Vancouver is one of Canada’s most coveted (if expensive) places to live in Canada, thanks to its temperate weather, its stunning and varied landscapes and a reputation for prioritizing a laid-back approach to life. The city also boasts an array of vibrant communities, each with its own unique personality, lifestyle and advantages. Whether you’re a family searching for top schools, a professional seeking urban excitement or a newcomer with a focus on affordability, there’s a neighbourhood in Vancouver that fits your needs. Here’s our guide to the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver.
Methodology
When doing our research to find the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver, we considered a variety of metrics, including the cost of housing and rentals, community engagement, the quality of the schools and if the area was rich in amenities like parks, restaurants and shopping. We also considered safety, the accessibility of public transportation and the type of housing available. For the aforementioned info, we searched mostly community and city websites. To find the cost of an average home and the cost of renting an apartment, we relied mainly on sources like Zumper, Zolo and numerous local real estate websites.
1. Kitsilano
Key features: Loaded with amenities like shops, museums and restaurants, welcoming community, easy-going and picturesque
Average median house price: $1.7 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,773
Kitsilano, affectionately known by residents as “Kits,” is set on the city’s west side. Famous for its laid-back West Coast vibe, the neighbourhood is packed with yoga studios, cafes, health food stores and independent coffee shops. Residents enjoy lovely waterfront and mountain views and have access to Kitsilano Beach (said to be one of the country’s best urban beaches), Vanier Park and the scenic Seaside Greenway (a popular biking path), making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area’s abundance of top private and public schools, as well as its reputation as a safe, friendly, community-oriented district, also make Kits a coveted address. The community pool, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and HR MacMillan Space Centre, ensure there’s always lots to keep the kids active and engaged.
2. West Point Grey
Key features: Upscale, scenic beaches, quiet residential streets, close to the University of British Columbia
Average median house price: $3.9 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,390
Hugged by the University of British Columbia and the Kitsilano neighbourhood, West Point Grey is one of Vancouver’s most affluent areas. Among the city’s oldest residential districts, it’s prized for its breathtaking mountain views and beach parks such as Jericho and Spanish Banks. A combination of large modern and heritage homes are fronted by tranquil, tree-lined streets. Top-tier private and public schools, low crime rates and easy access to the University of British Columbia and Pacific Spirit Regional Park’s extensive trails make West Point Grey one of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver for families.
3. Kensington-Cedar Cottage
Key features: Culturally diverse, affordable housing close to downtown, lovely park with Vancouver’s only lake
Average median house price: $1.5 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,373
One of Vancouver’s more accessible neighbourhoods, Kensington-Cedar Cottage is well-known for its social and cultural diversity, walkability and verdant parks. House hunters will find a lot of duplexes, but there’s also a good selection of single detached family homes, as well as low-rise apartments. Its relative housing affordability makes the neighbourhood especially popular with young families looking to buy their first home in an area with good schools, reliable public transportation, proximity to downtown and a generous amount of greenspace such as John Hendry Park (where you’ll find Vancouver’s only lake, Trout Lake).
4. Shaughnessy
Key features: Among Vancouver’s most expensive real estate, stately mansions with large lots, top schools
Average median house price: Estimates for median house prices range from $3.5 million up to $7 million.
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,900
One of Vancouver’s most prized neighbourhoods, Shaughnessy is well-known for its huge homes, sweeping lots and leafy streets. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, it boasts a large number of historic homes built before the Second World War. The area ranks high on safety and school options, and while it doesn’t offer easy SkyTrain access, several major bus routes run along the neighbourhood’s borders and through key corridors.There are five parks, including the acclaimed VanDusen Botanical Gardens, a lush oasis in the heart of the city that houses over 7,000 plant species. The yearly VanDusen Festival of Lights is a beloved winter wonderland that lights up the night with more than one million lights.
5. Mount Pleasant
Key features: Artsy vibe, relatively affordable housing options, pedestrian and bike friendly
Average median house price: $1 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,800
Mount Pleasant boasts a laid-back, artsy vibe, affordability and friendly community. Housing options range from character homes and low-rise apartments to new condo developments, making it attractive to a wide demographic. This area in east Vancouver is filled with murals, indie coffee shops, breweries and vintage boutiques, most notably around along Main Street. The district is highly walkable and bike-friendly, with excellent transit connections. Mount Pleasant especially appeals to families, young professionals and artists.
6. Hastings-Sunrise
Key features: Up and coming neighbourhood, some of Vancouver’s most affordable, homes family friendly
Average median house price: $1.6 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,950
This once predominantly working class area in east Vancouver is gaining popularity thanks to its ethnically diverse residents, reputable schools, good public transportation and relatively affordable housing. It’s mainly a residential area with a bustling row of commercial and family-owned shops on East Hastings Street, often referred to as the “East Village.” It’s a favourite spot for locals to come for a stroll and grab a meal. The City of Vancouver recently announced that it was giving the area a cash infusion of $2 million via the Uplifting Communities Fund for improvements to public spaces and to support local businesses.
7. Dunbar-Southlands
Key features: Affluent, strong community spirit and gorgeous green space
Average median house price: $3.5 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,464
Dunbar-Southlands is ideal for those who are looking for a quiet residential area with tree-lined streets filled mainly with single family homes and duplexes. A nature lover’s dream, it’s got loads of greenspace, including Chaldecott Park (that features a water park), Balaclava Park, Camosun Park and stunning Pacific Spirit Park. Good schools, infectious community spirit (with lots of block parties) and readily available public transportation are also welcome features of this cozy neighbourhood.
8. Downtown Vancouver
Key features: Mostly condos and apartments, great public transportation, lots of cultural and entertainment options
Average median house price: $1 million (keep in mind this is mainly condos rather than detached homes)
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,919
Made up primarily of high-rise office buildings, condos and townhouses, downtown Vancouver is a culturally rich urban centre filled with stores (especially Robson street), world-class restaurants and entertainment options. Residents enjoy exceptional transit services, with SkyTrain, SeaBus and bus routes making commuting easy, which is why the area is a top pick for young professionals. Cultural landmarks such as the Vancouver Art Gallery, Gastown, Chinatown and BC Place add to the city’s engaging atmosphere.
9. Lynn Valley
Key features: Loads of nature, close-knit community, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts
Average median house price: $1.7 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,650
Lynn Valley is often ranked as among the best neighbourhoods in North Vancouver thanks to its easy access to nature, small-town feel and close-knit community. Active individuals and families will appreciate outdoor recreation options like Lynn Canyon Park, hiking and cycling trails and a number of parks. Lynn Valley Village is a lively central hub featuring boutique shops, cozy cafes, restaurants and the local local library, which offers plenty of programs for families and kids. This safe and active community also has top schools, shopping centres and a solid restaurant scene.
10. The West End
Key features: Western Canada’s largest LGBTQ2S+ community, lots of amenities, easy-going vibe
Average median house price: $1.2 million
Average rental cost of a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,673
The West End is one of the most densely populated neighbourhoods and is bordered by downtown, iconic Stanley Park and English Bay. Here, you’ll find a mix of housing types, with the vast majority being apartments and high-rise condos. The West End is best known for its vibrant, inclusive community, including Western Canada’s largest LGBTQ2S+ population centred around Davie Village. Residents enjoy quiet, tree-lined streets, plenty of green spaces and easy access to beaches, the seawall and restaurants, pubs and shops.
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
