Are you looking for a fresh start in the Vancouver area? This blog post will list the best suburbs to live in near Vancouver, based on several factors, such as commute time, amenities, and affordability. Each suburb has its own unique set of benefits, so be sure to read through to find the perfect fit for you. We hope that this information helps make your decision easier and less stressful. Whether you’re a young family or a retiree, continue reading to find the perfect suburb for you.
Burnaby
With its prime location just east of Vancouver, pristine parks and gardens, and world-class educational institutions, Burnaby is one of the most desirable places to live in Metro Vancouver. It’s ideal for families or retirees that want amenities and options close by without being in the heart of Vancouver. Burnaby literally has it all with its own hospital and a major park, all while soaking up views of Burrard Inlet. Residents can take buses or the Skytrain, the light-rail trains that connect Burnaby with downtown Vancouver. If driving, Vancouver is about a 25-minute commute from Burnaby.
The homes for sale in Burnaby are a mix of single-family homes and condos, with a few townhomes spread out across the city. You can typically find condos for sale averaging $781K, single-family homes listed at around $2.2M, and townhomes on the market for about $1.1M.
Some of the most distinct neighbourhoods in Burnaby are:
- Greentree Village- Looking for a neighbourhood that’s perfect for your family? Look no further than Greentree Village! With plenty of space for activities – from baseball diamonds to basketball courts to parks and community pools – you and your loved ones will always have something to keep busy. Plus, this is an extremely diverse community, so you’ll be sure to make friends from all walks of life.
- Burnaby Lake- This is a neighbourhood that offers both peace and convenience. This beautiful community is surrounded by 770 acres of parkland, so you’ll be able to get out and enjoy nature any time you want. While Burnaby Lake is primarily residential, it’s still close to all the amenities you need. If you’re wanting the perfect balance of urban and natural living, Burnaby Lake may be the place for you!
- Deer Lake- This neighbourhood blends peaceful tranquillity with a vibrant culture. It’s home to gorgeous green spaces and world-class cultural attractions. You’ll love the mix of older and newer homes, and the convenience of being so close to everything.
North Vancouver
Snug between the mountains and the ocean, residents of North Vancouver have it all at their doorstep. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer, there’s always something to do. There are over 100 parks within North Vancouver, which makes them easy and accessible from anywhere in town! Most people living in North Vancouver ride the Seabus ferries, which connect them to downtown Vancouver in about 12 minutes.
About half of the homes for sale in North Vancouver are condos that sell for an average of $952K. Single-detached homes for sale make up about 35% of the stock with a median price of $2.798M, while only about 15% of them are townhomes selling for about $1.384M.
A few neighbourhoods worth mentioning are:
- Harbourside- This new waterfront development offers retail and commercial space, offices, condos for sale, apartments for rent, and beautiful garden spaces. You wouldn’t have to wonder if your condo will lose value over time here. Harbourside has an atmosphere reminiscent of the Shipyards area of Lower Lonsdale that’s designed with sustainability in mind, green technology, and smart home systems, Harbourside is ideal for anyone who wants to live in a vibrant neighbourhood with plenty of amenities nearby.
- Princess Park-This is a quiet, idyllic residential area that’s perfect for families with its charming 1950s-1970s era homes and child-friendly cul-de-sacs throughout the neighbourhood. The community park is also a favourite spot for locals, and homes are within easy walking distance of an elementary school.
- Woodlands/Sunshine/Cascade- This exclusive and scenic neighbourhood is located north of Deep Cove and is on the far eastern side of the North Shore. To get here, residents either travel by boat or drive down Indian River Dr. Though there are year-round residents here, it’s a common place for a second home or a vacation home because it’s seen as a place to escape the hustle and bustle, with golf courses and skiing close by.
New Westminster
This is a neighbourhood that has character, style, and history. New Westminster pre-dates Vancouver, and the communities are incredibly walkable. Most people feel quite safe on the streets here. In fact, this area is ideal for raising children as the school district offers Montessori and mainstream teaching methods. There are several things to do here, including a discovery centre to explore and several parks to enjoy! New Westminster has five SkyTrain stations along the Expo line that can get you to downtown Vancouver in under 40 minutes. With many stations in such a small city, commuting is incredibly convenient.
Homes for sale in New Westminster sale sum up one of Canada’s fastest-growing markets, with more than 60 properties being sold every month at an average price point of $680k. Most homes for sale in Westminster are condos with 2 bedrooms, while the rest are a mix of townhomes and single-detached houses.
A few top neighbourhoods in Westminster include:
- The Heights NW- This neighbourhood is full of single-family homes along the south side of the Westminster Hills. Due to the elevation of this community, many homes have stunning views of the Fraser River and Mt. Baker. It’s also sandwiched between two large New Westminster parks: Hume Park and Queen’s Park.
- West End NW- New Westminster’s West End neighbourhood consists primarily of single-family homes, with some low-rise apartments and duplexes. It’s ideal for young families with elementary-age children as there are preschools and elementary schools throughout the community. The beautiful Grimson Park is close by with a lacrosse box, wading pool, soccer fields, and tennis courts.
- Glenbrooke North- Glenbrooke North is the perfect neighbourhood for those looking to live in an area with close friends and family. The streets are lined with cherry trees, and every spring brings blankets of pink petals covering everything! Additionally, there are several small shops, big chain stores, and restaurants close to the homes here.
White Rock
The quintessential place to spend your retirement years or raise a family, White Rock is a sunny oasis by the ocean. With plenty of nearby parks and green spaces, as well as its own unique climate, White Rock is the perfect place to get outside and enjoy the fresh air. The easiest way to get around this city is by vehicle or using the public transportation buses that service through the White Rock Centre transit exchange.
Over 40% of the homes for sale in White Rock are low-rise apartment buildings and the rest are a mixture of condos, townhomes, and single-detached houses. Homes for sale in White Rock are relatively more affordable than in the Greater Vancouver Area, with average condo prices of $855K, townhomes for $1.2M, and single-detached homes selling for about $2.9M.
There are no distinct neighbourhoods in White Rock because it’s so small unless you count the downtown area (Uptown) where all the shops and restaurants are. What makes White Rock so attractive is that it’s situated on the slope of a hill, offering views of the water nearly anywhere you reside in the city!
Port Moody
This Tri-City community is ideal for growing families! With its hilly terrain and abundance of homes with large yards and attached garages, this town is perfect for families on the go. Plus, the townhomes here are roomy and perfect for hosting gatherings with friends and family. The majority of Port Moody residents drive. However, there is access to the Inlet and Moody Centre Stations that connect to the West Coast Express and Millennium Lines.
There is a variety of homes for sale in Port Moody, with single-detached homes and condos making up the majority of the available homes. It’s common to find homes selling above list price, with the average detached home price being around $2.2M, condos selling for about just over $780K, and townhomes averaging $799K.
The most notable neighbourhoods in Port Moody are:
- Glenayre- This neighbourhood is conveniently located and surrounded by nature. Glenayre is a charming community situated in the heart of Port Moody and is close to schools, parks, and all the amenities you need. What’s more, residents here enjoy easy access to Burnaby Mountain and all its incredible hiking trails!
- Heritage Woods- This pristine neighbourhood is situated along a greenbelt that allows you to enjoy nature right outside your back door. Heritage Woods is only a few minutes away from Newport Village and other amenities, so you’re never too far from the action of the city.
- Heritage Mountain- Heritage Mountain is a beautiful, peaceful neighbourhood located in Port Moody. This neighbourhood is perfect for those who want to be close to city life, but enjoy the peace and quiet of nature. Homes are located on the side of the mountain, with beautiful views of Burrard Inlet. This community is known for its trails and parks that make this neighbourhood perfect for walking and biking.
