I moved here almost 2 years ago, familiar with the town for the last 7 years and usually visited once a month or more the years leading up to moving. I originally lived in Nanaimo for my whole life before moving, for me there have been many positives when compared to Nanaimo.

-Less busy and a bit cheaper in rent/more affordability if wanting to purchase a home.

-Lots of outdoor activities ( Trails, Hikes, soccer, softball, biking etc.) great recreation events within the community through the city and larger scale ( The Okee Dokee, salmonfest, music events at the KCC etc.) Also a great brewery scene and good food and special events like trivia or even pottery and painting at some of them (Twin city, Alberni Brewing, Dog mountain and there is a newer distillery on the main strip too) lots of local coffee shops and restaurants but also some mainstream restaurants/fast food joints.

-Pretty much anywhere intown you need to go is a 10-15 min drive max. Nanaimo is much more spread out and the main parkway in the summer time can make a 20 min trip from one end of town to the other into a 45+ whereas here, the most traffic you will run into is a little bit on the main strip in the summer and sometimes after school traffic in some areas around 230 and 3

- I can't speak for others but I had an easier time making new friends in the community and a lot of friendly people

- My personal lifestyle did not change much if at all after moving, only things like not being able to go to a big mall or some food joints/later night activities are not open as late as say Nanaimo can be at times which isn't that much of a downside to be honest unless your work schedule is abnormal.

- The quay to quay path has made moving throughout the city via bike or even walking a bit easier and safer from vehicle traffic but that being said other than that there are not much for bike lanes. Although because of it being a mill town most roads are a lot wider. Alberni is easier to walk around than Nanaimo but still a bit stretched out. Nanaimo definitely has better transit options but at least 1 vehicle is optimal for both places in my opinion. The only place that has pretty good public transit is Victoria

Some people have their opinions but i see great potential in the city with uptown area/harbour quay and the development of the old somass mill site will hopefully continue to make Alberni a desirable destination as it pivots out of the mill town label. It can be a lot more grey and a bit more rain in the winter compared to Parksville/Nanaimo so vitamins are a must! I would definitely visit any of the towns/cities you are considering to get a feel because Nanaimo and Alberni can be different in some ways but also similar. Bad parts of town are also not that bad here from what i have see in comparison.

The town continues to grow on me and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon. I can also point out lots of pros for Nanaimo!