Of all the places I've lived up and down the Island, Campbell River is the only one I'd consider moving back to, since it's basically the center of the island it gives you a great central spot with tons of choices for whatever activity you want, plus it has whatever amenities you could think to need. It got real expensive in the past 6 years tho, I bought my first house there in 2017 for 275k and sold it year and a half ago for 605.
Im still glad I'm on the more remote and quiet (for now) north island where the closest traffic light is 200km south... in Campbell river haha.
