For anyone moving to a new, relatively unknown city, it can be challenging to know where to start when choosing your ideal neighbourhood. So, are you planning a move to Vancouver? If so, find out about the benefits, prices and overall atmosphere of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver.
Why Should I Move To Vancouver?
According to a 2022 report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Vancouver is one of the world’s best places to live. It scored perfectly for its education, environment, health care, housing, and infrastructure.
That’s not all. It has a mild climate, and its location between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean means that mountains, beaches, and forests surround you. As a result, it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world.
On the downside, as you might expect, the traffic can get bad in one of Canada’s largest metropolitan areas. However, you may be able to take the Sky Train to commute to the office, it is faster and gives a fantastic view.
Is Property Expensive In Vancouver?
Property is very expensive in Vancouver. In Canada, only Toronto has property prices to rival it, and Vancouver’s real estate is some of the most expensive in the world.
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association, the average property price in Greater Vancouver is just over $1.2 million, almost double the national average for Canada.
Best Neighbourhoods In Vancouver – An Overview
Vancouver is known for its superior city planning, which maximizes space while retaining many green spaces. While real estate is more expensive than in other parts of Canada, the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver offer many benefits that many people consider are well worth the price.
If you’re shopping for a home in Vancouver, ask yourself what features are most important. For example, try the Central downtown area or the West End if you want a fast and convenient commute. On the other hand, if you prefer a family-friendly neighbourhood, South Vancouver has excellent schools and a warm community atmosphere.
Here’s a list of our picks of some of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver. We include their benefits, general vibe, and what you can expect regarding prices and available properties. It will help you decide which area is best for you and best fits into your housing budget.
Downtown Vancouver
This commercial-residential area includes West End, Yaletown, Coal Harbour, and Gastown. Most of the properties are high-rise buildings. Space may be limited, but you enjoy top-notch facilities and the convenience of being in the middle of the city’s trendiest spots.
The area is home to the Pacific Centre Shopping Mall, Vancouver Public Library, Vancouver Art Gallery, and many of the city’s most popular restaurants and attractions.
West End is considered the “premium, exclusive area” because it is within walking distance from Stanley Park and has excellent English Bay and Coal Harbour views. However, expect to pay top dollar for your property – this is one of the most expensive places to live, not just in Vancouver but the whole of Canada.
Kitsilano
Kitsilano is truly one of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver. It has a more relaxed vibe, reflecting its history as one of the city’s “hippie hangouts” in the 1960s. And it has plenty of parks, museums, and beaches.
Kitsilano is popular among people who want an active lifestyle and family-friendly activities. You can do watersports at Kits Beach and Jericho Beach, swim in Canada’s biggest swimming pool, and visit the HR MacMillan Space Center.
It is also a bike-friendly neighbourhood, and there are plenty of parks and shaded areas where you can take your bike for a spin or relax.
West Point Grey
West Point Grey is one of Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhoods and is very popular among couples, young families with children, or seniors wanting a quiet area with good access to health care and recreation facilities.
West Point Grey has seven community parks, and you will never be more than 800 meters away from one. Cherry trees line the shopping districts, and many spots give stunning ocean views. You can also walk to the beach park.
South Granville
Granville is a good choice if you like Downtown’s urban vibe but need more affordable property prices. It is south of the Downtown area and has many restaurants, bars, galleries, theatres, and bustling public markets.
Commuting is convenient, too; you can take a five-minute bus ride to the Downtown area or other express bus lines to East Vancouver, the University of British Columbia, and more.
Eastern Vancouver
Grandview is one of the best neighbourhoods in Eastern Vancouver. It has several schools, farmer’s markets, and restaurants offering different cuisines. In addition, it has an eclectic mix of shops that sell everything from the latest fashion trends to handmade items from local artists.
It is an ethnically diverse neighbourhood with both young couples and families. In addition, the area is ideal for raising kids because of the abundance of public and private schools and larger property sizes for single detached homes.
The neighbourhood’s crown jewel is Trout Lake, where you can fish, boat, swim, have a picnic, and more. You can also take weekend classes at the John Hendry Park activity center or shop at the iconic Commercial Drive.
Aside from Grandview, other good neighbourhoods in Eastern Vancouver lie along Main Street (near Chinatown and Downtown East Side) and Commercial Drive. Main Street has a very artsy, cultural vibe with plenty of affordable restaurants and local crafts; Commercial Drive is a cozy community with affordable property prices and good public transportation.
Mount Pleasant
As its name implies, this is a friendly and laid-back neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. Most residents are below 40 years old and below, and it is one of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver for working professionals and young couples. It is also popular among students and artists.
Aside from the reasonably priced homes, Mount Pleasant has an excellent transportation network that directly links to the Canada Line, SeaBus, West Coast Express, and the Skytrain – making it easy to commute to Downtown or your workplace.
Because of the neighbourhood’s youthful population, it has plenty of trendy restaurants and coffee shops, fitness clubs and studios, and entertainment venues.
Two of Canada’s largest concert venues are found at Mount Pleasant’s foot, giving you a “front seat” to some of the biggest events.
The area’s strong artistic roots have also led to several galleries, art shows, and comedy venues. As a result, Mount Pleasant is an excellent choice for those who prefer a more “alternative” or “indie” culture to Downtown’s glitzy vibe.
Kerrisdale
Found south of Kitsilano, Kerrisdale is a quiet neighbourhood with affordable apartments, exclusive high-rise condos, and reasonably priced houses.
While it does not have a lot of restaurants, shops and recreation facilities, you can reach Kitsilano in 15 minutes and the core downtown area in 25 minutes. In addition, the University of British Columbia is only a quick bus ride away.
The neighbourhood’s peaceful atmosphere and convenient location are ideal for someone who wants to “get away from the hustle and bustle” but still commute to work or school without hassle.
It is also a popular choice among retirees, who form a large percentage of its population.
Best Neighbourhoods In Vancouver For Your Budget
Vancouver is one of the best cities in the world, but it does have a high cost of living – and one of the highest costs of housing in Canada and even North America. This is especially true for popular areas like Downtown and Kitsilano.
However, many areas in Vancouver have been developed and renovated to offer affordable, middle-class housing for young couples, professionals, and students. You can find a suitable apartment or condo near public transportation with little shopping around.
These new neighbourhoods may not be as famous or prestigious, but they are safe, full of amenities, affordable, and just a bus ride away from Vancouver’s top attractions and nature spots.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
Do you want to know if it would be better to live in Montreal or Toronto, what a physiotherapist earns in Canada or what ringette is?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
FAQ Best Neighbourhoods In Vancouver
Is it Expensive to Live in Vancouver?
Vancouver is a beautiful but expensive place to live. It has some of the most expensive real estate in Canada and the world. The city is also based in British Columbia, which has higher sales tax than many Canadian provinces and higher income taxes. Despite this, the city remains an attractive destination for many people due to its world-class quality of life and amenities.
Does it Snow in Vancouver?
It does snow in Vancouver, but its climate is relatively mild for Canada, and the average snowfall is less than 50mm per annum. Most snow falls from December to March, but it usually melts quickly, especially downtown and the areas closer to sea level. However, for those who like winter activities such as skiing, nearby mountains provide plenty of options.
What is Vancouver Known For?
Vancouver is known for its stunning natural beauty; it is set on the ocean, with a backdrop of mountains to its north and east. The city also has a vibrant culture, with excellent restaurants, shopping options and nightlife. Vancouver is famously multicultural, with a sizeable Chinese population and some of the best Chinese food in the country.
What are the Disadvantages of Living in Vancouver?
The main disadvantage of living in Vancouver is the cost of living; the city is one of the most expensive in the world. The city also suffers from high levels of traffic congestion and probably outranks all other Canadian cities in this respect. Many people also dislike the wet climate; sometimes, the rain can continue for days without a break.
English 
French 
Chinese 
Spanish