10 Towns Under $300,000

Smaller communities have a handle on affordability — here are 10 sweet spots where you may be able to find some mortgage relief compared to the prices in big cities

Prince Rupert
This seaside city of about 12,000 with its gorgeous harbour is not just a transportation hub for ferries heading south to Vancouver Island, west to Haida Gwaii and north to Alaska: it’s a destination. There’s culture, fi ne dining and tons of opportunity for adventure.
Recent Listing: A centrally located three-bedroom, two-bathroom home is move-in ready and sits on a large 5,000-square-foot lot. The main level has updated fl ooring, a fully renovated four-piece bathroom, and access to the deck just off the kitchen. $272,500

Smithers
A quiet, peaceful mountain town of 5,400, Smithers lies between two large cities; Prince George and Prince Rupert. Its quaint downtown is the hub of the vibrant Bulkley Valley cultural scene.
Recent listing: Steps away from shopping and the downtown district, a two-bedroom, two-bathroom, middle-floor condo in the beautiful Ptarmigan Meadows: Smithers’ newest residential strata development. $277,500

Prince George
The heart of Northern B.C., this town boasts one of B.C.’s three surviving drive-in theatres, daylight that stretches well past 10 p.m. in the warmer months and hosts a great arts and food/beer scene.
Recent listing: A three-bedroom, one-bathroom 1,847-square-foot home situated on a generously sized corner lot. Walking distance to nature parks, shopping, groceries and other amenities is for sale for $229,000

Nanaimo
Vancouver Island’s second metropolis, Nanaimo has emerged from its once rough and tumble roots to become a captivating seaside city offering natural beauty at every turn and vast recreation opportunities.
Recent listing: Built in 1990, this fully renovated top floor, million-dollar-view downtown condo is close to the sea walk, the convention centre, great restaurants, stores and float planes: $287,900

Quesnel
Home to the world’s biggest gold pan, Quesnel sits between two rivers — the Quesnel and the Fraser. It’s big on rural appeal, combined with quiet city sophistication. No lineups, long commutes or rush-hour traffic, which leaves you more time for family and friends.
Recent Listing: Gorgeous log home is set on 1.92 treed acres, featuring a spectacular stone fireplace, four bedrooms, four baths, with a large sundeck off the dining room for entertaining family and friends. Ten minutes from 10 Mile Lake and 15 minutes from town. All of this for $259,000

Williams Lake
Home to the Williams Lake Stampede, this is still very much a ranching town, but Williams Lake offers much more. There are rivers and lakes to fish or canoe on, mountains to hike, birds and wildlife to photograph.
Recent Listing: A two-storey home in a peaceful locale features a mortgage-helper with a newly renovated one-bedroom suite. The upstairs has been renovated with new cabinets, flooring, bathroom and kitchen — and more than 1,400 square-feet up and down. $284,900

Canmore
Spectacular vistas showcase the soaring, snow-capped mountain peaks as far as the eye can see. Charming main streets are home to art galleries and local vendors selling fresh-baked organic treats. What’s not to love about Canmore?
Recent listing: A two-storey fabulous south-facing, revenue- generating condo at Copperstone Resort offers a Rocky Mountain escape. Fully furnished, this one-bedroom corner condo is an end unit with just one side neighbour. $250,425

Cranbrook
Nestled in the middle of the vast Rocky Mountain Trench, Cranbrook claims more sunshine than anywhere else in B.C. Outdoor activities abound in the Kootenay Rockies’ largest city — from fishing to hiking, golf to snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter.
Recent Listing: A 2017 Fisher Peak condo features granite countertops, quality cabinetry, a raised eating bar in kitchen and full ensuite. It’s close to recreation, shops, schools, trails and restaurants for $299,900

Princeton
Princeton is a lovely area that offers lakes, trails, beaches and fine restaurants. Leisure time can be filled with cross-country skiing, mountain biking or kayaking. Rich in history of the Gold Rush days, there are trails and three ghost towns to explore.
Recent Listing: Located in a quiet neighborhood, a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with more than 1,300 square-feet of living space features a large porch, perfect for watching the kids play in the front yard. The upstairs master bedroom offers an en-suite bathroom and a view of the Tulameen River. $269,900

Nelson
This frontier city is among just a handful in North America that can lay claim to a unique blend of big city cosmopolitan amenities with authentic small-town charm. Gorgeous turn-of-the-century buildings mark the downtown core.
Recent Listing: Sitting on .69 of an acre, this 1920 house offers lake views, gardens, rock walls, a fi re pit plus an outdoor stone fi replace. Just needs a little TLC. $299,000

For recent listings in the communities above click here

By Michelle Hopkins