Nicknamed the City of Gardens and named for Queen Victoria, this British Columbia capital city is situated on the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Victoria is one of the oldest cities in Western Canada, with its origins starting in 1841 and even today many of Victoria's turn of the century buildings remain intact, including the British Columbia Parliament Buildings and the Empress Hotel.
When it comes to real estate, the city of Victoria is divided into three main areas, which include the main Victoria Communities, the Westshore Communities and the Peninsula Communities.
In this first installment of a three part series, the seven main Victoria Communities are reviewed.
1) Victoria
According to 2009 data, the population of the City of Victoria was 82,725. The city itself boasts a year round temperate climate and some of the most spectacular ocean and mountain vistas in all of Canada. There are numerous economic, cultural and recreational opportunities available in Victoria and some of the best schools around. Many types of real estate are available in Victoria proper, but usually at a premium cost.
2) Victoria West
Victoria West is situated on a peninsula on the western side of Victoria. Real Estate options include multi-family dwellings, residential homes, and many waterfront properties as well as newly developed sustainable living units such as the Dockside Green neighbourhood.
3) Esquimalt
Situated just west of Victoria, the sunny region of Esquimalt faces Juan De Fuca Strait and offers a wide variety of parks, seascapes and panoramic views. As for real estate options there is a great mix of luxury residential and waterfront properties available. Two of the most sought after residential areas include Saxe Point and Rockheights.
4) Oak Bay
Just to the east of the city of Victoria is the district of Oak Bay where many luxury apartments and mansions look out onto the scenic coastline that surrounds the area. Two world-class golf courses, the Oak Bay Marina and the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, call Oak Bay home. It may not be much of a surprise that this is one of the most desirable Victoria locations to own a home.
5) Saanich East
Saanich East could be considered the community of parks, as it boasts four golf courses and 170 municipal parks. The University of Victoria is also located here, and the area is divided into four major neighbourhoods, which include Gordon Head, High Quadra, Broadmead and Cordova Bay. Each area possesses its own unique type of real estate options ranging from farmland, to cottages, to family homes and even new subdivisions.
6) Saanich West
Elk Regional Park, Beaver Lake Regional Park and the Prospect Lake area are all located in the Saanich West area and real estate properties range from family homes and cottages to farmland.
7) View Royal
View Royal is one of the oldest towns in the capital region with buildings dating back to the 1850's. This quaint little community is separated into eight distinct neighbourhoods, which are based on the number and types of residential dwellings available. Some of View Royal 's real estate properties include many detached single-family homes as well as other residential options.
Please keep an eye out for the second article that will discuss the four Westshore communities followed by the final installment of this three part series, which will go into detail about the Peninsula and other surrounding communities of Victoria, BC.