Residents of central Vancouver Island enjoy the best of all possible worlds: Canada's most ideal climate combined with unmatched natural beauty, surprisingly affordable housing, and a wide range of amenities.

Star Homes by Philip Landick Developments builds homes in and around the city of Nanaimo, which is a delightful waterfront city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and Mount Benson. The gradual rise of the city from the ocean up the side of the mountain means many homes boast spectacular ocean views.

Incorporated in 1874, Nanaimo is the third oldest city in British Columbia and the second largest on Vancouver Island. The city is located on the east coast of southern Vancouver Island, 70 miles or 112 km north of the provincial capital, Victoria.

The city itself has many amenities: Vancouver Island University, two aquatic centres, two ice arenas, a harbourfront walkway (shown at left) and downtown lagoon park, many local parks and hiking trails, a professional theatre and conference centre, a vibrant arts community, good schools, countless sports and recreational opportunities, nightlife, and a wealth of shopping.

Although the city boasts many facilities, it is still small enough that traffic congestion is unknown, parking is plentiful, and residents are still small-town friendly.

In and around Nanaimo are some of Vancouver Island's best attractions. These include:

• The world-famous murals of Chemanius, the town that transformed its buildings into an art gallery, combined with the professional theatre and fine dining of the Chemanius Theatre;
• Rathtrevor Beach in nearby Parksville, one of the finest sand beaches on the island and home to an annual sandcastle building competition;
• Cathedral Grove, an area of old-growth forest with an interpretative trail system winding amid the massive trees;
• Horne Lake Caves, which includes seven cave systems open for exploration;
• Artificial reefs in Nanaimo Harbour for divers; Wild Play Park for bungy-jumpers and treetop adventures; and Mount Washingston for skiers;
• Quw'utsun' Cultural and Conference Centre, which presents native culture and crafts; and
• Your choice of 20 golf courses, 20 provincial parks, a half-dozen nearby wineries, and much more.

For more information on what you'll discover near your new home on Vancouver Island, click here.