Best Places to Live in Victoria, BC: A Neighbourhood Breakdown

Where to Live in Victoria, BC: A Complete Local's Guide

Welcome to Victoria, British Columbia—a city known for its breathtaking coastal views, vibrant culture, and charming neighbourhoods. Whether you're relocating, investing, or simply exploring, this guide will introduce you to the best places to live in Victoria. With diverse communities ranging from historic urban centres to tranquil waterfront retreats, there’s a neighbourhood for every lifestyle.

Victoria is part of the Capital Regional District (CRD), which includes 13 municipalities, each with its own local government and bylaws. This means housing regulations, amenities, and property types vary depending on where you choose to live. So, let’s dive into the top neighbourhoods and what makes each one unique.

Victoria Proper: The Heart of the City

With around 90,000 residents, Victoria’s core is a bustling urban hub with historic charm. Downtown Victoria is the cultural and economic centre, packed with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

Downtown Victoria

✔️ Best for: Urban dwellers, professionals, and condo-lovers.
✔️ Housing: High-rise condos, heritage conversions, and modern apartments.
✔️ Notable spots: The Inner Harbour, The Empress Hotel, Beacon Hill Park, and Chinatown.

Downtown offers a lively lifestyle with plenty of world-class dining and shopping. Popular spots include Pagliacci’s for Italian cuisine and the Royal BC Museum for history lovers. Most residents live in condos and apartments, with new high-rise developments being built regularly.

James Bay

✔️ Best for: Those seeking a waterfront lifestyle.
✔️ Housing: Float homes, townhouses, and character homes.
✔️ Notable spots: Fisherman’s Wharf, Dallas Road, and the Breakwater.

James Bay is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Victoria, known for its charming heritage homes and vibrant community. It’s a stone’s throw from downtown but offers a quieter, more residential feel.

Fairfield & Cook Street Village

✔️ Best for: Families and retirees who want a laid-back vibe.
✔️ Housing: Single-family homes, condos, and townhouses.
✔️ Notable spots: Cook Street Village, Gonzales Beach, and Beacon Hill Park.

This area is ideal for those who love a small-town feel within the city. Cook Street Village is packed with cozy cafés, organic markets, and local boutiques, making it a favourite among locals.

Rockland

✔️ Best for: Luxury seekers and history lovers.
✔️ Housing: Estate homes, mansions, and character houses.
✔️ Notable spots: Craigdarroch Castle and Government House.

One of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Victoria, Rockland is home to stunning heritage mansions. It offers tree-lined streets, historic charm, and a peaceful atmosphere.

Saanich: Space, Nature & Family-Friendly Living

Saanich is the largest municipality in the region, with over 100,000 residents. It offers a mix of urban and rural living, making it ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Gordon Head & Cadboro Bay

✔️ Best for: Families and university students.
✔️ Housing: Single-family homes, townhouses, and student rentals.
✔️ Notable spots: University of Victoria (UVic) and Gyro Beach.

Gordon Head is a quiet, family-friendly area with great schools, while Cadboro Bay offers stunning waterfront views and a small beachside community feel.

Cordova Bay

✔️ Best for: Beach lovers and retirees.
✔️ Housing: Oceanfront estates, condos, and townhomes.
✔️ Notable spots: Mattick’s Farm and Cordova Bay Beach.

Cordova Bay is perfect for those seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle. With beautiful beaches, golf courses, and local cafés, it's a dream for nature lovers.

West Shore: Affordability & New Developments

The West Shore communities (Langford, Colwood, Metchosin, and Sooke) are some of the fastest-growing areas, offering affordable housing and plenty of new developments.

Langford

✔️ Best for: First-time buyers, families, and investors.
✔️ Housing: Modern condos, townhomes, and new single-family homes.
✔️ Notable spots: Bear Mountain Resort, Goldstream Provincial Park, and Costco.

Langford is known for its pro-development approach, attracting young families and professionals. It has excellent recreational amenities, including golf courses, hiking trails, and a new stadium.

Colwood & Metchosin

✔️ Best for: Families and those wanting a suburban feel.
✔️ Housing: Detached homes, acreages, and waterfront properties.
✔️ Notable spots: Royal Roads University, Hatley Castle, and Esquimalt Lagoon.

Colwood and Metchosin offer a mix of suburban convenience and rural beauty, with great schools and outdoor spaces.

Sooke

✔️ Best for: Nature lovers and remote workers.
✔️ Housing: Acreages, waterfront homes, and new developments.
✔️ Notable spots: East Sooke Park and French Beach.

Sooke is about a 45-minute drive from downtown Victoria, making it perfect for those looking for a peaceful, nature-filled lifestyle.

Oak Bay: Luxury & Seaside Elegance

✔️ Best for: Retirees and high-income families.
✔️ Housing: Character homes, luxury estates, and waterfront mansions.
✔️ Notable spots: Willows Beach, Oak Bay Avenue, and Victoria Golf Club.

Oak Bay is one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Victoria, with heritage homes and stunning oceanfront properties. The area is not development-friendly, so you won’t see many condos or high-density buildings here.

Sidney & North Saanich: Seaside Small-Town Charm

✔️ Best for: Retirees and those who love a quiet lifestyle.
✔️ Housing: Condos, townhouses, and waterfront homes.
✔️ Notable spots: Sidney Pier and BC Ferries Terminal.

Sidney is a charming seaside town with boutique shops, oceanfront dining, and easy ferry access to Vancouver.

Victoria, BC, offers something for everyone—from urban high-rises in downtown to tranquil seaside retreats in Oak Bay and spacious family homes in Langford. Whether you crave city energy, suburban comfort, or coastal luxury, there’s a neighbourhood waiting for you.