Discover more about our Communities!

Arbutus
Dunbar & Southlands
False Creek
Kerrisdale
Kitsilano
Shaughnessy
West Point Grey

Panoramic view of Vancouver with the Fraser Valley and Coast Mountains

Arbutus

Location: South from 16th Avenue to King Edward Avenue, east to East Boulevard, and west to Valdez Road.

Population (2001): 14,515

Housing: Arbutus is a mixed area, with some choice residential locations. Almost half of the dwellings are apartments. A large development of luxury townhomes and apartments surrounds the Arbutus Square Shopping Mall in the vicinity of Arbutus and West King Edward. Known as Arbutus Village, this complex stretches six to eight blocks north and south along Arbutus and three to four blocks west. Each section has its own outdoor pool. Village population is about 2,000.

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Dunbar & Southlands

Location: Dunbar runs south from 16th Avenue to 41st Avenue, east to Blenheim Street and Valdez Road, and west to the UEL. Southlands is in the southwest corner of Vancouver, bordered by the UEL, the Fraser River and Southwest Marine Dr., with part of the district rising up to 41st.

Population (2001): 21,308

Housing: Dunbar prides itself on many of its original homes and beautiful tree- lined streets. Basement suites for university students are extensive.

The flats bordering the Fraser River are home to the 'horse' set, with a proliferation of riding stables, clubs and trails. There are many well-kept older homes, some of luxury and mansion distinction and several sprawling ranch-style estates. At the south end, adjacent to the Fraser River, the Musqueam Indian Reserve offers executive-class housing.

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False Creek

Location: Along South Shore of False Creek from Kits Beach to Main Street.

Housing: False Creek is a sought after community with a "European" flavour comprised of small architecturally delightful clusters of townhomes and apartments. The emphasis is on pedestrian traffic offering the added luxury of landscaped courtyards, green spaces, winding paths, parks, friendly people strolling and cycling on the cobbled seawalk - framed by a backdrop of Cityscape, Ocean and North Shore Mountains. The bonus of living in this peaceful country-like setting is quick and easy access to the downtown core as well as the highly acclaimed Granville Island with its public market, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, cafe's and theatres.

Kerrisdale

Location: 41st Avenue and Arbutus Street area

Population (2001): 14,033

Housing: Kerrisdale, one of the original towns that surrounded Vancouver, and once separated from the city by dense forest, has succeeded in maintaining its village character, with a distinct shopping district. The area has changed considerably in recent years; property values have risen. Several high-rise condominiums have replaced many of the older, classic apartments in the area. Citizens' concerns resulted in rezoning in an effort to preserve the character rental apartments and homes that remain.

Kerrisdale is a mixture of neighbourhoods of varying ages, some with attractively uniform setbacks and planted boulevard strips. The "Arbutus Line" right-of-way once carried rail commuters from Richmond to downtown Vancouver.

Recreation: Seven parks including Centennial Park

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Kitsilano

Location: Immediately east of Point Grey, Kitsilano (usually referred to as "Kits") bordered by English Bay to the north, 16th Avenue to the south, Alma Road to the west and Burrard Street to the east.

Population (2001): 39,386

Housing: Kitsilano has mostly rental and condominium dwellings back to about Broadway (9th Avenue) where it becomes predominantly single family homes and duplexes.

West Broadway continues to reflect increasing densities, with the appearance of many new retail/commercial/residential complexes. Broadway traverses the city from UBC in the west to the Burnaby/Vancouver boundary and the start of the Lougheed Highway in the east.

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Shaughnessy

Location: From about 16th Avenue south to 33rd Avenue, and from Oak Street (to the east) to East Boulevard (in the west)

Population (2001): 9,012

Housing: Shaughnessy was the first luxury sub-division in Vancouver. The Canadian Pacific Railway cleared and developed the area for its executives and other gentry, just after the turn of the century. There are many consulates here, and the University Women's Club of Vancouver is located in Hycroft, one of the original Shaughnessy mansions.

Every effort has been made to protect this area, but high real estate values have caused some large houses to be converted to multiple dwellings. Other homes were cleared for new buildings, and some property sub-division took place. Past construction of oversized homes has caused considerable friction, however, established home-owners succeeded in pressuring the city to legislate maintenance of the area's character.

West of Shaughnessy are Quilchena and Mackenzie Heights. These neighbouring districts are principally single family residential areas, with limited apartment accommodation. Some view lots exist especially in the northwest corner.

Bordered by Oakridge, Shaughnessy, Kerrisdale and Marpole, South Granville provides mainly single family dwellings with good-sized lots, dotted with many older homes and the odd mansion. Shannon Mews, off Granville, is a four-hectare former estate, converted into a luxury townhouse/apartment development. Another upper-income condominium complex, Shaughnessy Place, overlooks an artificial lake to view the beautifully landscaped VanDusen Gardens.

Recreation: Neighbourhood parks, VanDusen Garden attraction.

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West Point Grey

Location: Adjoins the University Endowment Lands (UEL), a very desirable residential area in a mountainous ocean setting surrounding the University of British Columbia, stretching back from the ocean to 16th Avenue and as far east as Alma Road.

Population (2001): 12,911

Housing: The UEL is Crown land, under jurisdiction of the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks and not part of the City of Vancouver. Taxes are paid directly to the Provincial government in Victoria. Properties are owned outright. UEL residents have their own fire department, police detachment (RCMP) and garbage collection.

View properties here, looking across to Howe Sound, can run into the millions. Chancellor Boulevard in the UEL winds around the university to become Southwest Marine Dr. This traditionally prestigious location is home to some of the city's finest homes and estates, many with spectacular views across Georgia Strait. Other sections of West Point Grey offer choice, executive-level residential district with above-average homes and views.

Predominantly single family, it is increasingly under pressure for multiple dwelling development in some areas. Waterfront property here is the most sought-after in Vancouver and the most expensive. Two and three bedroom apartments in Hampton Place, a 17-storey glass and brick highrise in Balmoral just past Pacific Spirit Park and right next to UBC range from $239,900 to $999,000 plus maintenance fees.

Recreation: The Royal Vancouver Yacht Club is headquartered in Point Grey. Featuring Jericho Beach Park and many historical buildings.

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