Best Places to Live 2022: Vancouver

Best Neighbourhoods to Live in Vancouver

Vancouver is the most populous city in British Columbia and boasts gorgeous ocean and mountain views, bringing the best of both worlds to people who choose to call Vancouver home. It is a coastal seaport city with some of Canada’s warmest year-round temperatures. Its proximity to the ocean and mountains makes it a popular location for outdoor and urban enthusiasts.

It has been a hot real estate market since the onset of the pandemic. It seemed as if every month brought record sales and all-time high prices. Only recently have prices begun to dip, as rising interest rates have cooled the market and increased supply. Despite the market trends, there is one constant: people want to live in Vancouver.

Some of the main areas of concern for Vancouver homebuyers include low housing supply, as well as increases in insurance for condominium properties. These homeowners are commonly identified as being city lovers, either with or without kids, as well as those who are potentially looking to live elsewhere due to affordability challenges.

So, what are the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver to buy a house? Based on liveability factors like ​​access to shopping, dining and green spaces, proximity to public transit, work, preferred schools, and cultural and community centres, here are our top picks in Vancouver.

5 Most Liveable Neighbourhoods in Vancouver

1. Downtown: Downtown isn’t just home to business, arts, and entertainment, including the home of the Vancouver Canucks; it also features several vibrant residential areas. One of those neighbourhoods is Yaletown, which may be the trendiest place to live and play. Downtown features art galleries, retail, and world-class restaurants, making it an exceptionally livable area to call home.
2. Strathcona: There is a lot of history in Strathcona. It is one of Vancouver’s earliest neighbourhoods. It remains very walkable and features exquisitely restored row homes with welcoming front porches. Known as the “East End,” a diverse population calls the neighbourhood home. Featuring a mix of cafes, breweries, vintage shops, and restaurants, there is always something to do close to home.
3. Fairview: Central to everything in the city, you’ll find Fairview and its popular attraction: Granville Island. Everything you need is just steps away; it’s what attracts urban families to the area. Plus, the seawall is close by—a great place to walk, bike, or relax in the seaside park. Featuring low-rise apartments, townhouses, and newly-developed condos, it is a great place to call home.
4. Grandview-Woodland: This may be the most eclectic neighbourhood in Vancouver. Commercial Drive drives many residents to choose this area as a home base. “The Drive” blends modern chic and historical charm, providing a culturally rich place filled with shopping, dining, and nightlife. You can see the city’s heritage throughout this neighbourhood through its housing: large, luxurious homes mixed with small cottages.
5. Mount Pleasant: This neighbourhood is popular with first-time homebuyers and families. The infusion of youth makes it a vibrant community filled with plenty of restaurants, shopping, and entertainment options. Arts are a big feature of Mount Pleasant. You’ll find many artists in the neighbourhood and plenty of arts-focused festivals to check out.

As noted above, the most liveable neighbourhoods in Vancouver offer excellent proximity to many liveability factors, including proximity to public transit, green spaces and social spots such as bars, restaurants and shopping. Vancouver also boasts a great variety of outdoor activities that factor into these neighbourhoods’ liveability.

Other notable mentions include:

• West End
• South Cambie
• Riley Park
• Kitsilano
• Shaughnessy

Vancouver Liveability Trends

It’s expected that Vancouver will continue to improve its liveability over the next three to five years, with more municipalities channelling resources to the specific neighbourhood wants. For example, in Kitsilano, we continue to see a demand for easy bike lane access, whereas, in Yaletown, proximity to public transit is the more critical liveability factor.