Pros and cons of moving to a small community like French Creek
Have you heard about the community of French Creek on Vancouver Island, BC? As more and more people look towards Vancouver Island as an affordable option compared to Vancouver, small communities such as French Creek are gaining popularity. Will French Creek be your new home? Read on to find out several reasons why people love to live in French Creek, as well as a few considerations that may not be the perfect match for everyone.
Advantages of Living in French Creek
French Creek is located on the eastern side of Vancouver Island, along the Strait of Georgia. It is a waterfront community found north of Nanaimo with a small population of around 1000 residents. So what kind of perks can be found in this tiny part of Vancouer Island?
Laid-back island lifestyle
Similar to the rest of the island, the pace of life is a bit slower compared to the mainland. Most amenities are within walking distance and residents are friendly and welcoming. If you are looking for a small-town lifestyle, then French Creek is a great place to consider.
Near established towns
French Creek is sandwiched between two larger towns – Qualicum Beach to the northwest and Parksville to the southeast. Both of these towns are well established, growing, and are each about a ten minute drive to visit.
Parksville and Qualicum Beach provide additional amenities such as a greater selection of shops, grocery stores, and recreational facilities like Ravensong Aquatic Centre. Residents enjoy the ample privacy and quiet vibe within French Creek, while still having convenient access to these additional amenities.
Surrounded by nature
Long, sandy beaches on one side and access to the wild west coast forest on another, French Creek is in an ideal location for outdoor enthusiasts. Along with several options for hiking and walking trails, residents have easy access to watersport activities via the French Creek Marina or other open areas along the shoreline for canoes and kayaks.
A golf lover’s paradise
Whether you are a beginner or well-seasoned, the high-quality golf courses within and near French Creek can’t be ignored. The climate in this region provides an unique opportunity for year-round golfing in Canada. Morningstar Golf Club, Pheasant Glen Golf Resort, and Arrowsmith Golf & Country Club are local gems. These courses benefit from ocean views, beautifully forested areas, and peaks of Mount Arrowsmith.
Opportunity for waterfront homes & cottages
One of the best places to find waterfront homes is within French Creek. Many subdivisions line the shoreline or are within walking distance to it. Bayview Estates is a newer development by Ballard Fine Homes found right along the shoreline, just steps away from the marina.
These waterfront properties are perfect for those that enjoy fishing, relaxing on the beach, and falling asleep to the soothing sounds of waves lapping on the shoreline. A little farther inland you will find densely forested areas, offering the perfect amount of privacy for your own vacation cottage.
Considerations about living in French Creek
While there are plenty of wonderful things about French Creek, this lifestyle isn’t necessarily for everyone. What is great for one person might be a downside for another.
Limited things to do
Are you a city girl or gal? Do you enjoy exploring a new restaurant or venue each night of the week? As expected, a small community like French Creek does not carry that same level of variety for things to do. Most activities are well suited for outdoor enthusiasts, with a few options for indoor activities in the region. Essentially, French Creek is for nature lovers, not city dwellers.
Less infrastructure & job opportunities
If you are someone that is used to rapid transit, convenience stores on every corner, and hitting up a large stadium for a hockey game or concert, then you will have to leave French Creek for that kind of lifestyle. As a small community, there is a smaller demand for infrastructure compared to places like Vancouver and Nanaimo. This also means that employment options are quite niche, usually relating to fisheries or tourism.
Many people tend to live in French Creek yet work in Qualicum Beach or Parksville, so it is worth considering the prospect of job opportunities in those towns for reliable, steady employment. However, the laid back atmosphere is a haven for remote workers and retirees.
Looking for more information?
Are you excited about adding French Creek to your list of potential places to live? This is a great place to live and build your own custom home on Vancouver Island. Relatively affordable real estate options allow the opportunity to renovate an older home or start anew with a fresh build.
Ballard Fine Homes is a custom home building company located in Parksville that builds beautiful homes in places like Nanaimo, Parksville, Comox, Courtenay, and French Creek. If you are interested in building your own custom home or selecting from one of our model homes, please contact our office for more information.
We also have an extensive showroom in our Parksville location that allows our clients to see in person some of our materials and finishes to use when designing their own home. If you are just looking for more information about French Creek, we are happy to help you with that as well!
