Downtown Courtenay Houses for Sale
Search all Downtown Courtenay Houses for Sale and real estate listings below. Downtown Courtenay is a neighbourhood in Courtenay, BC, and has distinctive character with short buildings, quirky independent boutiques, an outdoor shopping atmosphere, a strong sense of community, and a '50s aura.
For tourists and locals alike, a pleasant way to pass the time on weekend afternoons is to stroll from shop to shop, stopping for a snack along the way. Be sure to register for a free account so that you can receive email alerts whenever new Downtown Courtenay properties come on the market.
Real Estate in Downtown Courtenay
In addition to the distinctive shops along 5th Street, the Downtown Courtenay neighbourhood is home to unique residential properties. Downtown Courtenay near the Puntledge River—called Old Orchard—is the first residential neighbourhood that emerged in the area, way back in 1892. True to its name, the area was an orchard before it was subdivided for homes, and you'll still find many well-established fruit trees on properties in this area.
In the Old Orchard neighbourhood of Downtown Courtenay, you'll find character homes from the 1940s and 1950s that are surprisingly spacious—ranchers with full-sized basements that can have square footage into the 2,500 range. These properties have often been extensively renovated to update their features while maintaining their mid-century charm. These homes are ideal for growing families, as they are in a residential neighbourhood near schools. These homes' basement suites often have excellent mortgage helper potential—great for real estate investors and those on limited budgets looking to enter the market.
In 2022, Downtown Courtenay experienced a total of 105 single-family homes being sold. According to data sourced from the Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB), these single-family homes had an average list price of $712,800, with an average sale price of $715,100. Interestingly, homes in this Courtenay neighborhood were sold on average at 100% of their list price, indicating a balanced market. Impressively swift transactions were also evident, as the average time these homes took to sell was just 31 days.
In many parts of the Comox Valley, it can be hard to make do without a vehicle. For those who live in Cumberland, Royston, or Black Creek, it can be tricky to get to work, shop, and run errands without a car, as busses are not particularly frequent. Downtown Courtenay is one of the few places in the Comox Valley in which walkability is excellent, and new bike lanes in the neighbourhood make it even easier to traverse. If you live in Downtown Courtenay, you'll be near the Puntledge River's excellent hiking, swimming, and tubing opportunities, as well as the top French immersion school in the Comox Valley.
An excellent investment opportunity in Downtown Courtenay comes in the form of heritage duplexes that can date back to the 1910s. Located amidst the convenience of downtown, these well-kept properties often have yards and separate parking, offering real estate investors the ability to both live on the premises and have a rental income-producing property right next door. While these properties are often in great shape when they appear on the market, their age makes them still relatively affordable for investors.
Of course, character homes are not for everyone, and there are plenty of other property types available in the Downtown Courtenay area. Directly on the river, you'll find newly built waterfront condos that are excellent options for young professionals and retirees. Near the Puntledge River, you'll find rustic country homes on large acreage. Meanwhile, on the streets parallel to 5th Street, you'll discover newly-built two-storey duplexes and family homes that offer excellent proximity to schools. These homes—built on the former sites of old dwellings—often offer large fenced yards, providing solid privacy.
About Downtown Courtenay
Courtenay is the hub of the Comox Valley area and is the third biggest population centre on Vancouver Island, with around 50,000 residents. The main commercial area of Courtenay—and one of the Comox Valley's main attractions—is 5th Street, which stretches from the Courtenay River deep into Courtenay South.
5th Avenue and the surrounding area was the first part of Courtenay to be developed more than one hundred years ago.
The area is also a cultural hub, featuring the Comox Valley's main performance centre—the Sid Williams Theatre. You'll also be near the Vancouver Island Regional Library and numerous schools. The downtown area of Courtenay is home to frequent parades and festivals, contributing to a lively community spirit. The benefits of living in the Comox Valley's most historic neighbourhood are nearly endless.
Things to Do in Downtown Courtenay
Whether you're looking for something for yourself, a special gift for someone else, or you feel like browsing, the shopping district of Courtenay along 5th Street offers interesting locally-owned shops along a wide, sloping street. There are plenty of great restaurants and coffee shops along 5th Street, and in the boutiques, you're likely to find one-of-a-kind items.
An excellent outdoor activity right in Downtown Courtenay is to head to the Airpark. It's located right on the Courtenay River, which is one of the boundaries between Courtenay and the nearby town of Comox. The Airpark has winding trails for walking or biking, and you can watch the tiny planes taking off and landing. You're bound to see plenty of migratory birds and other wildlife, and the park is often filled with friendly locals who are ready to chat if you're in the mood. Nearby are coffee shops where you can fuel up before your excursion or recharge afterward.
The central hub of the Comox Valley's arts and culture scene is located in Downtown Courtenay—the Sid Williams Theatre. "The Sid"—as locals refer to it—is an impressive facility given the size of the communities in the Comox Valley. It hosts performances of dance, theatre, music, comedy, and film screenings. Occasionally, international touring artists will pass through town and perform at the theatre, and it's also a great place to see talented local performers.