HOUSING

Port Alberni has one of the most affordable home prices on Vancouver Island, with an excellent return on investment. Live in one of the City's North Port, South Port and Central Alberni neighbourhoods or "commute" less than 30 minutes from the rural communities of Sproat Lake, Beaver Creek or Cherry Creek. There's ample choice of housing styles, from upscale single detached homes to farm acreages, to cozy, compact heritage apartments. Find something move-in ready, in need of your expertise, or build something new on the perfect plot of land.

Buying or Renting? Start here!

BUYING A HOUSE OR RENTING

Local Realtors

Rental Accommodation

The Alberni Valley Rentals Page Facebook Group

City Housing Links

Bylaws

Housing Fees

Planning & Development Services

Zoning

Understanding the City's Layout

Port Alberni can be understood in the context of its history of having once been two separate cities separated geographically by Roger Creek. There are two commercial areas, two waterfronts, two sides of town and two roads to get around town. It takes about 15 minutes to cross town by vehicle.

The former 'twin' cities of Alberni and Port Alberni are called North Port and South Port, respectively.

There are 3 major residential and regional district electoral areas just outside City limits: Beaver Creek, Sproat Lake, and Cherry Creek. Their furthest reaches are a maximum distance of 15 kilometres from town.

City Neighbourhoods

Central Alberni

The middle of it all! This area is located between Roger Street and Argyle Street.

Neighbourhoods & Subdivisions

Upper Burde Street

Echo

College Heights

Notable Amenities & Features

Alberni Valley Museum
City Parks, Playgrounds & Trails
Commercial areas along 10th Avenue
- Intersection of 10th Avenue & Roger Street
- Intersection of 10th Avenue & Redford Street
R.C.M.P Station
Sports Facilities
- Alberni Athletic Hall
- Alberni Valley Multiplex
- Athletic Fields & Lawn Bowling Pitch
- Bob Dailey Track & Stadium
- Disc Golf Course
- Echo Aquatic & Fitness Centre
- Glenwood Centre
Schools
- Alberni District Secondary School
- North Island College
Vancouver Island Regional Library
West Coast General Hospital

North Port

South Port

Rural Areas

Beaver Creek

Electoral area "E" in the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District.

Notable Amenities & Features

Beaver Creek Volunteer Fire Department
Farms & Local Food
Stamp River Provincial Park
Trails
- The Angler's Trail
- Log Train Trail
- Stamp River Long Trail

Cherry Creek

Sproat Lake

Average Housing Prices 2023

Sources (Sept 2023 - latest available data): Vancouver Island Real Estate Board, Victoria Real Estate Board & Greater Vancouver Real Estate Board.
Single-family benchmark prices indicated only.

Port Alberni $538,000

Campbell River $788,600

Cowichan Valley $788,600

Comox Valley $842,000

Nanaimo $802,000

Parksville-Qualicum Beach $891,800

Victoria $1,257,100

Vancouver $2,001,400

Within city limits, 67% of residents commute less than 15 minutes for work! The mean time in the above table has been calculated including commutes outside of Port Alberni to neighbouring communities for employment.

Top Reasons to Relocate

The secret is getting out: Port Alberni is a premiere Vancouver Island location.

Affordable Cost of Living

An average home price of $569,800.

Beautiful Scenery and Nature

Mount Arrowsmith and the Beaufort mountains, the Alberni Inlet, the Somass River & Roger Creek.

Short "commutes"

67% of residents commute less than 15 minutes for work.

Location, location, location

Centrally located and within day-tripping distance to Victoria, Vancouver and Tofino.

Quality Infrastructure & Amenities

World-class sports facilities, award-winning secondary school and renowned museum collections.

West Coast Lifestyle

Built for nature lovers. There are dozens of land and water-based opportunities for outdoor recreation: Hiking, mountain biking, boating, kayaking, kitesurfing, trail running, ATVing, camping and more. And surfing is less than 2 hours' away.

I moved to Port Alberni from North Vancouver. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into or if I’d find 'my people' but, sure enough, they were here. In the end, I had no trouble whatsoever making friends, locating like-minded folks, and feeling like part of the community.

My spouse and I moved to Beaver Creek from Fort McMurray and I work in Port Alberni. When we saw the listing we flew out the next day to view it and knew immediately this was where we needed to move to! I love the small town vibe. Everyone is friendly. I love afternoons hanging at the harbour, looking for seals and getting frozen yogurt. There is a safe feeling in this community.