Vancouver is one of Canada’s most popular cities, famous for its natural scenery, diverse cultural atmosphere, and high standard of life. You can choose from many options regarding the best areas to live in Vancouver, with its charm and strength. For people stressed about the educational sources and community environment, Kerrisdale and West Point Grey can be your prior choices. Kitsilano and the City of Burnaby provide a bustling commercial district, convenient transportation, and plenty of facilities. There are still more places to explore and live in Vancouver. Knowing more about each area’s characteristics and lifestyle of the best place to live in Vancouver Canada can help you make an informed decision.
Top 10 Best Areas to Live in Vancouver
Where are the best areas to live in Vancouver? It is a hot topic that attracts people’s attention and is essential for finding a second home to live in. From the lively Downtown area to the tranquil North Vancouver and the City of Burnaby, many choices exist. We recommend the 10 best places to live in Vancouver Canada for your reference.
- Downtown Vancouver
- The West End
- Kitsilano
- South Granville
- City of Burnaby
- North Vancouver
- Mount Pleasant
- West Point Grey
- Grandview
- East Vancouver
1. Downtown Vancouver
Downtown Vancouver is one of the best areas to live in Vancouver, and its prime location and diversified lifestyle attract many people to live. The convenient transportation highlights the downtown area, including Skytrain, buses, and Seabuses. The Skytrain station includes Buarrad Station, Granville Station, and Waterfront Station, and these stations can take you to the other areas in Great Vancouver and provide convenient daily commutes.
The Pacific Center, Robson Street, and Granville Street are collections of many brands, stores, restaurants, bars, and cinemas. There is also a Costco Superstore Downtown that gives the residents a place to buy daily necessities. West Georgia Street is a core street in the Downtown area, and along the street is the Vancouver Art Gallery, which you can discover during your leisure time.
The combination of culture and natural environment makes Downtown Vancouver the best area in Vancouver to live. Vancouver Public Library is a famous cultural spot known for its iconic circular building and quiet learning environment. Robson Square always hold kinds of festival celebrations and art activities. Downtown Vancouver is close to Stanley Park, one of the largest parks in North America. It has a beautiful sea coastline, numerous trails, cycling paths, and green spaces.
2. The West End
The great location and livable environment make The West End one of the best places to live in Vancouver BC. The West End is located on the west side of the Downtown area and is also close to Stanley Park and English Bay. Living in The West End area is extremely convenient, there is a wide range of dining options, cafes, supermarkets, and shops. Especially for the people who live near the bustling business district, including Denman Street and Davie Street, it provides various choices for the resident’s daily life.
The networks in The West End are developed very well, and many bus lines are across the area. The walking and cycling infrastructure is also well-developed for those who prefer green travel. In addition, the short distance from Downtown Vancouver means commuters can walk or bike to downtown office areas, saving commuting time.
Moreover, as the best place to live in Vancouver Canada, you can choose from different types of apartments for rent in Vancouver and enjoy the wonderful life in this big city.
3. Kitsilano
Kitsilano stands as one of the best areas to live in Vancouver BC. It is popular because of its rich living facilities and convenient geographical location. Firstly, Kitsilano Beach is the most famous spot in Kitsilano and a good place for the residents to enjoy a cool summer. People can sunbathe on the beach, swim, kayak, or stroll by the sea to enjoy the magnificent views of the sea and the North Shore Mountains.
West 4th Avenue is the central commercial district in Kitsilano, and there is a collection of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and fitness centers like 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters and Lululemon. Whether you want to taste different cuisines, shopping, or other entertainment options, West 4th Avenue can meet your needs. Vanier Park is a beautiful green space in this area for you to explore, and you can also go to the Vancouver Maritime Museum and HR MacMillan Space Centre.
The educational sources are abundant in Kitsilano, and there are several high-quality primary and secondary schools and early education centers in the community, attracting many families to settle here. The students who live in this best place to live in Vancouver BC Canada have easy access to the University of British Columbia by a short bus ride.
4. South Granville
Living in South Granville gives you the answers to the questions about the best areas in Vancouver. This area is in the heart of Vancouver, close to Downtown, with easy access to Kitsilano to the south and the West Side.
Granville Street is the core commercial street, and Meinhardt Fine Foods provides high-end fresh food and imported ingredients. The dining options in South Granville are diverse, including Stable House Bistro, Vij’s, Caffe Barney, and Farmer’s Apprentice Restaurants. South Granville is also well-known for its rich art atmosphere and its close proximity to Granville Island, where people can see some art galleries, artifacts shops, and performing arts centers. The Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage is in South Granville, and there are always some high-rated plays and musicals that attract many art lovers.
To live in the best place to live in Vancouver Canada with a clean environment and tree-lined, and housing types include high-end apartments, townhouses and detached houses to meet the needs of different families. The quality educational sources include Vancouver College and Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School. For the well-developed transportation in South Granville, you can take the 99 B Express bus directly to UBC (University of British Columbia) and Downtown. In addition, the airport is only a 20-minute drive from South Granville, making it convenient for business travelers.
5. City of Burnaby
The City of Burnaby, located in the center area of the Great Vancouver, become the best area in Vancouver due to its advantageous location, various communities, and perfect living facilities. Residents of the City of Burnaby can take Skytrain to the downtown area in 20 minutes. The Metrotown Station, Brentwood Town Centre Station and Lougheed Town Centre Station are important transportation hubs that greatly facilitate residents’ travel.
Metropolis at Metrotown in the City of Burnaby is the biggest shopping center in British Columbia, with more than 400 stores, restaurants, and entertainment facilities to meet the various needs of shopping and entertainment needs. The Amazing Brentwood is an integrated community of high-end condominiums, shopping centers, and food courts. Many parks and natural reserves include Burnaby Lake Park, Central Park, and Deer Lake Park. The residents can walk, run, bicycle, and picnic there.
Moreover, Simon Fraser University is situated in the best place to live in Vancouver BC Canada, and attracts many students to come and study. Besides the university, many Burnaby Public School Board-quality primary and secondary schools exist. Good educational sources and safe communities make the City of Burnaby one of the best areas to live in Vancouver BC.
6. North Vancouver
North Vancouver is one of the best places to live in Vancouver for several reasons. Firstly, this area has many natural resources, and outdoor activities in all seasons make life lively. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a world-famous tourist resort. Grouse Mountain in this best area in Vancouver to live, where outdoor activities are available all year round. In the winter, you can ski and skateboard, and in the summer, you can hike, climb mountains and watch the sunset. Lynn Canyon Park and Deep Cove also attract outdoor enthusiasts with its clear streams, hiking trails and water activities such as kayaking.
Next, North Vancouver is easily accessible, especially with connections to downtown Vancouver. SeaBus is the most popular transportation option, from Lonsdale Quay Pier to Waterfront Station in the downtown area within only 12 minutes. During the daytime, the Seabus runs every 15 minutes during the peak period and 30 minutes during the off-peak period, which is very convenient for commuting to work and weekend travel. SeaBus also seamlessly integrates with Vancouver’s SkyTrain and bus networks, further increasing mobility and convenience in the best areas to live in Vancouver.
Moreover, North Vancouver has a wide range of facilities that provide residents with better life experiences. Lonsdale Quay Market is a one-stop shopping and food center that brings together local fresh markets, specialty craft shops, and a variety of restaurants. Park Royal Shopping Center is a good choice to explore when you want to find a large-scale shopping center. It is a collection of various international brands, retail stores and high-end restaurants.
7. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant is among the best places to live in Vancouver BC because of the lively and diverse community. Located on the east side of Downtown Vancouver and filled with abundant arts atmosphere, street art, galleries and creative studios. Many independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars are concentrated on Main Street, a hot spot for shopping and socializing and a great place to enjoy authentic food.
In addition to cultural and social activities, Mount Pleasant’s natural environment is also attractive. This area has many parks, including Kitsilano Park and Labour Park, which provides plenty of outdoor spaces. Kitsilano Park is a famous place in Vancouver, and it is suitable for people to run, ride, and picnic. Guelph Park offers a quiet green space, sports facilities for the residents to exercise, and a great place for the family and children.
Regarding education near Mount Pleasant, including Emily Carr University of Art and Design, one of Canada’s most prestigious art and design institutions, has trained many renowned artists and designers. In addition, Mount Pleasant Primary School and Vancouver Technical Secondary School cater to the needs of students of different ages.
8. West Point Grey
Are you curious about the best places to live in Vancouver? West Point Grey gives you the answer. West Point Grey has many beautiful natural scenery, and the iconic landmarks include Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach. Moreover, Pacific Spirit Regional Park has large areas of native forest and hiking trails, providing an ideal place for hiking, jogging and biking for residents who love nature.
Point Grey Village is the core business area in West Point Grey, located on West 10th Avenue. There are many coffee shops, dining options, boutique shops, and supermarkets for the residents to buy necessities and recreation. Burgoo Bistro and En Sushi are popular restaurants that people can taste. Every year, West Point Grey hosts the grand Point Grey Fiesta, a community festival eagerly awaited by residents. Point Grey Fiesta is usually held in June each year. Fiesta includes parades, rides, live music, street food, and family entertainment programs.
The educational sources in West Point Grey are the key ingredient in family popularity for the best areas to live in Vancouver BC. The West Point Grey Academy and Lord Byng Secondary School are well-known and provide high-quality middle and primary school education. In addition, West Point Grey is close to the University of British Columbia, within minutes’ driving distance, and many academic staff and students associated with UBC have also settled in this best place to live in Vancouver BC Canada.
9. Grandview
Grandview is a lively place in the East of Vancouver, and its natural scenery and convenient facilities make it one of the best places to live in Vancouver, BC. The transportation in Grandview is convinient. Whether you take SkyTrain or bus, you can quickly access downtown and other popular areas. The main street in this area is the Commercial Drive, and there are plenty of cafes, dining options, and places of cultural activity.
In addition, Grandview has many beautiful scenes, such as Queen Elizabeth Park and Trout Lake. These places offer a wealth of outdoor spaces, perfect for people who love nature and fitness and suitable for those who like nature and fitness. Trout Lake is also surrounded by a large lake, which is ideal for walking, running and picnicking.
In terms of educational resources in this best place to live in Vancouver Canada, Grandview has some excellent schools such as Grandview Elementary School and Vancouver Technical Secondary School, which offer excellent educational options for families. The community atmosphere here is warm and friendly, suitable for family life but also for singles who like to socialize and participate in the community culture.
10. East Vancouver
East Vancouver is the best area in Vancouver to live in. This area is one of the most diverse in Vancouver, with residents from all over the world, especially the Asian and Latino communities, making the restaurants, shops and cultural events in East Vancouver very international. For example, the Commercial Drive is a collection of various snack bars, cafes, independent bookstores, and art galleries. It is also one of the favourite hangouts for locals and tourists alike.
Another attraction of East Vancouver is the low cost of living. The cost of living here compared to the other places in Vancouver, like the Downtown area and The West End, the apartments in East Vancouver are much cheaper and suitable for young people and families. The nearby neighbourhoods like Fraser and Killarney offer affordable housing for people to discover.
Moreover, East Vancouver has many beautiful parks and recreational facilities. While large parks like Stanley Park are centrally located, the nature parks around Burnaby Mountain and Mount Seymour also provide residents with ideal places to spend time outdoors.
Factors to Consider for Best Areas to Live in Vancouver
Convenient: Close to the SkyTrain, bus stops, and major transport hubs, making it easy to get around. The daily commute to the city center, school, or work is reasonable.
Cost of Living: The apartments for rent in the best areas to live in Vancouver are within the budget range, and the price level of daily expenses is moderate.
Safety: The area has a low crime rate and a good security record, with security cameras and other safety facilities.
Nearby Amenities: The best place to live in Vancouver Canada is surrounded by essential living facilities such as supermarkets, shopping centers, hospitals, and post offices, as well as leisure amenities like cafes, restaurants, entertainment venues, parks, and gyms.
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Conclusion
In a nutshell, Vancouver is a lively and diversified city with many of the best places to live for people of all ages. If you prefer a bustling urban life, choose Downtown Vancouver, where transportation is convenient, and dining and entertainment facilities are abundant. The West End and North Vancouver are ideal options for a family with good living environments. East Vancouver provides a more culture-diversified life experience. There are more options for the best places to live in Vancouver BC with its unique characteristic to meet various needs and preferences.
FAQ
The best areas to live in Vancouver depend on individual needs and preferences. Downtown Vancouver is for young people who enjoy city life with easy access to transportation, dining, shopping and entertainment. Kitsilano attracts young families and students with its beaches, cafes and casual atmosphere. West Vancouver is an affluent residential area with a quiet environment and high-quality schools for high-income families. With large shopping centers and a good public transportation system, the City of Burnaby offers good value for money.
The safest areas to live in Vancouver are usually Kitsilano, Yaletown, and West End. These areas have low crime rates, beautiful surroundings, easy access to public transportation, and excellent community amenities. Kitsilano is known for its beaches and family-friendly neighborhoods, and Yaletown is a modern, upscale residential area for people.
The wealthiest area to live in Vancouver is Shaughnessy, known for its luxurious mansions, expansive lots, and tree-lined streets. This historic neighborhood houses some of the city’s most affluent families and influential figures. West Point Grey is another prestigious area, offering stunning ocean and mountain views, high-end homes, and proximity to top schools like UBC. Kerrisdale is renowned for its elegant, old-world charm, upscale shopping, and private schools.
The ideal salary in Vancouver is usually between CAD 80,000 and CAD 100,000 annually. This salary will help you pay for rent, daily expenses, and recreational activities. The cost of living in Vancouver is high, especially regarding housing, and rent is one of the most significant expenses. For a single person, the monthly rent will cost around CAD$2,000, while the rent for a family of three may reach CAD$3,000 or more. Transportation, food and daily living expenses also need to be considered.
Vancouver is a city worth considering for relocation. It boasts beautiful natural landscapes and an abundance of opportunities for outdoor activities. Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest multicultural cities, with world-class education and healthcare resources. The city is well-served by public transportation, has a high quality of life, and is relatively safe and secure. However, Vancouver’s high housing prices and relatively expensive cost of living may be challenging for some.
