A lot of people dream of moving to a foreign island when they retire. You know, a place with plenty of sun, lakes, and swimming pools. However, for some British Columbians, there is no better place to retire than their own Province, and it isn’t hard to see why.

So, where is the best place to retire in British Columbia (BC)? Here are five of our top investment picks.

1. Qualicum Beach

Situated on the Strait of Georgia a short distance north of Nanaimo, Qualicum Beach is BC’s top retirement community with nearly half its population aged 65 years or older. Residents spend their retirement hiking, kayaking, and biking or enjoying wine and whisky tastings, cribbage games, golf, and other activities organized by the Qualicum Beach and Area Newcomers’ Club.

Statistics:

• Average detached-house price: $588,500
• Medical services: Oceanside Health Centre is only a 12-minute drive out of town while mid-sized hospitals in Nanaimo, Comox, and Port Alberni are less than one hour’s drive away
• Number of seniors: 4,660 or 52% of the population

2. Comox

Located on the eastern coast of Vancouver Island, Comox offers retirees long, warm summers, mild winters, and abundant sea life. Comox makes a great spot from which to explore the east coast, whether it’s golfing one of the five local courses, skiing at Mount Washington or sampling artisan cheeses.

Statistics:

• Average detached-house price: $579,655
• Medical services: The North Island Hospital, Comox Valley, which opened in October 2017 serves patients in the area
• Number of seniors: 17,060 (2016) or 26% of the population

3. Sidney

Also situated on Vancouver Island, Sidney is nestled on the coast of the Saanich Peninsula. Sidney has the highest proportion of seniors of any community in the Greater Victoria area with just under 5,000 senior residents. Sidney is easily walkable and offers amenities for nature and culture lovers alike. There’s the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve, great beaches, and a popular bakery. Sidney is also close to Victoria International Airport as well as ferries to Tsawwassen and the U.S.

Statistics:

• Average house price: $632,000
• Medical services: Saanich Peninsula Hospital is located just south of Sidney, and the Victoria General and Royal Jubilee hospitals are a 45-minute drive out of town
• Number of seniors: 4,775 or 41% of the population

4. Sechelt

Sechelt lies at the heart of the Sunshine Coast, where more than one-quarter of residents are 65 years or older. It’s known for its reasonably priced waterfront properties – some of which are accessible only by water. While outdoor enthusiasts are sure to enjoy boating, beachcombing, and wildlife viewing, art lovers will appreciate the talented folks who have set up shop in these parts.

Statistics:

• Average detached-house price: $605,000
• Medical services: Sechelt Hospital is a 46-bed facility serving the more than 30,000 residents living in the Lower Sunshine Coast communities including Langdale, Gibsons, Davis Bay, and Pender Harbour
• Number of seniors: 3,030 (2016) or 34% of the population

5. Summerland

Located just west of Okanagan Lake in BC’s Interior, Summerland is a wine lovers dream. The town is surrounded by wineries, fruit orchards, golf courses, and some of the longest sunlight hours in Canada.

Short and mild winters can be spent on the ski hills at Big White and Apex, while spring, summer, and fall are for lake days, birdwatching, hiking, and winery tours.

Statistics:

• Average house price: $481,193
• Medical services: Summerland Health Centre is located in town and Penticton Regional Hospital is 19 kilometres away
• Number of seniors: 2,885 (2016) or 33% of the population

If you are looking to fund your retirement dream home, your home equity can be an excellent source of funds. Contact us today and we’ll be glad to help you invest in your future.