Posts Tagged ‘lifestyle’

Broadmead is one of those neighbourhoods in Saanich that reveals itself slowly. It isn’t flashy, and it doesn’t rely on trendy developments. Instead, it offers something harder to replicate: privacy, natural beauty, and a sense of calm that makes everyday life feel a little easier. As local realtors, we often describe Broadmead as the sweet spot between convenience and serenity. If you want proximity to shopping, schools, and services without the feeling of living “in the city,” this is where many buyers end up.   A Community Built Around Nature Unlike many newer subdivisions, Broadmead was designed to preserve its natural environment. Homes are nestled among Garry oaks, arbutus trees, rocky outcrops, and walking paths. Instead of manicured uniformity, the area feels organic, like a neighbourhood that grew out of the land. Buyers are often surprised by how quiet it is. Even on larger streets, there is a softness: muted traffic, birdsong, and the rustling of trees. For anyone coming from denser urban living, it feels like an exhale.   Homes with Space and Character Broadmead’s housing stock tends to include larger lots and well-built residences from the 1980s and 1990s. Many retain their original hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings, skylights, and generous floorplans. Updates vary - some owners have renovated kitchens or bathrooms, while others have preserved the style that suits the architecture. The result is variety without chaos. You won’t find rows of identical houses, nor extreme mismatches. Broadmead’s development guidelines have helped maintain a cohesive aesthetic, and that consistency supports long-term property values.   Convenience Without the Noise One of Broadmead’s biggest advantages is its location. Residents enjoy quick access to Royal Oak, Elk and Beaver Lake, the Lochside Trail, and several community parks. Groceries, dining, and medical services are minutes away, yet you won’t feel like you’re living beside a commercial zone. Families appreciate the nearby schools and recreation centres. Professionals value the short commute to downtown Victoria or the airport. And retirees enjoy quiet streets, walkable green space, and homes designed with livability in mind.   Who Broadmead Appeals To Broadmead tends to attract buyers who want lifestyle stability rather than constant movement. These include: Professionals seeking privacy and a quieter home base Families wanting more outdoor space without rural isolation Retirees looking for a well-maintained community close to amenities Homeowners ready to trade “new and trendy” for timeless and established If you picture yourself sipping coffee on a quiet deck, surrounded by native trees instead of traffic noise, Broadmead will feel like home. Our Realtor Perspective We’ve worked with many clients who initially overlook Broadmead in favour of areas with more immediate flash. After a few tours, they begin to see the appeal. There is a grounded quality here, an easy rhythm of life that doesn’t require explanation. You walk the neighbourhood, you feel how it functions, and you understand why properties rarely stay on the market long. Broadmead isn’t about impressing visitors. It’s about taking care of the people who live there. If you’d like help understanding Broadmead’s market, recent sales, or which properties tend to hold value over time, we’re here to guide you.   Lorraine Pelser, 5-Star Review, via Google “I would not dream of ever using a realtor other than Cal. Apart from the fact that he is was exceptionally knowledgable and resourceful, he was also honest, truthful and always acted in my best interest while at the same time treating all parties with dignity and respect.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”  

Downsizing is not only about moving into a smaller space. It’s a lifestyle transition, and in Greater Victoria, it often brings freedom, convenience, and more time for what matters most. After helping many clients through this process, we’ve found that the most successful downsizing journeys start with clarity: why you’re moving, what you want, and what you’re ready to let go of. Why Downsizing Makes Sense Here Greater Victoria is uniquely suited to downsizers. There are neighbourhoods where walkability replaces long commutes, strata living replaces yard maintenance, and scenic parks or beaches become part of your daily routine. For many, the trade-off of square footage brings a noticeable upgrade in quality of life. Where Downsizers Often Look Saanich Central, quiet, and close to everything—Royal Oak, Broadmead, and Cordova Bay offer townhomes, well-run strata buildings, and a relaxed pace. Victoria Core Downtown and James Bay work beautifully for walkable lifestyles. You’ll find lock-and-leave condos, vibrant food scenes, and easy access to the Inner Harbour. Oak Bay For those who prefer charm and character. Boutique condos and elegant townhome communities let you stay near oceanfront parks, cafés, and village amenities. Westshore Langford and Colwood provide newer builds with modern amenities, elevators, parking, and layouts designed with aging in place in mind.   What to Expect During the Process You’ll Reassess What You Really Need Downsizing forces you to prioritize. Many clients resist at first—until they realize that shedding unused rooms, extra storage, or an oversized yard is liberating. Lifestyle Becomes the Focus Instead of asking “How big is it?” the better question becomes “How will I live here?” Think: morning walks, a balcony with a view, less maintenance, more travel, and easier day-to-day routines. Costs Shift, But Don’t Disappear While utilities and upkeep may drop, strata fees or HOA contributions might increase. A well-managed building is worth it: predictable costs, building maintenance, and shared amenities.   Where to Start 1. Define Your Priorities List what matters most: Walkability Accessibility or single-level living Proximity to family Amenities like pools, gyms, or clubs Storage needs This list becomes your compass when emotions kick in. 2. Take Inventory of What You Own You don’t have to get rid of everything at once. Start early and work in stages: Donate or sell items you haven’t used in 12–18 months Digitize paperwork and photos Keep essentials and meaningful pieces 3. Understand Your Financing Downsizing can unlock equity, but don’t assume the smaller home is always cheaper. Location, age of building, and strata size can influence price. 4. Visit Homes in Person Photos never tell the full story. Touring a 900 sq ft condo with good light and storage can feel far better than a 1,300 sq ft layout with poor flow. What a Successful Downsizing Looks Like The clients who thrive aren’t necessarily the ones who get the biggest condo or the most amenities. They’re the ones who choose places that match how they actually live—near trails, village shops, grandkids, or a favourite café. The best move is the one that fits your next chapter, not your last one.   Shauna Sundher, 5-Star Review, via Google “Both Scott and Cal assisted us in selling and purchasing. It was a big move for us but they both assisted us in getting more than we initially expected and getting us into a really great property. They helped us work through some issues on both ends and were very professional and helpful! We recommend them to our friends and family who need an agent.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

Recreation at the Heart of Langford Langford has quickly become one of the Westshore’s most desirable communities, and much of its appeal lies in the incredible amenities that make everyday life feel effortless. Recreation is at the heart of the city’s identity. City Centre Park is a perfect example. Families can spend a full afternoon bowling, playing mini-golf, or letting the kids explore the indoor PlayZone, all without travelling into downtown Victoria. Just steps away, Starlight Stadium hosts major rugby, soccer, and football events, bringing a sense of excitement and community pride to the neighbourhood. Add in the Westhills YMCA and aquatic centre, ice rink, and climbing gym, and it becomes clear that Langford is not simply a place to live. It is a place designed to play. Everyday Convenience Within Minutes Convenience is another major draw. Everyday errands are easy to handle thanks to the variety of shopping hubs in the area. Belmont Market, Millstream Village, and Westshore Town Centre offer everything from groceries to boutique shopping, while Costco, Walmart, Real Canadian Superstore, and Canadian Tire provide big-box convenience. The core of Langford along Goldstream Avenue has a charming small-town feel with cafés, bakeries, and locally owned shops lining the street. For residents, the ability to access essentials within minutes is one of the neighbourhood’s greatest advantages, especially for busy parents, commuters, or shift workers. A Growing Local Food Scene Langford is also earning a reputation for its diverse dining options. Whether it is brunch at House of Boateng, a casual bite at Liberty Kitchen in Belmont, or an afternoon coffee at Rhino Coffee House, there is a growing selection of places that bring people together. The area’s restaurants and cafés contribute to a walkable, lively atmosphere, especially around the city core and Westhills. They add the kind of lifestyle value that many buyers look for when choosing where to settle. Nature at Your Doorstep Perhaps the most defining aspect of Langford is its deep connection to nature. Surrounded by lakes, trails, and parks, residents have access to the outdoors at every turn. Langford Lake and Glen Lake offer scenic boardwalks, swimming areas, and gentle paths ideal for morning dog walks or evening strolls. The famous Galloping Goose Trail weaves through the community, providing a convenient route for cyclists, joggers, or commuters. A short drive away, Goldstream Provincial Park immerses visitors in old-growth forest, waterfalls, and the annual salmon run. This experience never loses its magic, even for long-time locals. Designed for Community and Growth Supporting all of this is a strong community infrastructure. The city continues to evolve with thoughtful development, adding schools, community facilities, health services, and transit routes designed to handle growth. The library inside the Westhills YMCA shows how Langford prioritizes bringing amenities together, creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and engage. It is a city built for modern life, and one that continues to attract young families, retirees, professionals, and investors alike. Why Langford Stands Out For anyone considering a move to the Westshore, Langford is hard to overlook. Its balance of recreation, nature, convenience, and lifestyle amenities makes it more than a suburb. It is a thriving, self-contained community with room to grow. If you are curious about what living here could look like, we are always happy to share neighbourhood insights, local listings, and real-world advice to help you find the perfect fit.   Hilary Mathieson, 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott and the rest of the team at the Faber Real Estate Group are fantastic! Scott went above and beyond to find us the perfect property that checked all the boxes. He was extremely attentive and professional and made the entire process very enjoyable. His extensive experience in the real estate industry helped us to choose a property that suited us and he was able to give us lots of helpful insight throughout our experience. Highly recommend to anyone in need of a trustworthy, knowledgeable real estate agent.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood & Zachary Parsons “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”