The commute is getting old. You’re spending more time in your car than you’d like, and when you finally get home, you realize you need milk but the closest store requires another drive.
Sound familiar? A lot of homeowners in Greater Victoria are weighing whether it makes sense to sell and move closer to the action downtown, or into core neighbourhoods like Saanich or Oak Bay.
What Urban Living Actually Looks Like
Let’s start with what’s actually different. Yes, you can walk to coffee shops and restaurants. The selection is better, and you don’t need to plan your errands around driving. Grocery stores, banks, pharmacies – they’re all nearby.
But it’s not all convenience. You’ll likely have less space. Parking might cost extra or be hard to find. Your neighbours are closer. Street noise is a real thing, especially on weekends.
The trade-off is access. Concerts, theater, farmers markets, festivals, late night food – they happen regularly and you can just walk there. No planning, no parking fees, no driving home after a glass of wine.
The Housing Reality
Victoria’s urban condos averaged $562,800 in June 2025. That’s the starting point for downtown living. You’ll get less square footage than a suburban house, but you’ll also spend less time maintaining it.
If you own a house in Langford, Colwood, or further out, it’s probably worth significantly more than that condo price. The math might work in your favor, leaving you mortgage-free or with extra cash.
But here’s the thing about condo living: strata fees, building rules, shared walls. Some people love the simplicity. Others miss having their own yard and the freedom to renovate without committee approval.
Neighborhood Differences Matter
Downtown Victoria isn’t uniform. James Bay feels residential and quiet. The Inner Harbour area buzzes with tourists. Fernwood has more of a neighborhood feel with local coffee shops and community gardens.
Oak Bay gives you urban convenience with a more suburban pace. Saanich offers pockets of walkable areas without the intensity of downtown core.
Each comes with different price points, different crowds, different daily rhythms. What works for your lifestyle matters more than what looks good in photos.
The Practical Stuff
Moving from suburban to urban living changes your daily patterns. You’ll walk more (good for health, harder in winter rain). You’ll drive less (cheaper, but you still need a car for Costco runs and visiting friends outside the city).
Your social life might change too. It’s easier to meet people when you’re walking around the neighborhood. But you might also feel more anonymous in a building with 100 units versus knowing all your neighbors on a suburban street.
Making the Numbers Work
If you’re considering this move, start with the finances. What’s your house actually worth? What do comparable urban properties cost? Factor in moving costs, potential strata fees, and different utility costs.
Then think about the lifestyle changes. Do you actually want to walk to restaurants, or do you just like the idea of it? Are you comfortable with smaller spaces and shared building amenities?
Is This Right for You?
Urban living works well for some people and drives others crazy. The only way to know is to be honest about your priorities and how you actually live day-to-day.
If you value convenience over space, enjoy being around people and activity, and want to reduce your commute, it might make sense. If you need quiet, privacy, and room to spread out, maybe not. The first step in moving closer to town: selling your current home. That’s something we can help with.
Curious about what your options would be? Let’s look at the actual numbers for your situation and what’s available in different urban neighborhoods.