Houses for Sale in University District, BC

Search all University District houses for sale and real estate listings below. University District is a neighbourhood in Nanaimo, BC. It is commonly the case that the areas surrounding university campuses are among the most vibrant parts of any city. An influx of young, inspired students can lead to the rise of interesting stores, venues, and community events. The University District is known for its educational resources but is surrounded by green spaces and parks. 

Home buyers looking for investment property should consider this Nanaimo neighbourhood. Houses range from older ranchers and character homes to newer modern houses with walk-out basements. To request up-to-date information about properties for sale in University District, or to arrange a private showing, contact your Nanaimo real estate experts today!  

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Real Estate in the University District

The University District has been undergoing new development in recent years. However, most of the available real estate in the neighbourhood still comes in large, affordable single-family homes built in the 1950s and 1960s. In the area near Third Street, Fourth Street, and Fifth Street, you’ll find spacious and affordable two-storey box-style homes built in the 1960s. These properties offer great potential as family homes and as income-producing rental properties. Buyers can also find updated older homes with a modern design, including large windows, high-end appliances, open concept living areas, refreshed bathrooms, and stylish lighting. Because homes of this sort typically feature floorplans with plenty of square footage, there is potential for rental suites. 

Often with four or five bedrooms, the large mid-century homes near Vancouver Island University can be split into multiple suites and rented to students who require housing in the area. In this part of the University District, you’ll also find options in strawberry box houses—a popular style of home built across Canada after the Second World War similar to the Cape Cod style of home found in New England, though slightly smaller. These smaller University District homes are ideal for young professionals and those looking to downsize, as well as real estate investors looking for an affordable entry into Nanaimo’s real estate market. 

Those looking for newly built homes will find options in the University District’s Desert Cove subdivision, which features impressive ranchers built in the last decade or so featuring low-maintenance yards, modern appliances and design, and incredible mountain views. Located near Fourth Avenue and Howard Avenue, this 40+ community is quiet, safe and offers desirable proximity to the neighbourhood’s parks and amenities. In the northern part of the University District, you’ll find brand-new duplex homes with craftsman designs that make the most of their compact sizes. Some of these real estate options were built by Sun Porch Homes, a reputable local home builder and land development company that has won awards for high-quality home design.

About the University District, Nanaimo, BC

The University District neighbourhood of Nanaimo—formerly known as Harewood, comprised of the area in the direct vicinity of Vancouver Island University—is growing quickly and features exciting real estate opportunities. 

The University District comprises the smaller sub neighbourhoods of College Heights, Hawthorne, Fairview, and Buttertubs Marsh. Directly surrounding the University District are the communities of Old City and Harewood. The University District is conveniently situated near BC Highway 19, providing an easy link to destinations up island. To the south, Highway 19 joins the Trans-Canada Highway. Since the University District is located in the southern part of Nanaimo, trips to Victoria are relatively quick—around ninety minutes by car. 

There’s Westwood Lake Park on the western border of the neighbourhood, and the Morrell Nature Sanctuary to the south, near Colliery Dam Park. To the north is Beban Park—a prominent, popular outdoor recreation destination—and the University District also features a great swimming pool and golf course. Because of its mixture of convenient amenities, affordable real estate, and quiet, family-friendly areas, the University District is a desirable Nanaimo neighbourhood. 

Things to Do in the University District

Enjoy a Local Park

Part of the appeal of life in Nanaimo’s University District is the green space easily accessible to residents in the area. One of the best local parks is Colliery Dam Park, a beautiful spot with an interesting history. The Colliery Dam was built over a hundred years ago, mainly for mining purposes and to supply water to the University District (known as South Harewood at the time). The park has a 2 km loop trail popular with hikers, runners, and dog walkers. The park has numerous other routes, including access to waterfalls, creeks, and the dam itself. The water is a great place to cool off with a swim in the summer months.

Nanaimo Aquatic Centre

For year-round swimming, the University District is also home to the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre—one of the biggest wave pools on the west coast of Canada! Besides swimming, the Nanaimo Aquatic Centre offers access to several other recreational opportunities—it has plenty of fitness equipment, weight rooms, and other training facilities for athletes and amateur fitness enthusiasts alike. On the other side of Third Street from the aquatic centre is the Nanaimo Ice Centre, which has two NHL-sized rinks that host plenty of community events and public skating. 

Enjoy Local Shopping

The University District is a relatively quiet area, home to plenty of parks and quiet, residential streets. The neighbourhood’s central shopping hub is University Village Mall, located near Bruce Avenue and Fifth Street. This mall is filled with stores frequented by the area’s students and has solid dining options that include popular restaurants like Baby Salsa Mexican restaurant and Big Wheel Burger.