Is Nanaimo a good place to live? The pros and cons

Are you thinking about moving and wondering if Nanaimo is a good place to live? I’ve got you covered!

As someone who has lived in this city, I’m going to break down some of the pros and cons of living in Nanaimo. Vancouver Island is a pretty incredible place and I’m so fortunate to be able to call it home.

To my fellow expats contemplating a new chapter on the island, I understand the mix of excitement and uncertainty that comes with relocating. It’s more than just a change of scenery; it’s about setting roots in a community that resonates with your lifestyle and values.

Nanaimo is a great spot in the middle of the island, making it easy to get to all kinds of beautiful places, from beaches to forests. There are plenty of great reasons to live here but like most places, there are also a few downsides, like the city’s smaller size and why having a car is pretty much a must.

I’m here to share what I know to help you get a real feel for Nanaimo, the good, the bad, and everything in between. Whether you end up moving here or just passing through, I hope my experiences can help you make the best decision for your next adventure!

2. The cost of living in Nanaimo is more affordable

One of the compelling advantages of choosing Nanaimo as your home is the notably more affordable cost of living, especially when compared to Victoria and Vancouver. In the grand scheme of British Columbia’s real estate and living expenses, Nanaimo emerges as a breath of fresh air for those seeking a more budget-friendly lifestyle without sacrificing the quality of life.

Housing, which is often the largest expense for most households, is more affordable in Nanaimo. In Nanaimo our rent was $1800 per month including utilities for a two-bedroom place and in Victoria our rent is $2000 including utilities for a one-bedroom apartment

This affordability extends beyond housing; day-to-day expenses such as groceries, utilities, and entertainment also tend to be lower in Nanaimo. While Vancouver and Victoria are known for their high costs of living, driven by their status as major urban centres and tourist destinations,

Nanaimo has a local Walmart, we always did our big supermarket shops here and noticed a big price difference when shopping at some of the other big supermarket chains. For key items, we’ve found Walmart seems to be $1 cheaper which definitely adds up when doing a weekly shop.

3. Central location on the island

Another great thing about Nanaimo is its central location on the island. If you wanted to get to Tofino it would take you just under 3 hours, in 1 and a half hours you could be down in Victoria and to drive to the Northern part of the island where all the great campspots are it would take around 4 hours.

This is pretty good in comparison to a city like Victoria where driving to Tofino would take you just over 4 hours for example.

The city’s major ferry terminal offers seamless connections to the mainland and the rest of the island. To travel from Vancouver to Nanaimo it takes 1.5-2 hours, which is shorter than the 3.5 hours it takes to get from Vancouver to Victoria.

Whether you’re drawn to the serene beauty of the West Coast or the bustling life of the island’s urban centres, Nanaimo’s location places you at the crossroads of it all, offering the best of both worlds in one of the most picturesque settings in Canada.

4. The city is very coastal

Nanaimo is known for being a coastal city and it is one of its most enchanting qualities. This proximity to the ocean influences everything from the climate, which is milder and more temperate compared to the island’s interior, to leisure activities that become a part of daily life.

The city’s waterfront is lined with marinas, beaches, and walkways. From the Harbourfront Walkway, where cafes and shops offer ocean views, to quiet spots like Departure Bay, the sea is never far away.

I also loved how you would not only get incredible views of the ocean but in the distance you could admire snow-capped mountains. As someone who hasn’t spent much time around mountains, it really felt like the best of both worlds. My favourite spot for sunset was heading down to Neck Point Park and seeing the light hit the mountain ranges as it set, definitely a core memory for the books!

Additionally, Nanaimo’s coastal setting serves as a habitat for diverse marine life, making wildlife watching a popular pastime. Whether it’s observing seals bask on nearby islets or catching a glimpse of orcas as they pass through the waters, the city’s relationship with the sea adds a layer of natural wonder to the urban environment.

5. The climate is mild

One of the most appealing aspects of living in Nanaimo is its mild climate and it’s one of the main reasons we were drawn to Vancouver Island. This temperate weather pattern means the island enjoys moderate temperatures year-round, with cool, pleasant summers and relatively mild winters compared to much of Canada.

When we first arrived in Nanaimo there happened to be a polar blast where temperatures dropped as low as -10 degrees and we got a ton of snow overnight but that’s pretty rare! Although we did have a few other snow days in the winter it wasn’t long before it melted away

This climate not only makes daily life more comfortable but also extends the outdoor season, allowing for year-round hiking, gardening, and other outdoor activities.

The cons of living in Nanaimo

1. The city feels small

Nanaimo has a population of about 90,500 people and at first, that seemed like quite a lot to us but after living here for a couple of months we realised it was actually quite small and as a result, there wasn’t that much happening.

The array of dining, entertainment, and shopping options, while growing, does not yet match the diversity and abundance found in places like Vancouver or Victoria.

We thought it wouldn’t bother us but after a while, you do find yourself getting a bit bored and getting into a rut so for us this was a con but for others, it might fit your lifestyle perfectly so it really comes down to personal preference!

2. Downtown Nanaimo isn’t very safe

While Nanaimo offers a lot in terms of beauty and community, it’s important to acknowledge concerns around safety, particularly in parts of the downtown area. Like many cities, Nanaimo faces its share of challenges, and certain downtown spots have gained attention for higher instances of petty crime and homelessness, which can affect perceptions of safety, especially after dark.

The downtown area called Nob Hill Park is known for being particularly bad. This is due to the homeless problem and drug issues. Vandalism is also quite high but theft is moderate.

When we first arrived in Nanaimo and weren’t familiar with the good and bad areas of the city, we viewed an apartment in downtown Nanaimo. The apartment was lovely because the entire building was brand new however the area didn’t have a great feel about it.

Once we did some more research and started talking to a few locals we realised downtown Nanaimo was a place we didn’t want to live because of the homeless problem so we’re glad it didn’t work out with the apartment in the end.

As far as safety goes in cities, however, there are definitely worse places out there so your decision will come down to your personal preferences and what you feel comfortable with. We mostly stayed away from downtown Nanaimo and had no issues with feeling safe in other parts of the city.

It’s also worth noting the strong sense of community and resilience among residents working to enhance safety and inclusivity throughout Nanaimo’s downtown core so there is effort being put in to make this area better but it will take time.

3. You need a car to get around

If you live in Nanaimo, you’ll want to own a car. The city is very spread out which makes getting around on public transport pretty tough.

We have one car between us so this wasn’t too much of an issue but my boyfriend takes this to work each day while I work from home. For a while, we lived on Lost Lake Road and although it was beautiful and I loved the area, the closest shops were a 30-minute walk away and that didn’t include a supermarket so I did feel pretty isolated.

Of course, there are more central places where you can live, there was an apartment we viewed that had a ton of shops. Basically, everything you needed was just minutes away but the trade-off was that you were living in a pretty commercial area. Not a lot of greenery and access to parks for my midday walks.

What is the best area to live in Nanaimo?

Essentially anywhere north of central Nanaimo is a great area to live in. Dover Bay, Hammond Bay, and Departure Bay are all sought-after areas in Nanaimo. They’re peaceful, with lots of nature around, making them perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors.

Dover Bay is super friendly and great for families. Hammond Bay has beautiful houses with amazing ocean views. And if you love the beach, Departure Bay is the place to be.

Plus, all these spots are close enough to central Nanaimo, so you’re never too far from the shops and main amenities.

What is there to see and do in Nanaimo?

If you’re into outdoor adventures, you can’t miss exploring the trails of Mount Benson (this hike is one of my favourite things to do in Vancouver Island!) for breathtaking views or taking a leisurely walk along the Harbourfront Walkway.

Water lovers will enjoy kayaking around Newcastle Island or taking a refreshing swim at Westwood Lake. History buffs will find the Nanaimo Museum fascinating, offering a deep dive into the area’s rich past. For a unique experience, try the famous Nanaimo Bar Trail, where you can taste different versions of this local sweet treat.

FAQs about living in Nanaimo