria.
- Downtown Victoria: The heart of the city, downtown Victoria is perfect for those who love city life. Here, you’ll find historic architecture, lively entertainment, eclectic restaurants, and boutique shopping. The area offers a mix of condos, lofts, and character homes, ideal for professionals and those seeking a vibrant, walkable community.
- James Bay: As one of Victoria’s oldest neighborhoods, James Bay is filled with historic charm and scenic beauty. Located close to the Inner Harbour, Beacon Hill Park, and the Legislative Assembly, James Bay offers a mix of family homes, apartments, and condos, making it popular with young professionals, retirees, and families.
- Oak Bay: Known for its beautiful beaches, heritage homes, and small-town atmosphere, Oak Bay is an upscale neighborhood with excellent schools and a welcoming community feel. Oak Bay Village is filled with quaint shops, cafes, and galleries, providing a charming lifestyle close to downtown Victoria.
- Fairfield: Just south of downtown, Fairfield is a family-friendly neighborhood offering a mix of character homes and modern builds. It’s home to Cook Street Village, a trendy area with cafes, boutiques, and restaurants. With its parks, schools, and vibrant community center, Fairfield is ideal for families and those seeking a balance between urban and residential living.
- Fernwood: Known for its artistic vibe and strong sense of community, Fernwood is a unique neighborhood with a lively arts and theatre scene. The area has a mix of older homes, eclectic shops, and local eateries, attracting young families, professionals, and artists. Fernwood Square is a popular gathering spot, hosting markets and events throughout the year.
- Saanich: As one of Victoria’s larger districts, Saanich offers a quieter, suburban lifestyle with ample access to nature. The area is known for its parks, trails, and beaches, and is home to the University of Victoria. With excellent schools and a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and condos, Saanich is popular with families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
- Esquimalt: Just west of downtown Victoria, Esquimalt is a growing community with a mix of modern condos, townhomes, and single-family homes. Known for its waterfront views, parks, and naval base, Esquimalt is a close-knit area with affordable housing options, appealing to both families and young professionals.
- Langford: Located approximately 14 kilometers west of downtown Victoria, Langford is one of the fastest-growing areas in the region. It’s known for its affordability, family-friendly amenities, and recreational opportunities. Langford has a mix of single-family homes, new developments, and townhomes, along with extensive shopping options at Westshore Town Centre. For outdoor lovers, Langford is close to parks, trails, and lakes, offering a blend of convenience and nature.
- Colwood: Just south of Langford, Colwood is another rapidly developing suburb, popular with families and young professionals. Known for its stunning waterfront areas, including Esquimalt Lagoon, and historical landmarks like Hatley Castle, Colwood offers both residential charm and recreational activities. The area includes a mix of housing options, from condos and townhomes to newer single-family homes.
- Sooke: A bit farther west of Victoria, Sooke offers a relaxed, rural lifestyle surrounded by nature. Known for its stunning beaches, forests, and trails, Sooke is ideal for those who love the outdoors and a slower pace of life. The housing options here include single-family homes, waterfront properties, and affordable developments, making Sooke an appealing option for families, retirees, and anyone looking to escape city life while staying within reach of Victoria’s amenities.
This guide only scratches the surface of Victoria’s vibrant neighborhoods, each with a personality of its own. We’re here to help you find the perfect neighborhood to match your lifestyle and preferences.
Victoria’s real estate market is dynamic, with high demand driven by its natural beauty, quality of life, and diverse job market. Here’s an overview of the current trends and what to expect:
- Steady Growth and Demand: Victoria’s real estate market has seen steady growth, with demand fueled by retirees, young professionals, and families relocating from larger cities. Property values have generally appreciated over time, making Victoria an attractive option for long-term investment.
- Diverse Housing Options: From charming heritage homes to modern condos and waterfront properties, Victoria offers a range of housing options. Popular neighborhoods like Oak Bay and James Bay often see higher property prices due to location and demand, while areas like Saanich and Esquimalt provide more budget-friendly options.
- Condominiums and Townhomes: Condos and townhomes are popular choices for those seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle. Downtown Victoria and the Inner Harbour offer several luxury condo developments, while other areas have more affordable options for young professionals and first-time buyers.
- Rental Market: With many newcomers and students moving to Victoria each year, rental properties are in high demand. While rental prices can be higher in central areas, neighborhoods farther from downtown, like Langford and Colwood, offer more affordable rental options.
Victoria’s market can be competitive, so working with a knowledgeable real estate professional can make all the difference in finding the right home at the right price.
Victoria offers a range of excellent educational opportunities, making it a great choice for families. The city is served by School District 61 (Greater Victoria) and has a variety of public, private, and alternative schools.
- Public Schools: Victoria’s public school system is well-regarded, with a range of elementary, middle, and high schools. The district focuses on academic excellence, sports, and the arts, and has specialized programs for gifted students, French immersion, and Indigenous education.
- Private Schools: For families seeking private education, Victoria offers several highly regarded private schools, including St. Michaels University School, Glenlyon Norfolk School, and St. Margaret’s School. These institutions offer smaller class sizes and specialized curriculums, providing excellent options from kindergarten through high school.
- Post-Secondary Education: Victoria is home to several renowned post-secondary institutions, including the University of Victoria (UVic) and Camosun College. UVic is known for its strong research programs, environmental studies, and arts, while Camosun College offers a range of diploma, certificate, and apprenticeship programs, making it a valuable resource for students and professionals.
- Alternative and Specialty Schools: Victoria also offers specialty schools focused on trades, arts, and alternative education. For example, the Pacific School of Innovation and Inquiry provides an alternative approach to learning based on personalized, inquiry-based projects.
With a variety of schooling options, Victoria offers a supportive and enriching environment for students at all levels, from primary education to university.