Housing: choosing where to live in Vancouver
VANCOUVER
When it comes to those annual rankings of the World’s most “liveable” cities, Vancouver is almost always present. With its beaches, a great outdoor vibe with direct access to ski resorts, forests, and lakes there is no doubt that Vancouver has a lot of attractive features.
With a population of approximately 681,40 people, Vancouver is the biggest city in British Columbia and is part of the third-largest metropolitan area in Canada. With 22 distinct neighborhoods, the city has a wide variety of areas and each one has its unique mix of people and places as well as its own culture and character. You’ll be able to find a lot of information on each neighborhood online but here is an overview of some of Vancouver’s areas that you might be interested in.
Some popular neighborhoods:
- Kitsilano
The area of Kitsilano — Kits — is located on the West Side of the city (just over the Burrard Bridge from Downtown). Kits is a vibrant and trendy community, home to many young families, young urban professionals, and students. With a very relaxed atmosphere, lots of nature, exercise lovers, yoga studios, and organic markets, it’s a very pleasant area to live in and is typical of Vancouver’s active and healthy lifestyle.
Kitsilano is located right by the ocean and Vancouver’s most famous beaches — Kits Beach and Jericho Beach. There are about 250 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the area and excellent shopping options. Even if you can get access to most amenities by walking, Kitsilano has excellent public transportation and is a biker’s paradise.
Video: Vancouver neighbourhoods - Kitsilano
If you need additional information on Kitsilano, you’ll find everything you need here.
- The West End
The West End is located in the Downtown area and is considered the most affordable of all the Downtown locations. It is a vibrant and diverse community surrounded by beaches, parks, the Ocean, and the Business District.
The West End has its particular character with its green residential streets, its diverse population, and its diversity of buildings forms from small houses to older buildings and condos. It’s also usually less noisy than other Downtown areas. A lot of recreational amenities, restaurants, and parks are accessible within walking distance. The west end — and more especially Davie Village — is also a hub for the city’s LGBTQ community.
With its abundance of retail, grocery, and transit options, you’ll have access to everything you need. There are about 550 restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in the area. The public transportation is excellent and the area is very bikeable too.
Video: West End - Vancouver tour
If you need additional information on the West End, you’ll find everything you need here.
- Fairview
Fairview is in the central section of the city, from Granville Island along scenic False Creek to Science World, and south to Shaughnessy.
For example, False Creek is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring a picturesque seawall along its southern edge, perfect for jogging, cycling, or leisurely strolls with stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the majestic North Shore mountains. The area’s active community spirit is evident in its vibrant attractions such as Granville Island, famous for its bustling public market, artisanal shops, and diverse cultural activities. Olympic Village, once the residence of athletes during the 2010 Winter Olympics, now offers a mix of modern residences, shopping outlets, and recreational amenities, ensuring a dynamic lifestyle.
Video: Fair View
For more information of Fair View
- Downtown
Downtown Vancouver is the southeastern part of Vancouver’s peninsula and the heart of Vancouver’s business and entertainment districts. It is the most walkable neighborhood in Vancouver as everything is on your doorstep.
Downtown consists of different popular areas, from historical Gastown and fancy Yaletown (where Launch Academy’s office is located) to beautiful Coal Harbour.
Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, is famous for its Victorian buildings, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.
Yaletown’s picturesque waterfront along False Creek North is now lined with stylish residential lofts, upscale restaurants, chic cafes, and boutique shops housed in refurbished warehouses.
Coal Harbour, bordered by Vancouver’s iconic landmarks including Stanley Park and the bustling financial district, offers a unique blend of luxury residences, a bustling harbor with essential amenities like a float plane terminal and convention facilities, and serene natural surroundings that make it a sought-after locale for both residents and visitors alike.
Depending on your location, rent can be expensive. Downtown is mainly composed of new high-rise condominiums and smaller buildings. Compared to the rest of Greater Vancouver, the household size in Downtown is smaller than average with fewer families and fewer children per household. The area is mainly populated by young urban professionals.
! Things to remember: Be aware that the Downtown area immediately east of Main Street is not somewhere you’d like to live in with your family. The area around the Downtown Eastside — especially around Eat Hastings — is renowned for homelessness, poverty, and its level of drug use.
- Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is a vibrant and eclectic area known for its unusual stores, heritage buildings, artistic residents, and arts-focused festivals. It occupies the general area around Broadway and Main Streets. Main Street is a perfect place to taste different cuisines — from the Middle East and Malaysia to South India and Peru — and try some of Vancouver’s Michelin restaurants.
One of the best things about Mount Pleasant is how it’s a 30-minute bike ride away from most anywhere in the city. The area is popular with first-time homebuyers, urban professionals, and families.
Video: Mount Pleasant
If you need additional information on Mount Pleasant, you’ll find everything you need here.
Suggested Prompts
How might the unique characteristics of each Vancouver neighborhood influence a person’s lifestyle and daily activities?
In what ways could the diversity of neighborhoods in Vancouver affect community connections and cultural understanding?
Considering Vancouver’s emphasis on outdoor and active living, how do neighborhood amenities and environment impact residents’ well-being and sustainability?
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Workshop: Housing and Real Estate
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Housing: Choosing Where to Live in Vancouver
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