Prince George

Prince George sits at the crossroads of northern BC, where four major highways converge and the Fraser and Nechako rivers meet. This isn’t your typical northern resource town that empties out when the mill closes — it’s evolved into something more resilient.

The numbers tell part of the story: 77,000 people, steady 3.7% growth, and a diversified economy where healthcare employs more people than traditional forestry. What the numbers don’t capture is Prince George’s transformation into northern BC’s unofficial capital, complete with a university, regional airport, and the kind of amenities that keep families rooted.

Tekamar offers up to 65% LTV here, reflecting the city’s solid fundamentals. The housing market shows remarkable stability for a northern community — 58% single-family homes, reasonable prices, and enough economic diversity to weather resource sector volatility. Healthcare and retail now drive more employment than manufacturing, signaling a mature economy that’s less dependent on commodity cycles.

The climate story surprises people. Zone 4b might sound harsh, but it’s actually improved by half a zone since the 1990s. Winters are real winters, but they’re shorter and milder than they used to be. Alberta retirees have noticed — they’re drawn to the 106 kilometers of trails, genuine four seasons, and housing costs that make their pensions stretch.

Prince George’s secret weapon is its position as the service hub for everything north of Kamloops and east of Prince Rupert. When someone in Fort St. John needs specialized medical care or when Dawson Creek residents want university education for their kids, they come here. That captive market creates economic stability you don’t find in smaller resource towns.

The 18-minute average commute and the fact that half the population lives within 15 minutes of work speaks to a city that hasn’t outgrown its infrastructure. It’s big enough to have what you need, small enough that nothing’s far away.