Homes at this price point come with plenty of space, luxe amenities and sweet surroundings in right-sized towns and small cities.
Kitimat
This north coast community of about 8,000 people officially became a hotspot last October with the promise of a $40-billion LNG Canada investment, the largest private-sector project in Canadian history. Recent listing: Enjoy country living just minutes from town in an updated four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the Cable Car subdivision. It includes a new modern kitchen and bathrooms, new flooring, wood-burning fireplace, deck and more. (Property no longer available). $549,990
Fort St. John
Known for its breathtaking views of mountain peaks, rivers and valleys, Fort St. John and its surrounding area have endless opportunities for camping, sledding, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. It’s the largest city in northeastern B.C., with a population of 21,000. Recent listing: A seven-bedroom, four-bathroom home includes a separate three-bedroom in-law suite with it’s own laundry facilities. An open-concept kitchen, hardwood floors, fully finished basement and heated double garage are some of the perks. It’s close to parks and golf. MLS®R2326542. $599,000
Merritt
With 2,000 hours of sunshine annually and boasting around a 15-minute drive to a dozen freshwater lakes, Merritt is popular with golf, hiking and fishing enthusiasts–and also hosts the largest country music festival in the province. Recent listing: A six-bedroom, three-bathroom home is more than 3,100 square feet and located on a corner lot in one of Merritt’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. It includes a renovated kitchen with walk-in pantry, an open floor plan, bay windows and southern exposure. MLS®129331. $465,000
Kelowna
Okanagan Lake’s largest waterfront city combines urban lifestyle and a family-friendly, all-season vacation atmosphere. Locals and tourists all enjoy an energetic downtown, restaurants, vineyards, bike trails, summer water activities and winter outings at Big White Ski Resort. Recent listing: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom alpine-style cottage in the LaCasa pet-friendly resort has an open-concept floorplan, a third-floor loft bedroom plus a large front deck and back deck backing onto provincial parkland–which means the view will remain unblocked. MLS®18814. $499,000
Radium Hot Springs
This town is best known for having Canada’s largest mineral hot springs pool. Radium is a small, friendly mountain community located on the so-called “warm side” of the Canadian Rockies, within five minutes of Kootenay National Park and Rockwall Trail. Recent listing: A five-bedroom, four-bathroom home set on a large property in Spur Valley was built in 2000 and made for all-season living. Perfect for gardeners and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, it also comes with a home workshop. Click for more details. $499,000
Cranbrook
One of the East Kootenay region’s most liveable communities, Cranbrook has dozens of golf courses, a WHL hockey team, a professional symphony and is home to the College of the Rockies and Cranbrook Regional Hospital. As a bonus, according to Environment Canada, it has the most sunshine hours of any B.C. city (2,190.5 hours annually). Recent listing: With 2,500 square feet of living space, a stylish five-bedroom, three-bathroom home has maple floors, vaulted ceilings, an attached garage and a fenced yard backing onto green space. (Property no longer available). $499,000
Fernie
Fernie is tucked away in the Rocky Mountain range, an hour from the Cranbrook airport. From world-class fly fishing and snowboarding to fine dining and art galleries, Fernie has a vibe that led Rolling Stone magazine to once call it the Coolest Town in North America. Recent listing: A modern five-bedroom, three-bathroom home located in the Whiskey Jack Golf Resory. This home has an open-concept plan, vaulted ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and a top-floor master bedroom retreat with spa-like ensuite. MLS®2433181. $575,000
Powell River
This Sunshine Coast community is an ideal place to live, play and work. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy beautiful forests, mountains and the ocean, plus the town has a vibrant arts community and hosts world-class festivals and events. Recent listing: A four-bedroom, three-bathroom oceanview property along the Duncan commercial corridor, ideal for families or home-based businesses, features a new roof, rewired garage and ample parking. (Property no longer available) $429,900
Gibsons
Oceanside Gibsons is booming, partly because it’s convenient (only a 45-minute ferry ride from Langdale, on the Sunshine Coast, to Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver) to the Lower Mainland. Enjoy walks along the boardwalk, buy fresh seafood off the fishing boats and visit Molly’s Reach restaurant, famous from the vintage Beachcombers TV Series. Recent listing: A 1,500-square foot, three-bedroom, two-bathroom view home is located close to the ferry and Hopkins Landing beach–perfect for downsizers, small families or weekend getaways. MLS®R2301763. $599,000
Comox
With the feel of a residential village that’s surrounded by agriculture, this town between Nanaimo and Campbell River is quickly becoming known as a right-sizing mecca. The town has a ferry to Powell River and Comox Valley Airport has several flights daily to Vancouver. Recent listing: A three-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the desirable Pheasant Landing adult-oriented complex is only a short distance to downtown amenities, North East Wooks walking trails and the ocean. (Property no longer available). $485,000
Langford
Located five to 10 minutes from Victoria, it’s the fastest-growing municipality in the Capital Region District. Locals enjoy warm, dry summers, three different lakes, indoor and outdoor recreational activities and plenty of shopping. Recent listing: This stunning new three-bedroom, four-bathroom townhouse has quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, engineered-hardwood floors, glass-surround showers and new-home warranty. (Property no longer available). $595,000
By Right Sizing Staff