Real Estate
Discover your favourite community in Victoria, B.C.
GREATER VICTORIA COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Greater Victoria is comprised of several municipalities and townships. If you are wondering where you should live in Victoria, our neighbourhood and municipality guides will help give you a general idea of each area. This is a general guide that can help newcomers understand the main differences between the different parts of Greater Victoria. For all real estate listings, please refer to the real estate listings map of Greater Victoria. Our blog also features topics related to all of Greater Victoria real estate news (i.e. new strata bylaws).
REAL ESTATE IN VICTORIA
Victoria Community Information
Also known as the “Downtown Area,” Victoria is a concentrated area with a rich history. As the capital of British Columbia, Victoria contains Parliament and several other government buildings. Historic sites, parks, and a beautiful harbour are just a few of the many features Victoria contains.


Commercial Real Estate
Shopping is a dream come true in Victoria, especially in established areas along Johnson Street, Douglas Street, and Government Street. Many commercial real estate listings are emphasizing smaller spaces like boutique shops, office spaces, and restaurants. Many businesses have been established for decades, making this area’s shopping reputation very desirable.

Residential Real Estate
Residential real estate tends to lean towards condominiums, townhouses, and smaller-sized homes on the outskirts of Downtown, such as Fairfield or Fernwood. These single-family homes are usually older builds, while multi-family units like condominiums are generally newer construction with more modern features.

Things to Do in Victoria
REAL ESTATE IN VICTORIA

Schools and Other Amenities in Victoria, B.C.
- James Bay Elementary School
- South Park Family School
- Sir James Douglas Elementary
- Craigdarroch Castle
- Beacon Hill Park
- The Fairmont Empress Hotel (Excellent High-Tea)
- Victoria City Hall
- Bastion Square
- Royal BC Museum
- Art Gallery of Greater Victoria
- Fisherman’s Wharf
- 2022 Christmas Craft Fairs in Victoria
Discover Oak Bay
REAL ESTATE IN VICTORIA
Oak Bay Community Information
Oak Bay runs along the eastern edge of the Greater Victoria Region. It has a slower pace of living compared to Downtown Victoria and offers its own charm. Oak Bay is a great place to retire, relax, and unwind.


Schools and Amenities in Oak Bay
Oak Bay High School
Monterey Middle School
Margaret Jenkins Elementary School
Sundance-Bank Elementary School
Willows Elementary School

Real Estate in Oak Bay
Oak Bay is primarily a residential neighbourhood with many single-family homes. Several luxury homes can be found in Oak Bay, some with oceanfront access to Willow’s Beach and phenomenal views of the Pacific Ocean. Executive-style homes can be found in subareas such as Rockland, Fairfield, and Uplands. The Uplands neighbourhood is a top-of-the-line suburb with the most luxurious homes, manicured lawns, and pride of ownership.

Things to Do in Oak Bay
Willows Beach is a beautiful, white sandy beach located on the eastern side of Oak Bay. Generally less populated than other Victoria beaches, Willows Beach contains a relaxing view of the Pacific Ocean. Nearby is Oak Bay Avenue, or “the Avenue” as locals call it. This main street holds most of the commercial options for the area, along with a mini shopping area near Estavan and Cadboro Bay Road. Locally owned and operated shops line Oak Bay Avenue, along with a few recognizable features such as banks, grocery stores, and a library.
Discover Central Saanich & North Saanich
REAL ESTATE IN VICTORIA
Central Saanich and North Saanich Community Information
Central and North Saanich make up a very large portion of the Greater Victoria Region. Central Saanich contains Brentwood Bay and Saanichton, while North Saanich connects northward into Sidney. Just north of Downtown Victoria is another region referred to as Saanich.


Types of Real Estate in Saanich
Real estate listings in Central and North Saanich are mainly residential with a few commercial zones filled with shopping options like grocery stores, restaurants, and medical buildings. Shelbourne Street, Saanich is very desirable for families and has a mix of single-family homes and townhouses for residential real estate options. Gordon Head is a popular area for families, as there are plenty of affordable housing options and it isn’t too far from the downtown core.

Things to Do in Saanich
The Butchart Gardens is a top tourist attraction in Victoria. This 118+ year old garden contains several distinct zones showcasing attractive landscaping, rare flowers, and themed gardens. After your lovely stroll through the garden, stop in at a restaurant for a bite to eat or to experience an authentic high-tea experience. Saanich is also home to several wineries, parks, Broadmead Shopping Centre, and Mount Douglas Park.

Things to Do in Saanich
University of Victoria
Elementary & Secondary Schools in Saanich
170+ parks
Multiple Beaches
Gordon Head Recreation Centre
Top Reasons to Live in North Saanich
Pros and Cons of Living in Central Saanich
Discover Sidney
REAL ESTATE IN VICTORIA
Sidney Community Information
Located on the upper north side of the Saanich peninsula, Sidney is a beautiful seaside community with a small-town charm.


Types of Real Estate in Sidney
Many properties in Sidney began as farms and have evolved into more established areas. You can find almost any type of property in Sidney, from hobby farms to modern condominiums. Townhouses and single-family homes are also popular choices. Ranchers on large lots for gardening, executive-style homes, and oceanfront properties are all options within Sidney. Buildings are generally only a few floors tall at most, so you are unlikely to find skyscraper condominiums in Sidney anytime soon. This adds to the small-town charm that is so popular with families and retirees.

Commercial Real Estate in Sidney
The commercial real estate district is concentrated to the east of the Victoria International Airport. Sidney offers a small-town lifestyle, so most shops are locally owned and moderately small in size. Office spaces, hotels, restaurants, and a few grocery stores are other commercial options within Sidney.

Things to Do in Sidney
Sidney is a great starting point for entertainment. With easy access to Downtown Victoria, those options are as easy as hopping on a city bus and going for a ride. In addition, the Swarz Bay Ferry Terminal connects with the Lower Mainland in Tsawwassen, making trips to Vancouver an absolute breeze. The Victoria International Airport offers even more options for getting from place to place. Those that prefer to stay within Sidney will benefit from the multiple beaches, restaurants, and beautiful scenery.

Schools & Other Amenities in Sidney
Sidney Elementary
Sidney Preschool
Sidney Community Music School
Swartz Bay Ferry Terminal
Victoria International Airport
Sidney Spit Marine Park & Ferry Service Company
Sidney By The Sea
Port Sidney Marina
The Best Restaurants in Sidney, BC
Top Reasons to Live in Sidney
Discover the West Shore
REAL ESTATE IN VICTORIA
West Shore Community Information
Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, The Highlands, and Sooke
The western side of Greater Victoria is collectively referred to as “Westshore.” This is another large area comprised of Colwood, Langford, Metchosin, The Highlands, and Sooke. This is an actively growing area within the Greater Victoria region. Many working professionals choose to live in West Shore due to the proximity to Downtown Victoria and the number of affordable homes.


Types of Real Estate in the West Shore
Residential real estate within West Shore contains more affordable single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums when compared to Victoria. The increase in population over the past few years has also meant more construction of commercial real estate properties. Activity centres, educational institutions, restaurants, office spaces, and retail spaces have all seen an increase in their numbers.

Things to Do in the West Shore
West Shore is great for working professionals, families, and retirees. At only a short distance from Downtown Victoria, the number of things to do just keeps on increasing. Outdoor enthusiasts will love the abundance of parks and nature trails, and brave ones can even attempt an obstacle course at WildPlay. The pristine Bear Mountain Resort has been a choice location for many getaways, weddings, and special events.

Schools and Amenities in the West Shore
Greater Victoria Resources
Victoria Weather Forecasts
Tourism Victoria
Chamber of Commerce:
Moving to Victoria Resource
Victoria Flying Club
British Columbia Aviation Museum
Washington State DOT Ferry
Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
Marine Museum of British Columbia
Ogden Point Breakwater
Robert Bateman Centre
Government House
Royal Theatre & McPherson Theatre
Emily Carr House
St. Andrews Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Craigflower Manor & Schoolhouse
Point Ellice House
Mystic Spring
Victoria General Hospital
Royal Jubilee Hospital
Areas We Serve
Central Saanich | Esquimalt | Metchosin | North Saanich | Oak Bay | Sidney | Saanich
Saanich Core | Sooke | Victoria | Victoria West | View Royal
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MLS® property information is provided under copyright© by the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board and Victoria Real Estate Board. The information is from sources deemed reliable, but should not be relied upon without independent verification.