With its impressive mountain and ocean views, Vancouver is recognized as one of world’s most beautiful cities. Visitors flock to the west coast metro every year to take in Vancouver’s sights, and many express a desire to stay and purchase a home. But is Vancouver a good place to live? This article has all the information potential homebuyers need about moving to Vancouver.
Located on the southwestern tip of British Columbia, Vancouver is surrounded by the Burrard Harbour, English Bay, and the Vancouver Harbour. Due to its location in the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver receives mild and rainy winters, along with pleasant summers free of extreme heat. Vancouver residents enjoy the outdoors year-round thanks to this temperate weather. There are forests, parks, and mountains to explore, all without leaving the city.
Notable Vancouver neighbourhoods to buy a home
Kitsilano
Kitsilano, a beachside neighbourhood in Vancouver, was a popular spot for hippies in the 1960s. It was often compared to San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district. Today, Kitsilano continues to exude its cultural charm, attracting a new generation of young urban professionals and families who appreciate its laid-back ambiance.
“Kits”, as it’s known by the locals, is surrounded by the picturesque waterfront to the north, West 16th Ave to the south, Burrard Street to the east, and Alma Street to the west. There is a bustling hub of commercial activity along West 4th Avenue and West Broadway, with numerous shops and restaurants in the vicinity of the beach.
Gastown
Gastown, the oldest area in Vancouver, began as a single drinking establishment opened by barkeeper John “Gassy Jack” Deighton in 1867. The district still has its unique character and historic appeal today. A vibrant fashion industry, chic décor businesses, unique galleries, and some of Vancouver’s top restaurants can all be found within the walls of the neighbourhood’s Victorian architecture. It’s a fashionable local hangout and a great neighbourhood to stroll through. North of the Vancouver downtown peninsula, Gastown extends from Richards east to Main Street and south to Hastings Street.
Granville Island
Granville Island is a standout destination in Vancouver, offering a vibrant public market, creative studio spaces, exciting theatre venues, and a wide range of culinary options. Granville Island sits under the south end of Granville Street Bridge on False Creek. It was once a pair of sandbars where Indigenous peoples would fish and gather for seasonal events, and eventually evolved into a thriving permanent village. Granville Island has prospered since the 1970s, drawing millions of tourists who love its charm and sense of community.
Coal Harbour
Coal Harbour, one of the city’s most charming neighbourhoods, boasts stunning views of Stanley Park, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore mountains. The neighbourhood is well-known for its impressive condominiums, picturesque seawall, and environmentally friendly Convention Centre West. It is situated between Denman Street and Burrard Street from north to south and Georgia Street and the waterfront from west to east. An increasing number of Vancouver’s best restaurants are in Coal Harbour, many of which highlight locally sourced food that is distinctive to the area.
Robson Street
Robson Street, Vancouver’s iconic thoroughfare, has everything Vancouver residents could desire. This bustling downtown boulevard offers a variety of activities, including shopping, people watching, and dining and drinking options. Robson Street, best known for the three blocks it stretches between Burrard and Jervis Streets, is a great place to take a picturesque stroll around the city centre. It extends from BC Place Stadium to the boundaries of Stanley Park.
The largest employers in Vancouver
Vancouver has a diverse economy with employment available in technology, retail, aerospace, mining, forestry, as well as the private and public sectors. Here’s a list of some of the largest employers in Vancouver.
Telus Corporation
Telus is a major telecommunications company with over $14 billion in revenue.
Amazon and AWS Canada
Both Amazon and AWS Canada are major tech employers with a significant presence in Vancouver.
Vancouver Airport Authority
The Vancouver Airport Authority operates Vancouver International Airport.
Deloitte and KPMG
Deloitte and KPMG are financial auditing and professional services firms with large Vancouver offices.
Teck Resources
Teck Resources is a large mining and resources company with over $12 billion in revenue.
BC Hydro
The provincial electric utility with over $6 billion in revenue.
West Fraser Timber Co.
A major forestry company employing nearly 6,000 people.
WorkSafeBC
The provincial workplace safety agency with over 3,800 employees.
Provincial Health Services Authority
PHSA operates provincial health services and employs thousands of healthcare workers.
British Columbia Ferry Services Inc.
The provincial ferry operator operates BC Ferries in the region.
Some of the best activities for Vancouver residents
Vancouver residents have countless options for recreation and entertainment. There is the Stanley Park forest, the intimidating hike up Grouse Mountain known as the “Grouse Grind”, unique shopping options at Granville Island, and so much more. Here’s just a short list of some of Vancouver’s best activities and attractions.
Explore Stanley Park
This 1,000-acre urban park is a must-visit attraction. You can bike or walk along the Seawall, visit the Vancouver Aquarium, or explore the numerous trails through old-growth forests.
Visit Granville Island
This vibrant neighborhood features a public market, artisanal shops, and a bustling food scene. It’s a great place to sample local cuisine and browse handmade crafts.
Take a trip to Grouse Mountain
Enjoy panoramic views of the city and outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, or snowboarding, depending on the season. For a special challenge, try taking on the 2.9-kilometre hiking trail up the face of the mountain.
Go whale watching
Join a whale watching tour to spot orcas, humpback whales, and other marine life in their natural habitat.
Walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge
Experience a thrilling walk across this 450-foot long, 230-foot-high bridge suspended over the Capilano River.
Explore Gastown
Visit this historic neighbourhood known for its Victorian architecture, steam clock, and trendy shops and restaurants.
Enjoy the beaches
Relax at popular spots like English Bay Beach or Kitsilano Beach, where you can sunbathe, swim, or play beach volleyball.
Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola
Take in breathtaking views of Howe Sound and the surrounding mountains on this scenic gondola ride.
Ready to move to Vancouver? Here’s are some of the new home communities in the area.
Be W 49th
Location: 715 West 49th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Starting price: $1,199,900
Home types: Condos and townhomes
Be W 49th is a new condo and townhouse community by Modella Developments currently under construction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2025. Be W 49th has a total of 17 units with 2.5 to 3.5 bedrooms depending on the model.
Kitsilano Block
Location: Macdonald Street & West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC
Starting price: $879,900
Home type: Condo
Kitsilano Block is a new condo community by Hathstauwk currently under construction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2025. Available units range in price from $879,900 to over $1,779,900. Kitsilano Block has a total of 59 units. Sizes range from 584 to 1,352 square feet.
Ashleigh Oakridge
Location: 5020 Ash Street, Vancouver, BC
Starting price: $898,900
Home type: Condo
Ashleigh Oakridge is a new condo community by Peterson currently in preconstruction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2027. Available units start from $898,900. Ashleigh Oakridge has a total of 124 units. Sizes range from 538 to 1,410 square feet.
Entroterra YVR
Location: 2055 Broadway, Vancouver, BC
Starting price: Coming soon
Home type: Condo
Entroterra YVR is a new condo community by Bucci currently in preconstruction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2027. Entroterra YVR has a total of 54 units with studio apartments and one, two or three bedrooms, depending on the model.
W16 by Olson Kundig
Location: 3220 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC
Starting price: Coming soon
Home type: Condo
W16 by Olson Kundig is a new condo community by Wesgroup Properties currently in preconstruction. The community is scheduled for completion in 2027. W16 by Olson Kundig has a total of 53 units, with 1.5 to 3.5 bedrooms, depending on the model.
