Burnaby is a diverse city within the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. Nestled in the centre of the Burrard Peninsula, Burnaby is seen as a mini-Vancouver. As the third-largest city by population in the Metro Vancouver area, Burnaby has all the diversity and excitement of Vancouver without being quite in the city’s heart. This metropolitan city has a wide array of things that’ll keep you occupied; from universities to parks to shopping centers to giant suspension bridges, Burnaby has it all. If you are looking for homes for sale in British Columbia, and you love to be a part of city life, Burnaby could be right up your alley. Read more.
Burnaby, BC Real Estate Market
Much like the rest of Metro Vancouver, Burnaby’s real estate market is booming. In fact, single-family home prices in Burnaby have increased by 16% in the past year alone. The price increase isn’t keeping buyers uninterested, though. The market report for September 2021 indicates that home sales were 20.8% above the 10-year average for the area. Regardless, finding homes for sale in Burnaby is still competitive, with the number of listings in 2021 being 1.2% below the 10-year average.
Most of what you’ll find in Burnaby are condos and single-family homes, with a few townhomes sprinkled throughout the area. As a major Metro Vancouver city, condos for sale in Burnaby are becoming more common selling for an average of $781K. Single-family homes typically sell for around $2.2M, and townhouses sell for an average of $1.1M. Burnaby homes for sale are usually on the market for a median of 16 days before they are sold.
While this bustling city is mostly made up of condos, single-family homes for sale in Burnaby are still prominent throughout the area. Most of the properties you’ll find in Burnaby are in the Colonial Revival, Tudor, and Bungalow Styles, with more modern styles popping up as of recent.
Burnaby Average Property Prices
- Average home price: $2.2M
- Average condo price: $781,000
- Average townhouse price: $1.1M
Burnaby Neighbourhoods
Wondering which Burnaby neighbourhood is right for you? This city has 11 unique communities to choose from; from condo-clad areas buzzing with young professionals to tree-lined streets peppered with parks for the whole family, you’re sure to find your dream home in Burnaby. Here’s the breakdown of some of Burnaby’s most popular neighbourhoods:
Brentwood Park: Brentwood has historically been a neighbourhood with an even mix of detachable homes and condos but recently underwent major renovations. Now you will find Brentwood to be one of North America’s largest urban centres, with more than 250 amenities and 11 new residential towers. If you love city life with a little bit of everything at arms reach, Brentwood is perfect for you.
Burnaby Lake/Cariboo/Crest: If you are looking for a more peaceful, green environment, Burnaby Lake is the right move. With 770 acres of park space right outside your front door, you’ll have unlimited opportunities to get into the great outdoors. While this neighbourhood is primarily residential, it is still close enough to Burnaby’s hot spots to run errands or meet up with friends.
Deer Lake/Oakland/Buckingham Heights: This Burnaby neighbourhood is an even mix of artistic attractions and tranquil greenspace. Deer Lake Park will be right on your doorstep, and museums, galleries, and cafes are just around the corner. With a mix of older and newer single-family properties, there is sure to be a home you love in Deer Lake.
Garden/Greentree Village/Forest Glen: An excellent neighbourhood for families, Garden Village has all the spaces you need – from baseball diamonds to basketball courts to parks and community pools. This is an extremely diverse community where you and your family will always run into a neighbour or two. If you want a family-friendly space, Garden Village is your answer.
Metrotown: Officially designated as the Burnaby city centre, Metrotown is known for its extensive shopping and entertainment options. You’ll primarily find large condominium towers here, surrounded by countless public transportation options and over 500 shops and services. Do you value convenience? Metrotown is as convenient as it gets!
Burnaby Schools
Burnaby is a wonderful spot for families, and no matter what age your kids are, you will find a primary, secondary, or university-level school for them. Managed by School District 41, Burnaby Schools provide 41 elementary schools and eight secondary schools to choose from. Not only that, but Burnaby also has a Community and Adult Education Department and an International Students Programme for those who would like to go back to school or enter into an immersive learning environment. Here are some of the top schooling options to choose from in Burnaby:
Elementary Schools
- Gilmore Community School
- Maywood Community School
- École Brantford Elementary School
- Vancouver Christian School
- Edmonds Community School
Secondary Schools
- École Alpha Secondary School
- Burnaby Central Secondary School
- Burnaby South Secondary School
- Moscrop Secondary School
Universities
- Simon Fraser University
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
Burnaby Real Estate FAQs
What postal codes are in Burnaby?:
The postal codes in Burnaby include: V5A, V5B, V5C, V5E, V5G, V5H, V5J.
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Burnaby?
Burnaby is about a 50-minute drive from the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
How Far is Vancouver From Burnaby?
Vancouver is Burnaby’s neighbouring city, with a 15-minute commute from Burnaby to Vancouver.
Is Burnaby within Metro Vancouver?
Yes, Burnaby is the third-largest city by population in the Vancouver Metro Area.
What is The Average House Price in Burnaby, BC?
The average price for single-family homes for sale in Burnaby is around $2.2M.
Living In Burnaby, British Columbia
An exciting, diverse, and urban community, Burnaby is bursting with flavour! What is already a thriving community of families, young professionals, and students is only getting better, with new developments popping up every day. Here is some information on what it’s like to live in Burnaby, BC:
While Burnaby is an urban city, there are plenty of nature-filled areas to find! Deer Lake Park offers tranquil views, while river rafting and tubing are available in the Fraser Valley. In Burnaby, you can go for a walk in the park and have an exciting night out in the town without ever leaving the city.
The City of Burnaby has won several awards for having a family-oriented and sustainable lifestyle. From the Green Champion Award in 2011 to the Sustainable Community Award, Burnaby is a leader in eco-friendly efforts throughout the country. Burnaby was even one of the first communities in the province to implement an open watercourse policy!
When we say Burnaby is a diverse city, we mean it! Burnaby has some exclusive global partnerships to expand its cultural footprint. Burnaby’s four “sister cities” are Mesa, AZ, Hwaseon, Korea, Zhongshan City, China, and Kushiro, Japan.
In 2010, Burnaby was one of the first municipalities in the Lower Mainland to have a city-wide food recycling program.
Some well-known names that have come out of Burnaby include soccer player Christine Sinclair and actor Michael J. Fox. In fact, Burnaby has a popular theatre named after the Hollywood icon!
The Skytrain is one of the biggest advantages of living in Burnaby. With the SkyTrain, you’ll be able to get to other areas of Metro Vancouver in a breeze. Whether you need to travel for work or an appointment, it’ll be easy to make it there.
Burnaby Jobs
Burnaby’s economy is just as diverse as its community. Similar to Vancouver, Burnaby has a wide array of economic sectors, including technology, entertainment, retail, and manufacturing. There are two major commercial centres in the city, with several business parks and transit lines to supplement. Here are some of the major companies in each industry throughout Burnaby:
Technology
- Ballard Power Systems
- D-Wave Systems
- EA Canada
- Clio
- Creo Imaging
Entertainment
- The Bridge Studios
- Global TV
- Canada Wide Media
Manufacturing
- Chevron Corporation
- Petro-Canada
- Mercedes Benz
Transportation
- TransLink
Burnaby Transportation
Located near the centre of Vancouver, Burnaby is surrounded by a number of highways, including the Trans-Canada Highway. For those with their own vehicles, it’s incredibly easy to get around town. However, the growing population of the Metro Vancouver area has caused some intense traffic, which has incentivized many to make use of public transportation. The TransLink system in Burnaby consists of the SkyTrain, the bus, the subway system, and even the SeaBus! There are countless stations peppered throughout the city for you to choose from, making it simple to commute without all that traffic. Burnaby is also very bike-friendly, with sidewalks and bike-share programs for residents to take advantage of.
Distance to Major Cities
- 10 Kilometres to Vancouver, BC
- 20 Kilometres to Surrey, BC
- 92 Kilometres to Victoria, BC
- 187 Kilometres to Seattle, WA
- 414 Kilometres to Portland, OR
Things To Do In Burnaby, British Columbia
Metro Vancouver’s third-largest city offers plenty to see and do for residents and visitors alike. From unique art galleries to ice rinks to world-wonders, Burnaby is a city you’ll never get tired of. Here are some of the top things to do in Burnaby, BC:
Burnaby Heights
Located in northern Burnaby, Burnaby Heights is the prime spot for events and festivals in the area. Not many tourists make their way there, but residents get to enjoy year-round festivities such as the Lunar New Year Parade, the Giro di Burnaby bicycle race, Deck the Heights, Hats Off Day, and more. There is no place that showcases Burnaby’s diversity quite like the Heights!
Metropolis at Metrotown
British Columbia’s largest shopping mall is situated right here in Burnaby! Residents have access to over 450 stores and services in this shopping centre, as it is also the third-largest in all of Canada. Right next door is the Metrotown SkyTrain, so you can travel here from just about anywhere in Burnaby!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Nestled just outside of Burnaby, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most popular attractions in all of Vancouver – and for a good reason! This 140-metre bridge is suspended 70 metres above the Capilano River, allowing brave visitors to walk across and see some stunning views. Other park features include picnic areas, smaller rope trails, souvenir shops, and an outdoor restaurant.
Central Park
As a tribute to Vancouver’s second mayor’s wife, who was from New York, Burnaby named this park in her honour. Burnaby’s Central Park is a 90-hectare green space with plenty of room to run around. This park has an award-winning playground, a swimming pool, tennis courts, a stadium, and tons more!
Burnaby Central Railway
This Burnaby hidden gem is popular with a niche set of locals, but it’s fun for anyone to explore. This is a miniature-railway park where people of all ages can ride on a miniature train. It’s the perfect day out for the family and could even be a great spot for birthday parties!
Burnaby Mountain
Home to Playground of the Gods, Burnaby Mountain has some of the best views of Vancouver you’ll ever see. With 26 multi-use trails, you can head here to walk, jog, picnic, or bike under the sunset. Finish the night off in the Centennial Rose Garden or grab a bite to eat at Horizons Restaurant.
Burnaby Art Gallery
The Burnaby Art Gallery exhibits contemporary and historical art by artists from all over the world. It’s a great place to stroll through and find some new artists, meet up with friends, and can even be the perfect place for an educational field trip.
Deer Lake Park
Deer Lake Park is in the heart of Burnaby and provides a little bit of nature in the middle of the city. Here you’ll find a small beach, a walking trail, and kayak, canoe, rowboat, and pedal boat rentals. In the summer months, the lake is full of Burnaby residents splashing around in the sun while others walk the perimeter in search of shops or galleries.
Barnet Marine Park
If you’re looking for more water sports, the Barnet Marine Park is where you want to be. This sandy shore is one of Vancouver’s best beaches, featuring walking trails and an off-leash dog area.
Anton’s Pasta Bar
A local favourite, Anton’s Pasta Bar, is known for its long lines. Why is it so crowded? Anton’s gives enormous servings of pasta for reasonable prices. In fact, it’s so rare to finish your whole meal in the restaurant that if you do, they give you a celebratory pen that says, “I ate my entire meal at Anton’s Pasta Bar”.
