One of the most common conversations I have with clients in the 55-plus age range is about the future. Not just where to live now, but where to live for the next twenty or thirty years. The concept of "aging in place" — staying in your own home as long as possible rather than moving into assisted living — is increasingly popular, and for good reason. People want independence, familiarity, and control over their living situation.
Sidney and the Saanich Peninsula are particularly well-suited to this approach, but it takes some planning to get it right.
What Makes a Home "Age-Friendly"?
When I talk about accessible housing, I'm not just talking about wheelchair ramps. It's a broader conversation about how a home supports daily living as mobility, vision, and energy levels change over time. The key features to look for include:
Single-level living: This is the big one. A home where the main living areas — kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, laundry — are all on one floor eliminates the biggest barrier to aging in place: stairs. Ranchers, single-storey condos, and accessible townhomes are ideal.
Wide doorways and hallways: Standard doorways are 30 inches wide, but 36 inches is much better for walkers, wheelchairs, or just getting around comfortably. Wider hallways make a home feel more spacious too — it's a design feature that benefits everyone.
Accessible bathrooms: Walk-in showers (no step-over tub), grab bars, non-slip flooring, and lever-style faucets. These modifications are relatively inexpensive to add if they're not already in place, and they make a huge difference in safety and comfort.
Good lighting and minimal trip hazards: Well-lit entryways, even flooring transitions, and minimal level changes throughout the home. Small details that make a big difference.
Why Sidney Works for Aging in Place
Beyond the home itself, the community you live in matters enormously. Sidney checks a lot of boxes for people planning to age in place.
The walkability is a major factor. Being able to walk to the pharmacy, the doctor's office, the grocery store, and a cafe means you're not dependent on driving for every errand. That independence is huge as you get older.
Sidney also has good access to healthcare. The Saanich Peninsula Hospital is nearby, there are medical clinics in town, and Victoria's larger hospitals and specialists are a short drive south. For day-to-day health needs, you're well-served without having to go far.
The social infrastructure matters too. Sidney has an active seniors' centre, community programs, the library, and a strong volunteer network. Staying socially connected is one of the most important factors in healthy aging, and Sidney makes that easy.
Condo vs. House for Aging in Place
Both can work, but they serve different needs. A condo in downtown Sidney gives you maximum walkability, zero exterior maintenance, and often elevator access. The trade-off is less space and the constraints of strata living.
A single-level home on a manageable lot gives you more space, a yard (if you want one), and more privacy. The trade-off is that you're responsible for maintenance — though many Peninsula homeowners hire help for yard work and exterior upkeep.
The right choice depends on your priorities, your health, your budget, and how much involvement you want in maintaining your property. There's no one-size-fits-all answer.
Planning Ahead
The best time to think about aging in place is before you need to. If you're in your 50s or 60s and considering a move, building accessibility features into your next home purchase is much easier and cheaper than retrofitting later. Even simple choices — like buying a home with a main-floor bedroom and bathroom — can make a huge difference down the road.
I work with a lot of clients who are making this transition thoughtfully, and I'm always happy to help identify properties that are well-suited for long-term living. It's about finding the right home in the right community — and Sidney is hard to beat on both counts.
Dan Juricic, REALTOR®
Personal Real Estate Corporation
RE/MAX Camosun | Victoria, BC