Vancouver is easily one of the most desirable places to live in the country, and there’s plenty of good reason for it. We have everything you could ask for: scenic nature, mild climate (especially for Canada!), culture and all the amenities of a bustling metropolis. Where else can you be in the thick of city life and then, in just a short travel time, be amidst the most beautiful scenes mother nature has to offer. Vancouver is one of the world’s best cities to live in and consistently ranks in the top three of the world’s most livable cities.
Whether you are relocating to Vancouver, or are just looking to relocate within the city, you may be asking yourself “What are the best neighbourhoods?”. Well the answer to that question depends of course on what is best for you. Making a decision as to what area is right for you all depends on factors like your budget, your needs, and your wants. Really it’s about what kind of lifestyle you are looking for, coupled with what you are ready to spend on purchasing a home. Lucky for you, Vancouver has a range of neighbourhoods each with their own unique qualities and characteristics. As a realtor I’ve spent a lot of time in this city getting to know the ins and outs so I’m here to share that insight with you.
Here are my top 5 list of places to live in Vancouver:
Most Popular – Downtown
The core of Vancouver is a special place to live. Granville Street has all the live music and night clubs you could hope for, while the LGBTQ-friendly West End is one of the friendliest, cleanest and most beautiful areas of any major city in the world. If you choose to live in the Downtown area, you can most likely expect to live in a high-rise residential unit. Yaletown is one of Vancouver’s hottest and trendiest neighbourhoods. Gastown offers historic charm and a refreshing mix of old and new. Coal Harbour is an extremely affluent area populated mainly by older professionals and retirees. This is just an overview of a few of the areas that make up downtown and goes to show you there is really something for everyone in the core of this beautiful city.
View my Real Estate listings in Downtown Vancouver
Most Trendy – Kitsilano
Lovingly referred to by locals as “Kits” this neighbourhood is perfect for anyone who loves an active lifestyle. Kitsilano is popular because it is lined with two of Vancouver’s most famous beaches, Kits Beach and Jericho Beach, and has great views of Downtown and the North Shore mountains. Here you will find an array of yoga studios, organic markets, and multicultural restaurants. Enjoy all that this area has to offer while also being minutes from downtown.
View my Real Estate listings in Kitsilano
Most Outdoorsy – North Vancouver
North Vancouver is a family oriented suburb with easy access to the North Shore mountains for biking and snowboarding. This area is an outdoor lovers dream! The opportunities to get outside and enjoy the fresh air are not limited to certain months of the year but vary with the kind of activities you may enjoy. If you love being surrounded by green spaces then North Vancouver is for you. It won’t be a sacrifice to be closer to nature considering North Vancouver has many of the same perks that downtown has with its restaurants, markets, views and attractions.
View my Real Estate listing in North Vancouver
Most Artsy – Mount Pleasant VE (Vancouver East)
Mount Pleasant is situated southeast of downtown Vancouver. It’s located between Cambie Street to the west and Clark Drive to the east, 2nd Avenue to the north and 16th Avenue and Kingsway to the south. Here you will find artists, musicians, artsy boutiques, and family run restaurants. The flip side of ‘slick’ Downtown Vancouver, East Van has a down-to-earth vibe where you’ll find the working class, young couples, families and students. As a result, you can find much more affordable housing in this area than the Downtown core.
View my Real Estatelistings in Mount Pleasant
Most family friendly – Marpole
Located further south beyond 49th St, the Marpole area offers great value and is well-served by public transport along Oak and Granville St. This area is a lot more family-oriented (and as a result, not much going on in terms of bars or restaurants) than other neighbourhoods in Vancouver but in exchange you get larger bedrooms with backyards, great for a group of people looking to rent a house with several bedrooms or families who want a suburban lifestyle.
View my Real Estate listings in Marpole
For more information on real estate market in Vancouver, current trends, buying a home or selling a home, contact Leo Wilk – Your Top Vancouver Realtor.
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