This small city in B.C. is relatively underrated, often overshadowed by Vancouver and Victoria, but a new ranking put it among the top in the country.
U-Haul released its list of the top Canadian growth cities for 2024, which highlighted the places in Canada where people are moving to — measured by the net gain of one-way rentals in the year. While B.C. ranked second for growth provinces, it wasn’t the big cities that made it popular. Smaller communities represented the province, including Nanaimo.
Nanaimo, the small city set on the shore of Vancouver Island, came in at 25th place on the ranking.
Compared to other cities in B.C. the cost of living in Nanaimo isn’t bad, and might be part of the intrigue. According to Living Wage BC – which calculates « the hourly amount that someone needs to earn to meet their basic expenses » – the living wage in the city is $23.79. In Metro Vancouver, it’s a hefty $27.05 and in Victoria, it’s $26.78.
While the main city on Vancouver Island is Victoria, Nanaimo is just an hour and a half away and offers the same luxury of being a gateway to the beauty of the island.
The city has its own distinct vibe, with cool boutiques, shops and lots of local businesses to explore.
Since it’s right on the water after work hours can mean paddle boarding, coastal hikes, or even a visit to Canada’s only floating pub.
It has that ideal balance of natural beauty and city amenities, while still being on the more affordable side of things.
@laura.ullock Getaway idea: visit Nanaimo for the weekend! Amazing food, cute shops, friendly people & a beautiful island escape all within walking distance! Laura’s recommendations: • @Hullo Ferries to get to Nanaimo and back, only 70 minutes each way! • Coast Bastion Hotel Nanaimo – beauty water views and the Minnoz restaurant is onsite with their fabulous crab cakes • Looking to hike, camp or kayak? Head to Saysutshun Island for $15 return Have dinner at Melange Restaurant – loved it here! Pasta and mashed potato poutine were my favourite! • Coffee & croissant break at Misty Pined Cafe • Breakfast at the Vault Cafe – get your camera ready & make sure to check out the art studios upstairs • Commercial Street for vintage shopping: Lucky Cloud Shop, Rumours Vintage Collective, Funk Revival, etc • Reds Bakery for a special Nanaimo Bar Cheesecake Any more spots you recommend in Nanaimo? Press trip #tourismnanimo #nanaimo #vancouverisland #nanimobc #vancouver
The city also has a thriving vintage store scene, with spots overflowing with little treasures and cool finds. Explore the city and you’re likely to come across one of the thrift stores, like Bella Vintage, Lucky Cloud, or Rumors Vintage Collective.
If you’re tempted to make the move you can take your pick of neighbourhoods, each with their own offerings.
Lantzville has village vibes and rocky beaches, while North Nanaimo is shopping filled with malls. Then there are smaller residential areas like Pleasent Valley and Cedar, or bustling waterfront areas like Departure Bay that showcase the classic West Coast beauty.
The downtown area of the city is vibrant with a beautiful waterfront walkway, local shops, and character-filled buildings that add to the city’s charm.
People are taking notice of Nanaimo, and for good reason!
Source: Narcity – Read More
