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Cozy Homes south of Nanaimo

Chase River Real Estate

Located in one of Nanaimo's southernmost communities, the Chase River community border begins just below Chase River Estuary Park (now permanently closed), extending southwest towards the communities of Cinnabar Valley and Extension. Similar to its northern neighbours, this community's beginnings are steeped in the same mining culture that brought Nanaimo to life. Because of an agricultural focus around the turn of the century, Chase River was divided into larger lots, and today homes are available with large yards and a more rural feel. Contact Carly Carey today to start your home search, or click to learn more about Chase River real estate.

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Historic Region
Larger Lot Sizes

Chase River Real Estate Stats

Average Home Price $741K
Lowest Priced Home $320K
Highest Listing Price $2M
Total Property Listings 5
Avg. Days On Market 117
Avg. Price/SQFT $370

Property Types (active listings)

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Established homes in a historic setting

Chase River Overview

With its century-long history, this neighbourhood has a more varied blend of real estate types and properties than its northern counterparts, and it's this diversity that allows buyers to find a home tailored to their needs. Chase River real estate includes single-family homes on each end of the scale, from new construction to older but recently renovated.

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Character Homes
New Construction
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Gorgeous Sights

Chase River Real Estate Highlights

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    A quick trip into Downtown Nanaimo or out to the Duke Point Ferry Terminal
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    A mixture of older character homes & new construction in new subdivisions
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    Larger homes on larger lots
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    Direct access to the Nanaimo River & the backroads of Nanaimo
Life in Chase River Downtown, the Old City Quarter, and the ferry terminals are about ten minutes away from the community of Chase River.
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A quiet suburb with friendly neighbours

Built for Families

The excellent location alone is alluring enough to entice buyers to Chase River. The Southgate shopping complex has just about everything you could need, and with the Parkway just an exit away, you could be well on your way to the north end's big box stores in under 15 minutes. 

Often, families choose to make the move to Chase River, not only for its tranquil atmosphere, but also because it's a great area to raise kids. Schools nearby include Chase River Elementary, Cinnabar Valley Elementary, Park Avenue Elementary, South Wellington Elementary, and John Barsby Secondary.

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Great Shopping
Top Schools
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a Unique namesake

A Fascinating History

Chase River has an unusual namesake, given in the 1850s after a man was chased down the banks of the river by the local authorities. The Snuneymuxw man in question was suspected of murder and fled capture, only to be caught because of his footsteps in the snow. Hence, the area was known as "Chase River." He was tried that same day.

The area had already been settled by local miners, working at the New Douglas Mine, which ran well into the next century. The farmhouses that stood ground in Chase River remain part of its present day community.

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Historic Area
Strong Community

Top Chase River Highlights & Amenities

The neighbourhood's main commercial area is located at the intersection of Tenth Street and the highway. In the north end is the Southgate Shopping Centre, which is a mixture of both large chains and family businesses, and includes a Tim Horton's and a post office. South of Tenth Street is the South Parkway Plaza, which is notable for its gas station and large grocery store. Other businesses in this area include a RONA (with a garden centre), a dentist, a pharmacy, a Subway, and an A&W. 

More shops and businesses are dotted along the highway, as well as some industrial areas. This is balanced out by quiet, residential streets and untouched forest. Petroglyph Provincial Park is found in the north end of Chase River. Although not very big, this is a nice urban escape for residents who want to take a short forest walk. There are also some trails around the community, but a lot of the surrounding region is campgrounds and undeveloped land. Downtown Nanaimo is about an 8 to 10-minute drive north of Chase River.

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Carly Carey
Get In Touch

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If you would like to discuss your central Vancouver Island real estate questions from Lake Cowichan through Qualicum and everywhere in between, please reach out. I love talking about Naniamo real estate and I can’t wait to meet you to discuss your next home with you.