Port Alberni - Affordable Retirement Community

The City of Port Alberni, and the Alberni Valley, offer some of the most affordable real estate and living costs on Vancouver Island.  The well-known retirement communities of Qualicum Beach and Parksville are a scenic thirty minute drive away. With both of those communities becoming increasingly expensive for retirees, Port Alberni is quickly becoming an affordable retirement destination for those looking to spend their retirement years on beautiful Vancouver Island. 

The Alberni Valley has so much to offer retirees of all ages and interests. Let us start by examining one of the Alberni Valley's strongest assets, its natural beauty. The valley is created by the low lying surrounding mountains on all sides, which offer picturesque views in both the summer and winter. The most prominent mountains are Mt. Arrowsmith to the west and Mt Klitsa to the east. The Alberni Inlet winds its way in from Barkley Sound, and the open Pacific Ocean, to meet with the Somass River. It is in this location that the twin cities of Alberni and Port Alberni were founded.  Adding to the natural beauty is the fact that the city is surrounded by second growth forests, rivers, and many lakes (the most well-known being the well recreated Sproat Lake and Great Central Lake). The opportunity for easy, moderate to difficult hikes, and bike rides, are endless.        

The Alberni Valley is called the gateway to the Pacific Rim and this is a fitting title. A scenic 1.5 hour drive to the west, past Sproat and Kennedy Lakes, will bring you to the truly world famous Long Beach, and the villages of Tofino and Ucluelet. There are few more beautiful locations on the planet! Just as important for retirees is the close proximity to shopping and transportation to the east. The City of Nanaimo is a 1.0 hour drive away and offers some of Vancouver Island's best shopping, as well as being the terminal for the Vancouver - Vancouver Island Ferry.  Not that you will need to leave the Alberni Valley for shopping. Our North Alberni corridor has developed into an excellent shopping center, in its own right, over the past few years.  Finally the International Airport in Comox is a 1.25 hour drive away and the Capital City of Victoria is a 2.5 hour drive away.

Next let's talk recreation. The City of Port Alberni had the foresight to spend early and often in the communities recreation infrastructure and the private sector is also well developed.  From world class sport fishing to the scenic Alberni Valley Golf Club; and our modern multiplex, athletic hall and walking track to our library, swimming pool, and parks & recreation, the opportunities to get out and try new things are endless. The Echo Sunshine Club is an excellent way to get out and meet new people in the community.

If you are interested in the arts the "Community with a Heart" has plenty to offer. Catch a play at the Capitol Theatre or get involved with the Roland Art Center.  You will find no end of inspiration in the Alberni Valley.

In terms of health care, the Alberni Valley is proud of our state of the art West Coast General Hospital and walk in clinic. Serving the health needs of not only the Alberni Valley, but also the communities of the west coast, you will be in good hands in Port Alberni. 

Finally, let's talk real estate. The average single family home sale price in the Alberni Valley was an affordable $355,816 in 2018, while the average for the Vancouver Island Real Estate board was $512,005! There are many suitable ranch style homes on the market ranging from quality pre-owned to brand new. There are also a number of retirement communities to choose from. With the money you'll save on your new home, you will have more to get out and enjoy this beautiful valley we proudly call home!