Planning on becoming a Vancouverite and wondering which neighborhood is right for you?
Finding your perfect place can feel more challenging than a grizzly bear wrestling match. The good news is you’ve found a great city. Vancouver is consistently ranked as the 5th most livable city in the world.
Here are our top 6 picks for you to consider for your move to Vancouver.
1. Kitsilano: beach living meets urban chic
Kitsilano, or “Kits,” as locals affectionately call it, is a popular neighborhood for young professionals and families. The neighborhood really embodies the West Coast vibe.
Its stunning views of the mountains and the sea make it easy to see why it’s such a popular choice.
- Pros: Kitsilano Beach, one of Vancouver’s most popular, is right in your backyard. Also, there’s a fantastic selection of local boutiques, organic markets, and coffee shops—a great family location with good schools.
- Cons: The cost of living here is a bit on the high side, and it can be challenging to find parking.
Home costs
Here, you’ll find a mix of single-family homes, condos, and rental apartments. The median home price hovers around $1.4 million.
Renting a suitable property starts at around $2,500 for a one-bedroom apartment.
2. West End: a blend of the old and the new
The West End is a vibrant, diverse, and inclusive neighborhood nestled right next to downtown Vancouver. It’s a place where everyone feels welcome.
- Pros: Fantastic restaurants, easy access to Stanley Park, and a friendly community vibe.
- Cons: Things can get a bit noisy due to the high volume of tourists and traffic.
Home costs
The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $2,300. And if you’re thinking about buying, expect to pay around $700,000 for a one-bedroom apartment.
3. Mount Pleasant: hipster haven
Mount Pleasant, in an up-and-coming area with a thriving arts community, it’s perfect if you love to be in the middle of the action.
- Pros: Home to many local breweries, vintage stores, and world-class dining options, you’ll never run out of things to do.
- Cons: It can feel a bit crowded, and rent prices are steadily increasing.
Home costs
With its cool, artisanal vibe, finding a rental at a reasonable price can be challenging, with one-bedroom rentals averaging around $2,500.
Planning on buying a property? Expect prices to start at about $650,000 for a reasonable one-bed apartment.
4. Yaletown: trendy downtown lofts
Once an industrial district, Yaletown has transformed into a chic, upscale neighborhood that young professionals adore.
- Pros: High-end restaurants, trendy boutiques, and close proximity to the seawall for those sunset bike rides.
- Cons: The cost of living is high and can feel a bit too “trendy” for some.
Home costs
A former warehouse district turned hip urban oasis, Yaletown’s median condo price is around $1 Million. If renting is your choice, plan for about $3,000 a month for a nice one-bedroom condo.
5. West Point Grey: affluent, mature, and fabulous
West Point Gray, or simply Point Grey, is one of the oldest and most sought-after neighborhoods in Vancouver—an ideal haven for nature enthusiasts, professionals, and academics alike.
Cozily nestled on the western tip of the Vancouver Peninsula, with the University of British Columbia at its doorstep and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park as its own backyard, it’s no wonder this neighborhood made our list!
- Pros: Stunning ocean views and easy access to beaches like the popular Spanish Banks and massive green spaces like Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Great location for families with fantastic schools.
- Cons: It’s one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Vancouver, so be prepared to pay a premium for the privilege of living here.
Home costs
As one of the most affluent areas in Vancouver with many well-established long-term residents, the desirability of the location is reflected in property prices.
If you’re planning to rent, you’ll need to be prepared to put some time into hunting for the right property. Expect to pay $2500 monthly for a small one-bed apartment and $3000 for a well-equipped two-bed apartment.
Buyers, you may want to sit down and get a stiff drink!
First, the good news! There’s some fantastic real estate to be had if your pockets are deep enough.
The bad news. Forget any ideas of going bargain hunting. You need to be budgeting north of $700,000 to open up condo options.
If a detached home is your dream, you need to think $4 million and upwards. How far upwards? At the time of writing, several properties were hitting $60 million!
6. Kerrisdale: for a quieter lifestyle
Widely known as the home of the folks who appreciate the finer things in life, Kerrisdale is a neighborhood like no other.
With a dash of old-world charm and a sprinkle of modern lifestyle, it is a perfect mix of quiet suburban life and city living.
- Pros: Great shopping destination, Kerrisdale is home to some of Vancouver’s most sought-after boutiques and high-end shops. Known for having excellent schools, Kerrisdale is a favorite among families.
- Cons: Living in Kerrisdale comes at a cost, and it is generally considered one of the pricier neighborhoods in Vancouver. It’s also not your best choice if you’re aiming for the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver.
With parks like McCleery Park and amenities such as the Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena, there’s no shortage of recreation options. Foodies will relish the array of restaurants and cafes.
Home costs
Kerrisdale is known for its blend of classic homes and modern condos, but what does that mean for your wallet?
If you’re purchasing a property, expect to pay upwards of $600,000 for a one-bed condo. If you’re looking for a detached family home, you’ll find some good properties from $2 million upwards to $10 million for the most luxurious homes in Kerrisdale.
As a renter, you can expect to pay upwards of $2200 for a one-bed condo. Two-bed and upwards will start at around $2500. Be prepared; it can take some time and effort to find the right property.
Note: The above prices are averages and can vary depending on size, location, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to consult with a real estate professional to get the most accurate information for your specific needs
Still can’t decide?
If you’re not quite settled on where to start your Vancouver home hunt? Let’s look at some aspects that may sway your decision.
Which neighborhood is the most family-friendly?
When it comes to choosing the most family-friendly neighborhood in Vancouver, Kitsilano takes the cake!
This charming area is often seen as the perfect balance for families seeking both city life and a laid-back beach vibe.
- Pros: Kitsilano has numerous parks, including the famous Vanier Park and Kitsilano Beach. It offers excellent schools, like Kitsilano Secondary School and Lord Tennyson Elementary. Plus, it’s close to a myriad of family-friendly restaurants and shops on West 4th Avenue and Broadway.
- Cons: While Kitsilano offers an idyllic lifestyle, it comes with a relatively high cost of living. Housing here can be quite expensive, which might be a barrier for some families.
Adding to its appeal, Kitsilano is also home to the Kitsilano Pool, Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool and a magnet for families during the summer.
Not to mention, the community vibe in this area is unbeatable, with residents often spotted enjoying picnics, beach volleyball, or simply soaking up the sun.
So, if you’re looking for a neighborhood that offers a fantastic quality of life for families, Kitsilano might be your best bet!
Which neighborhood has the best nightlife?
So, you’re a night owl?
Well, you’re in luck! Vancouver’s nightlife is as eclectic and vibrant as it gets, and it’s easy to taxi beyond the constraints of your immediate neighborhood.
But if you have to have it all on your doorstep, our top choice is Yaletown.
Yaletown
Yaletown is the heart of Vancouver’s bustling nightlife scene – this district truly comes alive when the sun goes down.
A haven for the hip and trendy, it’s an enticing mix of high-energy vibes and laid-back lounges.
- Opus Bar: This is no ordinary bar. Opus is a vibrant cocktail lounge with a reputation for its eclectic music and stylish clientele.
- Yaletown Brewing Company: For those who prefer hops over cocktails, this is your spot. It’s Vancouver’s original and best Brewpub—the perfect place to grab a pint and a pizza.
- Bar None Nightclub: A Yaletown staple, this nightclub has hosted epic dance parties for over 20 years. Come for the music; stay for the memories.
But it’s not all about the bars and clubs.
Yaletown is home to some of Vancouver’s best restaurants, offering late-night bites that are sure to satisfy your post-party cravings.
So whether you’re a night owl looking in need of a dancefloor or a foodie in search of midnight munchies, Yaletown’s is ready and waiting.
Which neighborhood is best to retire in?
If you are seeking to spend your retirement in the stunning city of Vancouver, one neighborhood stands out among the rest: Kerrisdale.
With its quiet, tree-lined streets, easy access to amenities, and a strong sense of community, Kerrisdale is a perfect place to enjoy your retirement.
- Peaceful atmosphere: The calm, quiet environment of Kerrisdale makes it an ideal place for retirees. Plus, it’s known for having a slower pace of life, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle.
- Access to amenities: Despite its peaceful vibe, Kerrisdale is not lacking in amenities. Here you’ll find everything you need, from grocery stores and medical clinics to an array of restaurants, cafes, and boutiques.
- Strong community: Kerrisdale has a tight-knit community vibe, with frequent community events and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where neighbors know each other by name.
However, it’s important to note that Kerrisdale is still very much part of Vancouver and comes with higher living costs, reflecting its premium neighborhood status.
It’s also further away from the downtown core, which might be a factor if your retirement hasn’t dampened your craving for city buzz.
And finally
Remember, the perfect neighborhood isn’t just about the location—it’s about finding a place that resonates with your lifestyle and your heart!
Wherever you choose, remember that every neighborhood has its own pros and cons. But hey, isn’t that part of the fun? Exploring, discovering, and eventually falling in love with your new home.
So pack your bags, bid farewell to the old place, and say hello to exciting new beginnings in Vancouver.
Good luck, and welcome to your next big adventure!
You might find useful:
- Living In Canada – a detailed guide for expats on moving and settling down in Canada
- Best Places To Live In Canada
- Which Is The Best Province In Canada
- All About Canadian Lifestyle
- Retiring To Canada
- Canada Visa – How To Move To Canada As A Skilled Person
Helpful external links:
- Official site of the City of Vancouver
- Metro Vancouver services, events, and initiatives – https://metrovancouver.org/
- Vancouver public transportation
- Vancouver school directory
- Vancouver health services