Living in New Westminster
New Westminster, known as the Royal City, was BC's first capital and is one of the oldest cities in western Canada. It sits on a hill overlooking the Fraser River between Burnaby, Coquitlam and Surrey.
Its downtown along Columbia Street has heritage buildings, and the Quayside boardwalk and River Market line the waterfront. Several SkyTrain stations make it one of the best-connected cities in the region.
Neighbourhoods
Downtown & Quay
Towers and heritage buildings on the river.
Sapperton
Historic area around Royal Columbian Hospital.
Queen's Park
Heritage homes around one of the region's oldest parks.
Uptown
Shops and condos around Sixth Street and Sixth Avenue.
Queensborough
Island community with newer homes and townhouses.
Glenbrooke North
Family neighbourhood with established homes.
Connaught Heights
Western neighbourhood next to Burnaby.
Homes & housing
High-rise and older wood-frame condos downtown and Uptown, heritage homes around Queen's Park, and newer homes and townhouses in Queensborough.
Lifestyle & amenities
- Quayside boardwalk and River Market
- Queen's Park and its heritage homes
- Columbia Street's restaurants
- təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre (opened 2024) and the Anvil Centre
Schools & healthcare
Public schools are run by the New Westminster School District (SD40). Douglas College's main campus is in New Westminster.
Royal Columbian Hospital in Sapperton.
Getting around
Several Expo Line stations, including New Westminster, Columbia, Sapperton and 22nd Street, and the Pattullo Bridge to Surrey.
What buyers should know
- Heritage homes may come with renovation restrictions.
- Queensborough is low-lying, so check flood levels.
- Many older condos need careful strata review.
Best suited to: Commuters, first-time buyers and heritage-home lovers.
New Westminster questions
What neighbourhoods are in New Westminster?
New Westminster includes Downtown & Quay, Sapperton, Queen's Park, Uptown, Queensborough, Glenbrooke North, Connaught Heights.
What types of homes are in New Westminster?
High-rise and older wood-frame condos downtown and Uptown, heritage homes around Queen's Park, and newer homes and townhouses in Queensborough.
Which school district serves New Westminster?
Public schools are run by the New Westminster School District (SD40). Douglas College's main campus is in New Westminster.
How do you get around New Westminster?
Several Expo Line stations, including New Westminster, Columbia, Sapperton and 22nd Street, and the Pattullo Bridge to Surrey.
Who is New Westminster a good fit for?
Commuters, first-time buyers and heritage-home lovers.
Is there a hospital near New Westminster?
Royal Columbian Hospital in Sapperton.
Thinking about New Westminster?
Shobit can pull recent sales, compare homes and show you what's available right now.