Living in Vancouver
Vancouver is the heart of the region: a city of about 115 square kilometres between Burrard Inlet, English Bay and the Fraser River. Its downtown peninsula holds the business district, Stanley Park and some of the densest residential neighbourhoods in North America, while the rest of the city is made up of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own high street.
The west side, including Kitsilano, Point Grey, Dunbar and Kerrisdale, is known for beaches, character homes and proximity to UBC. The east side, including Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive and Hastings-Sunrise, is known for its independent shops, older homes and creative communities. Vancouver has some of the highest home values in Canada, so most buyers weigh location against space carefully.
Neighbourhoods
Downtown & Yaletown
High-rise living near offices, False Creek, the seawall and nightlife.
West End & Coal Harbour
Walkable, leafy streets next to Stanley Park and English Bay.
Kitsilano
Beach neighbourhood with character homes, condos and West 4th shopping.
Mount Pleasant
Breweries, Main Street shops and a mix of older and new homes.
Grandview-Woodland
Commercial Drive's cafes and established homes.
Kerrisdale & Dunbar
Quiet west-side family areas with large homes and village shopping.
Point Grey
Near UBC and Spanish Banks with large view homes.
Marpole
South Vancouver near the Canada Line with new development.
Killarney & Hastings-Sunrise
East-side family neighbourhoods with parks and views.
Homes & housing
Concrete high-rise condos downtown and along transit corridors, wood-frame condos across the city, character homes, duplexes and multiplexes now allowed on many lots, laneway homes, and townhouses. Detached homes on the west side are among the most expensive in the country.
Lifestyle & amenities
- Stanley Park, the seawall, English Bay and Kitsilano Beach
- Granville Island, Gastown and Chinatown
- Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden
- Major sports, concerts and arts venues
- Restaurants across every neighbourhood
Schools & healthcare
Public schools are run by the Vancouver School Board (SD39). Post-secondary options include UBC, SFU Vancouver, Langara College, Emily Carr University and BCIT's downtown campus.
Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital, among others.
Getting around
The Expo, Millennium and Canada Lines all serve Vancouver, along with the SeaBus to North Vancouver.
What buyers should know
- The City of Vancouver charges an Empty Homes Tax on homes that are not principal residences or rented.
- Many character homes have heritage considerations.
- New multiplex zoning may affect the value and future of single-family lots.
- Review depreciation reports carefully for older wood-frame condos.
Best suited to: Professionals, downsizers and buyers who want urban, walkable living.
Vancouver questions
What neighbourhoods are in Vancouver?
Vancouver includes Downtown & Yaletown, West End & Coal Harbour, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Grandview-Woodland, Kerrisdale & Dunbar, Point Grey, Marpole, Killarney & Hastings-Sunrise.
What types of homes are in Vancouver?
Concrete high-rise condos downtown and along transit corridors, wood-frame condos across the city, character homes, duplexes and multiplexes now allowed on many lots, laneway homes, and townhouses. Detached homes on the west side are among the most expensive in the country.
Which school district serves Vancouver?
Public schools are run by the Vancouver School Board (SD39). Post-secondary options include UBC, SFU Vancouver, Langara College, Emily Carr University and BCIT's downtown campus.
How do you get around Vancouver?
The Expo, Millennium and Canada Lines all serve Vancouver, along with the SeaBus to North Vancouver.
Who is Vancouver a good fit for?
Professionals, downsizers and buyers who want urban, walkable living.
Is there a hospital near Vancouver?
Vancouver General Hospital and St. Paul's Hospital, among others.
Nearby areas
Thinking about Vancouver?
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