Your high-six digits budget goes very, very far in B.C.’s right-sized cities: here are just a few of the types of properties that are available to fulfill every type of dream-home fantasy of escaping the big city.
By Right Sizing Staff
Kitimat
Already a world-class port and manufacturing centre, this Northern B.C. city is becoming an energy hub and transportation link for Asia-North America trade. Recent listing: A three-bedroom, three-bathroom architecturally designed home is situated on a corner lot in the Strawberry Meadows subdivision. The property sits on almost three acres and features a gourmet kitchen, living room and master bedroom with vaulted ceilings, along with a four-car garage. (MLS®R2483890). $949,900.
Sechelt
This small-town gem is the largest community on the Sunshine Coast with a population of 10,000. It’s easily accessible from mainland B.C. via a 40-minute ferry trip between Horseshoe Bay and Langdale, then a 25-minute drive along Highway 101. Recent listing: This renovated four-bedroom, three-bathroom home located in Davis Bay features a large sunny kitchen, vaulted ceilings, hardwood flooring, a large deck for entertaining and an attached triple garage with a workshop. (Property no longer available). $959,000.
Courtenay
The urban and cultural hub of the Comox Valley, this city is known for the supernatural beauty of its many beaches, rivers and lakes. Recent listing: A brand new three-bedroom, two-bathroom rancher with southern exposure is located in Crown Isle’s popular Cambridge Park Estates subdivision. This home sports a two-storey grand foyer filled with natural light, and a bright open kitchen for entertaining family and friends. (Property no longer available). $935,000.
Departure Bay
This lovely oceanside Nanaimo community is home to the BC Ferries terminal that connects Central Vancouver Island to Vancouver. Recent listing: A custom-designed three-bedroom, three-bathroom home is nestled on 1.61 acres that back onto Linley Valley Park; it features wood flooring throughout, floor-to-ceiling windows, an open wooden staircase and is located on a short no-thru road, close to walking trails. (Property no longer available). $997,000.
Mission
This district, nestled on a southern coastal mountain slope overlooking the Fraser River valley, flourishes in part through hosting a wide range of filming productions, from commercials and television series to full-length movies. Recent listing: This four-bedroom, six-bathroom executive home features a beautiful floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace, a great room with built-in bookshelves, a master bedroom with five-piece ensuite and a separate two-bedroom suite with its own laundry. (Property no longer available). $999,900.
Princeton
In the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the Similkameen Region, far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, lies this charming community–boasting no traffic lights or parking meters within 100 kilometres! Recent listing: Imagine living on 40 private acres via paved road just five minutes from town! This three-bedroom, three-bathroom property also offers a master with ensuite on the main floor, amazing views, and plenty of room for trailers and toys. (MLS®187287). $999,999.
Abbotsford
Situated in the southwestern corner of the province, B.C.’s largest municipality outside metro Vancouver is considered the hub of the Fraser Valley, with 62 per cent of residents working in the city of Abbotsford and living within a 10-minute commute. Recent listing: This brand-new modern five-bedroom, four-bathroom home situated in Sumas Mountain Estates features high ceilings throughout plus great entertaining spaces; it’s close to hiking and biking trails, and minutes away from Ledgeview Golf Course. (Property no longer available). $968,888.
Kamloops
A five-hour drive northeast of Vancouver, with a population of around 100,000, this all-season recreational hot spot gets around 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Recent listing: This Tuscan-inspired custom dream home, located in prestigious Visao Estates in Sun Rivers, features four-bedrooms, three-bathrooms, radiant-heated concrete floors, an elevator, California foldaway doors for summer nights plus beautiful golf and city views. (Property no longer available). $839,000.
Blind Bay
On the southern shore of Shuswap Lake, 29 kilometres northwest of Salmon Arm, you’ll find Blind Bay. At the entrance to Blind Bay, you’ll find Copper Island, popular with scuba divers and the locale of this spectacular home. Recent listing: A modern four-bedroom, five-bathroom home overlooking the Shuswap Lake Estates Golf Course features over 2,500 square feet on the main floor, Spanish-style stucco and a lower level with a self-contained living space, ideal for long-term guests, family or renters. (Property no longer available). $949,000.
Kelowna
Kelowna, meaning “grizzly bear” in the local Okanagan First Nations dialect, became an incorporated city in 1905. It’s the birthplace of B.C.’s wine industry and currently has more than 40 wineries in the area. Recent listing: The Newburch Homes located within Wilden’s Echo Ridge neighbourhood offer four-bedrooms and three baths including a master with a five-piece ensuite. Spacious open-concept living and three-car garages are available at Wilden homes, priced from $452,000 to $900,000.
Cranbrook
This community has enviable advantages for those looking for new opportunities in business and life. Its small-business sector is thriving, and it supports an educated workforce and some of the best-value real estate in B.C. Recent listing: This modern four-bedroom, four-bathroom home with stunning panoramic mountain views features an open-concept main floor, a kitchen with eat-in island, a rooftop deck with a hot tub, and a one-bedroom, one-bathroom in-law suite with separate entrance and laundry. (Property no longer available). $759,000.
Trail
Located on the Columbia River in the West Kootenay Region, Trail is known for its affordable real estate but is becoming a hotbed for tech industries and research and development. Recent listing: Enjoy living in this stunning three-level custom-built executive home located in Miral Heights. This modern home offers two living areas with stone-covered gas fireplaces in each, a larger master bedroom with valley views, plus a fully finished 1,105-square-foot garage. (MLS®2453483). $929,000.