Situated in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia, Vancouver is the most populous city in the province, with a population of over 630,000 people. It is also one of the most ethnically diverse cities in Canada with over 100 different languages spoken there today, which doesn’t even include the city’s official languages of English and French! If you’re considering buying real estate in British Columbia, keep reading to discover what life is like for those who live in the wonderful city of Vancouver.
Real Estate in Vancouver, BC
Vancouver has much to offer in the way of housing stock; from apartment-living downtown or single-family homes in one of the city’s many suburbs, to luxury homes with acreage and room for a garden or farm. Some popular neighbourhoods in Vancouver include Coal Harbour and Downtown, which are perfect for those looking for a lively city life with restaurants, theatres, and shops right at their doorstep! If you’re more of an outdoorsy type then head over to South Surrey or North Vancouver to find your perfect home.
While it appears that Toronto real estate is in higher demand than Vancouver, home buying in Vancouver is still a rapidly-moving and competitive process. Homes only stay on the market for an average of 13 days, so you’ll need to work fast if you want to purchase your dream Vancouver home.
A majority of the homes in Vancouver are single-family dwellings. However, there are also large condominiums and townhomes for those looking to live in a high-rise building closer to city amenities. If you include all Vancouver properties, the average home price is around $1.4M. However, if you split that up by property type, you’ll find that single-family homes list for a whopping $2.6M, condos for $927K, and townhomes for around $1.5M.
Nearby Cities
107 km (76 miles) from Victoria
393 km (244 miles) from Kelowna
354 km (220 miles) from Kamloops
25 km (140 miles) from Seattle
Neighbourhoods in Vancouver, BC
The kind of home and living experience you are looking for determines what the best Vancouver neighbourhood would be for you. Whether you want to leave along the shoreline or in the heart of the city, Vancouver is sure to have the perfect area for you. Here are some of the most popular neighbourhoods in Vancouver:
Downtown Vancouver
The name of this neighbourhood speaks for itself; it is the heart of this bustling city and where you’ll find all the action. With instant access to shopping, entertainment, services, transportation, and more, there isn’t a more convenient neighbourhood than Downtown Vancouver. A majority of the properties you’ll find here are high- and low-rise condos, but if you look closely you’ll be able to find some charming historic houses in between.
North Vancouver
With an equal view of the mountains and the ocean, North Vancouver offers top-notch opportunities to take in the natural beauty of Vancouver. Residents of North Vancouver love to snowboard through the winter and go mountain biking or hike through the summer. In between these adventurous, outdoor activities, you’ll find over 100 greenspaces to stroll through. Not only does buying a home for sale in North Vancouver provide you with excellent outdoor experiences, but it is a quick 12-minute ferry ride to downtown, offering you convenience as well. The best of both worlds truly lies in North Vancouver.
New Westminster
The historic neighbourhood of New Westminster offers a charming, quiet suburb of Vancouver for residents to enjoy. With excellent schools, plenty of parks, and a number of museums and entertainment options in the area, New Westminster is everything you need wrapped into one. Just a 40 minute drive or train ride from downtown Vancouver, many people who live in New Westminster commute in and out of the neighbourhood to work downtown. Living in New Westminster offers a nice balance of a quiet lifestyle with access to big city opportunities.
White Rock
Nestled along the shoreline of Vancouver, White Rock is an excellent place to raise a family or spend your retirement years. White Rock provides a number of opportunities to enjoy the fresh air, including parks, beaches, and walking trails. Homes for sale in White Rock tend to be more affordable than those closer to downtown, but it still offers close proximity to the city amenities. As such a small neighbourhood, White Rock is one of those places where you’ll recognize your neighbours and are likely to see someone you know during any outing.
Port Moody
Ideal for growing families, homes for sale in Port Moody features with large yards and plenty of room to roam. Even the condos and townhomes found in this community provide ample space, and many of them feature attached garages. With a serene atmosphere and a family-centred feel, Port Moody offers a quick hop to downtown without having to compromise space or quiet.
Vancouver Education
Vancouver has some excellent public schooling options, along with many french-immersion options, religious schooling, and private education opportunities. Most Vancouver education options are overseen by the Vancouver School Board or the Catholic Independent Schools Vancouver Archdiocese. In addition to primary and secondary education, Vancouver provides many colleges and universities as well.
Post-Secondary Education
Vancouver is one of the top cities in Canada where students flock to for higher education. Here are a few of the universities you’ll have to choose from in Vancouver:
- The University of British Columbia
- Vancouver Film School
- Simon Fraser University
- Columbia College
- Capilano University
Vancouver BC Real Estate FAQs
Where is the nearest commercial airport in Vancouver, British Columbia?
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) offers domestic and international flights, and it is a breezy 20-minute drive from downtown.
What is the most affordable neighbourhood in Vancouver, British Columbia?
The most affordable neighbourhoods in Vancouver are Davie Village, Chinatown, and Strathcona.
What is The Average House Price in Vancouver, British Columbia?
The average price of single-family homes for sale in Vancouver is around $2.6M, while condos for sale list for around $927K.
Living in Vancouver, BC
Entertainment and Recreation in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver has an abundance of things to do, from large parks to beautiful gardens and unique nightlife. Some popular parks that the locals love to visit include Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, and the Sr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden in Chinatown. If you want to take a scenic walk around the city, Vancouver’s Seawall is complete with a paved trail that lines the Vancouver shoreline. If you want to spend even more time on the water, take the ferry to Vancouver Island and take part in some water skiing, boating, fishing, and other activities on the ocean.
If you’re a sports enthusiast, Vancouver is the place to be! Catch a BC Lions game at BC Place Stadium or watch the Vancouver Canucks shred the ice at Rogers Arena. With teams in almost every major league sport, you’ll have no problem getting your fill of sports in Vancouver. When the night comes, the Granville Entertainment District is one of the best spots to let loose. With a number of bars, restaurants, breweries, and hangout spots, there is no lack of opportunities to unwind here.
Job Market in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver is often known for its high quality of life and the vast opportunities the city provides. The large city has been ranked as one of the top five places in North America for start-up businesses, according to Forbes Magazine, due largely to a thriving economy with jobs across all sectors. The city is home to world-class universities such as UBC (University of British Columbia) and SFU (Simon Fraser University). Vancouver is also the home of many famous media companies such as Electronic Arts, Microsoft Studios, and Jam Filled Entertainment. No matter what field you work in, Vancouver has job opportunities for you.
Medical Access in Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver places you in the best spot to receive some of the best healthcare that British Columbia has to offer. St. Paul’s Hospital, Vancouver General, and BC Children’s Hospital all provide exceptional long- and short-term care. With cancer treatment facilities, a NICU and maternity wards, and world-class emergency care, quality healthcare is never more than a quick drive away in Vancouver.
Transportation in Vancouver, British Columbia
On the outskirts of Vancouver, it’s best to have your own vehicle to get where you need to go. The closer you get to downtown, the more access you’ll have to bus lines, the SkyTrain, and the SeaBus ferry. Much of Vancouver is easy to navigate on foot or bike, but when travelling between neighbourhoods, a train or car may be your best option. Vancouver is well-connected with highway networks, providing an easy way to commute in and out of the city on any given day.
