Areas and suburbs in Vancouver

With a huge assortment of boroughs, each with its own unique history, character and flavour, Vancouver has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to relocate or invest, you should consider local amenities, community activities, and housing options to find the right community for your needs, family, budget, and lifestyle.

The city of Vancouver is divided into four general areas: Central, West Side, East Side, and South Vancouver. There are also several smaller cities in British Columbia that form part of the greater Metro Vancouver area, providing more housing options with unique characteristics and amenities.

Popular expat neighbourhoods in Vancouver

Central

The most popular areas in Central Vancouver are thriving, trendy neighbourhoods that attract both locals and newcomers, with a blend of high-rise residential and commercial properties. Living here places you right in the heart of all the action, with easy access to amenities and cultural attractions.

Neighbourhoods west of downtown and on the North Shore over the bridge are highly desirable for their stunning views, proximity to nature, and easy access to amenities. The West End, not to be confused with the West Side, is one of the most exclusive areas in Vancouver, while Downtown Eastside is known for its high crime rates and poverty.

Gentrification has slowly begun to transform parts of Downtown Eastside and the historic Gastown, popular with tourists disembarking from cruise ships docked at the adjacent port. Gastown has seen a surge of upscale businesses, contributing to the area’s character change.

Coal Harbour, a neighbourhood once primarily focused on business and harbour activities, has transformed into a desirable residential area with many high-rise condos catering to young professionals.

The further you move from the downtown centre, the more affordable housing becomes, and the gentler the cost of living. Vancouver’s extensive public transit system, including the SkyTrain and bus services, makes commuting from the suburbs relatively easy.

West Side

Vancouver’s West Side offers a range of well-established neighbourhoods. Granville Island, for instance, is a popular market and tourist destination just 10 minutes from downtown, primarily known for its market and cultural offerings rather than residential options. South Cambie and Oakridge are nearby, offering more practical housing options and easy access to the city centre.

Kitsilano is one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods, thanks to its beaches and stunning mountain views, making it a favourite for nature lovers. Housing density is high here, making it ideal for those looking for apartments or smaller properties. If your budget allows, you might consider Shaughnessy and West Point Grey, affluent neighbourhoods known for their older, luxurious homes.

East Side

The East Side of Vancouver boasts diverse neighbourhoods such as Mount Pleasant, Commercial Drive, and Strathcona, each with a unique appeal. Strathcona is one of Vancouver’s oldest residential areas and remains popular with Chinese families. It offers mostly rental homes and apartments. Its proximity to the Downtown Eastside might deter some prospective residents.

Mount Pleasant, close to downtown, is a thriving area with a mix of residential and business properties. It is particularly attractive to young families and professionals. Meanwhile, Commercial Drive – known locally as ‘The Drive’ – is a cultural hotspot, reflecting the city’s diversity through its lively restaurants and residents. The emphasis here is often on the arts and sustainable living, creating a progressive community atmosphere.

Kensington-Cedar Cottage and Hastings-Sunrise are other multicultural, family-friendly neighbourhoods, both densely populated yet maintaining a safe, community-oriented feel. Kensington-Cedar Cottage has seen increased residential development, drawing in new families and young professionals. Local events and community programmes have strengthened the neighbourhood’s sense of belonging.

South Vancouver

South Vancouver offers a well-established, serene community experience. With its quaint, tree-lined streets, parks, and century-old homes, Dunbar-Southlands appeals to wealthy professionals seeking a quieter lifestyle.

Kerrisdale is known for its cosy community feel, charming shops and friendly neighbours, attracting families and retirees. It is quiet but conveniently just a 20-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, offering an ideal balance for those seeking a relaxed pace while staying connected to the city’s amenities.

Neighbourhoods like Sunset and Victoria-Fraserview are home to many of Vancouver’s Indian families, a fact reflected in local shops and restaurants. Renfrew-Collingwood and Killarney are popular among lower-income families.

Nearby communities of Vancouver

If you want to live in the Vancouver area but not in the city itself, there are plenty of affordable communities with excellent commuting options, such as efficient public transit and road links nearby. These communities are collectively known as the Greater Vancouver Regional District (GVRD) or Metro Vancouver, comprising 21 municipalities.

Some places to consider in the Metro Vancouver area include:

• Burnaby – A popular suburban area with exceptional public transport links.
• New Westminster – The old provincial capital with a rich history and family-friendly communities.
• The Tri-City area – This area includes Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, and Port Moody, each offering a small-town feel while maintaining easy access to Vancouver.
• Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows – Known for outdoor recreation and a slower-paced lifestyle.
• Richmond – A highly industrialised area near the airport, home to a large Asian population and many cultural attractions.
• Surrey – One of the fastest-growing cities in British Columbia, offering a diverse range of affordable housing options and excellent infrastructure, including public transit and road links.

Commuting from these communities into Vancouver is made easy with various options. The SkyTrain’s Expo and Millennium Lines connect suburbs like Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey directly to Vancouver, while an extensive bus network provides additional coverage. 

Major highways such as Highways 1 and 99 facilitate car travel, and bridges like the Port Mann and Lions Gate are key for cross-river commutes. Dedicated cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways are well-established throughout the region for those who prefer active transport.

Public Transit System in Vancouver