Uplands
Central, established, and easy to live in. Where families settle and retirees stay.
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A look around Uplands
Uplands offers a balanced, established feel with easy access to parks, schools, and everyday amenities. In this video we walk through what it is actually like living in one of Nanaimo's most well-connected and livable neighbourhoods.
Still exploring different parts of the city? View the full Nanaimo Neighbourhood Guide.
Living in Uplands
Uplands is the kind of neighbourhood where streets turn into communities. Cul-de-sacs where families grow up together. Retirees who moved here years ago and never felt the need to leave. It is one of those pockets where different stages of life overlap naturally.
Over time it has become a steady landing place. Families settle here, downsizers stay within the same area, and retirees integrate without the neighbourhood losing its energy. If you are looking at Uplands, you are likely after stability, connection, and everyday convenience, without giving up access to nature.
Positioned just south of Rutherford Road and blending into North Nanaimo, Uplands sits right in the middle of it all.
Uplands at a glance
Housing
A mix of older homes, newer builds, patio homes, and master-planned pockets suited to families, downsizers, and retirees.
Best For
Buyers who want convenience, accessibility, and a neighbourhood that works day to day.
Trade-Off
Less coastal character and fewer big views than more tucked-away or oceanfront areas.
Why people choose Uplands
For many buyers, Uplands comes down to balance. You are not at the far north end, and you are not fully central. That positioning gives you access in multiple directions without feeling committed to one part of the city.
For families, it is the way everything sits close together, schools, parks, trails, and everyday amenities all within a short distance. It simplifies routines in a way that becomes more noticeable over time. For others, it is the consistency. The neighbourhood feels established but not dated, with homes that have been maintained, updated, and lived in rather than replaced all at once.
And for many, it is the ability to stay. Uplands is not just a place people move into, it is a place they tend to remain, shifting within the neighbourhood rather than leaving it. It does not rely on standout features. It works because everything fits together.
Uplands real estate
Detached homes
Detached homes in Uplands are largely ranchers, split-levels, and BC box-style homes built between the 1970s and 1990s. Entry-level properties typically fall in the $600,000 to $730,000 range, where you will find well-maintained originals or partially updated homes on established streets with mature landscaping. As you move into newer or more elevated pockets, including Linley Valley, Brookwood, and Long Lake Heights, pricing climbs, and these homes can exceed $900,000 with updated interiors, larger layouts, suites, or lake and valley views.
Patio homes, condos & townhomes
Uplands has a strong presence of patio home communities, many built in the early 1990s and consistently maintained since. These attract downsizers who want lower-maintenance living without leaving the neighbourhood they know. Condominium living is well established too. The Edgewater Lane developments (5625 and 5660 Edgewater Lane) are known for landscaped grounds, water features, and internal walking paths, a setting that feels private without being disconnected. Across Uplands, condominiums and townhomes generally range from $400,000 to $800,000 depending on age, size, and amenities. We keep these figures general and talk through current numbers directly with buyers, since the market moves.
Uplands housing character
Uplands comes together gradually. It was not built all at once, and you feel that as you move through it. Streets shift in age, layout, and elevation, but it connects in a way that feels cohesive rather than fragmented.
Older Streets near Uplands Park
Generous lots, mature hedging, and glimpses toward Mount Benson. Late-70s and 80s homes, many thoughtfully updated, with a strong neighbourhood feel around the school.
Sunshine Ridge & Brookwood
More structured late-90s and early-2000s development. Sidewalks, underground services, and cul-de-sacs with larger family homes and usable yards.
Long Lake Heights & Summit Drive
Elevation brings perspective. Homes here pick up views across Long Lake and toward Mount Benson, slightly more refined but still connected.
Patio Homes & Condos
Quieter, lower-maintenance pockets scattered through the area, often chosen by downsizers staying close to the community they know.
What defines Uplands is not a single housing style. It is how the neighbourhood transitions, from older established streets to structured subdivisions and up into elevated view pockets, all within a compact, connected area. Trail connections into Linley Valley are built right into the upper subdivisions, so it is easy to step from residential streets into protected natural space within minutes.
Schools in Uplands
Uplands has its schools right inside the neighbourhood, so they become part of how families move through the day.
Uplands Park Elementary (K to 7)
3821 Stronach Drive. Sits in the heart of the neighbourhood with expansive, partly forested grounds. A genuine community hub, busy with families well outside school hours.
Wellington Secondary (8 to 12)
3135 Mexicana Road. The catchment high school for Uplands, known locally for strong academics and a well-regarded jazz program, with a wide range of athletics and electives.
Uplands Park feeds directly into Wellington Secondary, so the elementary-to-secondary transition stays close to home. A few more options round out the picture:
- French immersion is offered through the district by lottery rather than by catchment. Early immersion starts in Kindergarten or Grade 1 with registration in January, and late immersion, entered after Grade 5, is offered only at École Quarterway, 1632 Bowen Road. Immersion students continue to secondary at NDSS, 355 Wakesiah Avenue.
- Nearby independent: Aspengrove School (preschool to grade 12, university-preparatory), a short drive north in Lantzville.
School catchments can change, so families should always confirm the current boundary directly with School District 68 when considering a specific property.
Parks, recreation & local spots
In Uplands, parks, trails, and everyday spots are all within easy reach, so recreation and routine tend to overlap without much effort.
Oliver Woods Community Centre
6000 Oliver Road. One of the more active recreation hubs. Pickleball courts stay busy year round, community programs run consistently, and the green space and playground get steady use.
Lakeview Park
4351 Lakeview Road. A quieter access point on Long Lake. Somewhere to sit near the water, launch a paddleboard, or stop briefly without the busier crowds.
Loudon Park (Long Lake)
Access via Loudon Place. One of the most consistently used swimming areas on Long Lake. In summer it fills with paddleboards, kayaks, and families along the shoreline.
Linley Valley Trails
Connects through the ridge and into Departure Bay. One of Nanaimo's more accessible urban-natural corridors, minutes from residential streets.
Local favourites
Uplands is anchored by strong everyday spots rather than destination-style locations.
Longwood Brew Pub
5775 Turner Road. One of Nanaimo's most consistent gathering places. Reliable food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a mix of locals who return regularly.
Cafe Today
5771 Turner Road, Longwood Station. A relaxed coffee and breakfast stop with a steady stream of regulars.
Thrifty Foods
5801 Turner Road, Longwood Station. Anchors the plaza for groceries and daily essentials, so the area feels complete without going further.
Along Rutherford Road you will also find medical clinics, LifeLabs, London Drugs, and a range of professional services. Over time that level of access becomes one of the reasons many people, especially retirees, choose to stay.
Uplands is for
This area works best for buyers who:
- ✓ Want a location that just works day to day without planning around it
- ✓ Value ease, accessibility, and being close to everything
- ✓ Are open to a mix of housing, including patio homes and downsizer-friendly communities
- ✓ Prefer function and convenience over views, character, or a lifestyle-driven setting
If Uplands isn't the right fit
Uplands works well for many people, but it will not be right for everyone. A few nearby areas pull in different directions.
Pleasant Valley
Larger parcels and a more semi-rural edge while staying close to town. More land, more breathing room, and quieter spacing between homes. Explore Pleasant Valley.
Hammond Bay
Elevated ocean views and a stronger coastal feel. Ridge-top homes, dramatic outlooks, and a closer connection to the water. Explore Hammond Bay.
North Nanaimo
Closer to major retail, newer executive-style builds, and one of the highest concentrations of ocean-view homes. Explore North Nanaimo.
Uplands sits comfortably between all three, grounded, connected, and highly livable without leaning too far in any one direction. If none of these quite land, zoom out to the full Nanaimo Neighbourhood Guide.
Still weighing up whether moving to Nanaimo makes sense for you? Start there for the wider picture.
Uplands FAQs
Is Uplands a good place to live in Nanaimo?
Yes. Uplands is one of the more practical, convenient neighbourhoods in Nanaimo, with easy access to schools, shopping, and everyday amenities. It suits both families and buyers who want a simpler, well-connected lifestyle.
Is Uplands a good neighbourhood for families?
Yes. It has established residential streets, nearby schools, parks, and quick access to amenities, which makes day-to-day life easier. It is calmer than central Nanaimo but still very connected.
What types of homes are in Uplands?
A mix of older homes, some newer builds, townhomes, and patio homes. That range appeals to families needing space and downsizers looking for lower-maintenance options.
Which schools serve Uplands?
The catchment elementary is Uplands Park Elementary (K to 7) on Stronach Drive, feeding Wellington Secondary (8 to 12) on Mexicana Road, which is known for its jazz program. French immersion is offered district-wide by lottery, with immersion secondary at NDSS.
How does Uplands compare to North Nanaimo?
Uplands is more central and usually more affordable, with quicker access across the city. North Nanaimo offers newer homes, ocean views, and a more suburban feel, but is more spread out and higher in price.
Is Uplands a good neighbourhood for retirees or downsizers?
Yes. The area offers patio homes, townhomes, and lower-maintenance properties, plus easy access to shopping, medical services, and amenities. Its central location means shorter drives and a simpler day to day, a big draw for buyers reducing upkeep without feeling isolated.
Thinking about a move to Uplands?
If you are comparing neighbourhoods and want a clearer breakdown of how each area fits different lifestyles and price points, the Nanaimo Relocation Guide walks through it in detail. Or book a quick call with Travis or Kiel to talk through whether Uplands fits.