Top Neighborhoods in Vancouver for Families To Buy a Home

by Richard Morrison
March 2, 2020
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View of Burrard Bridge and False Creek in Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Dramatic Colorful Cloudy Sunset Overlay. Modern City Architecture

Looking for the best Vancouver neighborhoods for your family? With so many variables, it can be difficult to start your search. Vancouver’s “best” family neighborhood? As a senior real estate agent in BC, I believe there is! When looking for a place is Vancouver, these three things are important.

These five areas may be perfect for you if you want safety, affordability, and proximity to schools and parks. West End, Yaletown, Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, and Riley Park-Little Mountain are included. Each neighborhood has its own advantages for families moving to the city. This article will compare each location to help you choose a new family home.

Before choosing a neighborhood that meets your current and future needs, investigate all aspects. When choosing a Vancouver neighborhood, consider public transportation, local amenities like hospitals and grocery stores, recreational activities, and schools. I’ll analyze each region based on my decades of living and working here.

Table of Contents show

1. Vancouver’s Most Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods To Buy A House
2. Dunbar-Southlands
3. Trendy Mount Pleasant
4. Luxury West Point Grey
5. Riley Park-Little Mountain For Family
6. Cute Kensington-Cedar Cottage
7. Magic West End
8. Luxury Shaughnessy
9. Vibrant Renfrew-Collingwood
10. Diverse Kitsilano
11. Fancy Yaletown
12. Frequently Asked Questions
13. What are the main costs you should consider when buying a house in Vancouver?
14. How much is the property transfer tax in British Columbia?
15. What is the role of a real estate agent in the home buying process?
16. What is the process of buying a house in Vancouver?
17. What are the closing costs when buying a house in Vancouver?
18. Conclusion

Quick Summary

Vancouver is home to some of the most family-friendly neighbourhoods. From Riley Park-Little Mountain for its beautiful parks and playgrounds, to Dunbar-Southlands for its quaint charm, there’s something for everyone. Trendy Mount Pleasant offers numerous cafes and shops, while Kitsilano is great for its diverse culture and activities. Luxury West Point Grey is ideal for its breathtaking views and luxurious homes, and Fancy Yaletown is perfect for its high-end restaurants and trendy boutiques. Kensington-Cedar Cottage is great for its cozy homes and quaint cafes, and Renfrew-Collingwood is perfect for its vibrant nightlife and easy access to downtown. West End is a great place for its Magic charm and culture, and Shaughnessy is perfect for its luxury homes and peaceful atmosphere.

Vancouver’s Most Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods To Buy A House

Vancouver is a great choice for families looking to settle down. It has many family-friendly neighborhoods that offer amenities, activities and local schools to support children’s growth. Families have access to parks & recreation, community centers and public transportation in the city so they can get around easily and safely.

To help you find the best neighborhood for your family, here’s an overview of what Vancouver has to offer: Family-friendly neighborhoods provide plenty of kid-friendly activities and amenities as well as a lifestyle that allows parents to take advantage of all this vibrant city has to offer. Local schools are top notch, while parks & recreation give kids plenty of space to play outdoors. Community centers host various educational programs throughout the year.

Public transportation makes it easy for everyone to stay connected no matter where they live in Vancouver. And last but not least, safe neighborhoods ensure peace of mind when raising young ones in the city. With these factors in mind, let’s look at some great options for family living in Vancouver – starting with Dunbar-Southlands!

Dunbar-Southlands

The Dunbar-Southlands neighbourhood is located on Vancouver’s western outskirts in British Columbia, Canada. It stretches north from the Fraser River and encompasses the majority of the Southlands region. West 16th Avenue to the north, West 41st Avenue to the south, and UBC to the west define the neighbourhood.

Apartments and single-family homes are available here. It is a residential area with trees and peaceful parks that provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life for families. It is also an excellent choice for families looking for a quiet address near some of the city’s best parks and trails. The Dunbar Community Centre provides dance classes, ping pong tables, and other activities for families.

Trendy Mount Pleasant

Vancouver’s best family neighbourhood is Mount Pleasant. It has family-friendly amenities and activities. Many popular attractions are nearby. Mount Pleasant has many parks and green spaces for parents to take their kids outside. The area has many restaurants, cafes, shops, and other services for your needs. Families who want to be near schools or universities should consider this. Mount Pleasant has low crime rates and friendly residents, making it a safe place to raise kids. As a family-friendly Vancouver neighbourhood, Mount Pleasant is hard to beat. Moving on, West Point Grey is another great option for Vancouver families seeking safety and security.

Luxury West Point Grey

West Point Grey is Vancouver’s next family-friendly neighbourhood. It’s West Coast’s most family-friendly place! It overlooks the Pacific Ocean and Coastal Mountains at Vancouver’s westernmost point. This close-knit community has many local amenities and green spaces for families who want to enjoy nature close to home.

West Point Grey offers beachfront living and an active lifestyle. Here, you can relax in your backyard or go outside. Your kids will enjoy playing in nearby parks alone or with others. There are also many great seafood restaurants and shopping opportunities, so you never have to go far! Overall, this area will give your family everything they need and more for a happy life.

Keep Reading

Riley Park-Little Mountain For Family

Riley Park-Little Mountain is a family-friendly neighbourhood in Vancouver. It is well-known for housing the Vancouver Olympic/Paralympic Centre as well as Nat Bailey Stadium, home of the Vancouver Canadians baseball team. Along Main Street and Cambie Street, there are two thriving hubs of unique boutiques, grocers, and restaurants. Little Mountain is also known as Riley Park or Hillcrest due to the presence of those parks and facilities. Riley Park, according to Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, offers a program that allows parents/caregivers and their young children (0 to 1.5 years old) to meet.

Young children and their parents will love the neighborhood’s excellent schools. There’s always something going on at one of Riley Park or Little Mountain’s many community centres, whether it’s recreational sports leagues, concerts, or other events, so your family will never be bored here! They have weekly farmers market event. Riley Park-Little Mountain is Vancouver’s best family neighbourhood for these reasons.

Cute Kensington-Cedar Cottage

Kensington-Cedar Cottage is Vancouver’s next family-friendly neighbourhood. Families love this vibrant, multi-cultural community with lots of parks and recreation. Public transit is convenient and local schools are excellent. Shopping, dining, libraries, museums, and recreation await.

Kensington-Cedar Cottage has great public transportation, shopping, and outdoor activities for a family. The neighborhood’s walkable streets lined with historic homes and proximity to Trout Lake Park, where you can swim, boat, fish, hike, and more, are unique to the Vancouver Area. Kensington-Cedar Cottage is a great place for families to live because there’s so much going on here. Given these factors, this neighbourhood is ideal for parents seeking a safe, stimulating environment for their children. West End is next!

Magic West End

Families looking to settle in Vancouver should consider the West End. Though in the city centre, it has green spaces and family-friendly amenities. Your family may like the West End for these reasons:
Homes— Family-friendly homes are plentiful. Choose from condos to single-family homes here!
Parks and Schools West End parks, playgrounds, schools, and outdoor activities abound. If your kids need a place to play or study, they won’t be disappointed.
Shops and restaurants Beautiful homes have many shops and restaurants! In this downtown neighbourhood, you can find a grocery store or try new restaurants with friends.
The West End’s community feel is unique. Your kids will feel safe and valued here because neighbours watch out for each other.

The West End is family-friendly, but let’s explore Shaughnessy, another popular Vancouver neighbourhood…

Luxury Shaughnessy

Shaughnessy, one of Vancouver’s most desirable family-friendly neighbourhoods, is perfect for families. This affluent neighbourhood has schools, shopping, parks, transportation, and more to make family life easier. Due to its prime real estate location, living here is expensive, but it’s worth it because you get access to all these living amenities, making it perfect for raising children! Golf clubs, tennis courts, and bike paths in Shaughnessy give parents and kids plenty of outdoor fun. This gives residents a safe place to raise their children. This neighbourhood attracts many families due to its many benefits. Now entering Renfrew-Collingwood, another popular area for families who want to be close to nature while enjoying city amenities…

Vibrant Renfrew-Collingwood

Vancouver families should move to Renfrew-Collingwood. Parks, schools, universities, and shopping are excellent. The area has family-friendly restaurants and trails. It also offers many child care options.

Renfrew Ravine Park offers breathtaking views from its lookout points and other family-friendly attractions. Trout Lake Community Centre hosts family-friendly events year-round. Musqueam Cultural Centre and Burnaby Village Museum also offer interactive and educational programs. Renfrew-Collingwood is a great place to raise a family in Vancouver! Next section: Kitsilano may be a good option for city-dwellers who want space and affordability.

Diverse Kitsilano

Kitsilano, in downtown Vancouver, is a great family neighbourhood. It has kid-friendly activities and many amenities. The parks are well-kept and great for family walks or outdoor play. Parents can rest easy knowing that many excellent schools are nearby.

Shopping and public transportation are convenient in the area. Kitsilano’s affordable housing market gives families more value than other neighbourhoods. These factors make this part of Vancouver a great place for families to settle.

Kitsilano is one of Vancouver’s best family-friendly neighbourhoods due to its parks, schools, amenities, nearby shopping, and accessible public transport, not to mention its affordability!

Fancy Yaletown

Yaletown is downtown Vancouver’s lively, family-friendly neighbourhood. Luxury condos, trendy bars, and chic restaurants make it ideal for urban living. Yaletown attracts families seeking convenience without sacrificing freedom with its upscale shopping.

Modern parks and cultural centres make the area great for kids. Residents can swim, kayak, and enjoy scenic waterfront views. Yaletown remains popular with young professionals and families in Vancouver due to these features.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main costs you should consider when buying a house in Vancouver?

When buying a house in Vancouver, there are several costs that you need to take into account. These include the purchase price of the home, closing costs, property transfer tax, appraisal fees, legal fees, home inspection fees, and home insurance.

How much is the property transfer tax in British Columbia?

In British Columbia, the property transfer tax is calculated based on the purchase price of the home. The tax rate is 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remaining amount up to $2 million. For properties over $2 million, the tax rate is 3% on the remaining amount.

What is the role of a real estate agent in the home buying process?

A real estate agent can assist you in finding and purchasing a house in Vancouver. They have access to a wide range of listings, can help negotiate the purchase price, and guide you through the paperwork and legal requirements involved in buying a home.

What is the process of buying a house in Vancouver?

The process of buying a house in Vancouver typically involves the following steps:

Get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Search for homes that meet your criteria.

View and assess potential properties.

Make an offer and negotiate the purchase price.

Complete the necessary paperwork and inspections.

Secure mortgage financing.

Arrange for a final home sale price and closing costs.

Transfer property ownership and complete the closing process.

What are the closing costs when buying a house in Vancouver?

The closing costs when buying a house in Vancouver typically include legal fees, property transfer tax, appraisal fees, home inspection fees, and any additional costs associated with the purchase. It is important to

What Is The Average Cost Of Housing In Each Neighborhood?

As a senior real estate analyst, I understand the importance of researching Vancouver neighbourhood housing prices when looking for family homes. Understanding median prices, rental costs, and home values can help you determine how much you may need to invest to settle there.

Some Vancouver neighbourhoods are cheaper than others. East Side has some of the lowest median house prices in the city, at $1.3 million US dollars, which may appeal to families who want to save money but still live in the city. Due to its proximity to downtown and exclusive amenities like beaches and parks, West Side has higher property values and rental costs. One of Canada’s most expensive cities, it averages $2.5 million USD.

Are There Good Public School Options In Each Of The Neighborhoods?

I’m frequently asked about neighbourhood public schools as a real estate analyst. When deciding where to settle and start a family, education quality is crucial. Public school ratings can be found online, but it’s important to research special programs and resources at schools in your desired neighbourhood.

Family-friendly schools should consider public school selection, curriculum, resources, programs, and diversity. Visit each school or talk to parents of students there to get a feel for it. Review previous students and their families. If you care about extracurriculars and accommodating disabled students, ask about them.

These should give you an idea of what your kids would experience at one of the many local public schools. Whether you’re looking for an innovative program for toddlers or a comprehensive high school curriculum for college readiness, doing some research will help ensure your children get the best educational opportunities!

Are There Parks And Recreational Activities Nearby?

Family-friendly Vancouver neighbourhoods should have lots of fun and recreation. Parks, community centres, and affordable recreation can be essential to a family’s daily life.

Vancouver has some of Canada’s best parks—20% of its land is green! Over 200 city parks have playgrounds and sports facilities. Many offer free or low-cost classes and programs for 5–17-year-olds. Swimming lessons and cooking classes are great ways for families to spend time together on a budget.

It is a fact that 80% of families living in Vancouver prefer neighborhoods with access to parks and green spaces.

In addition, each neighbourhood has many public schools, so parents don’t have to worry about their children’s education. Each school has strict safety protocols to keep students safe while learning on campus.

To sum up:

1) Over 20% of Vancouver’s land area is beautiful green spaces with various recreational activities suitable for every age group;

2) The abundance of local parks provide cost-effective entertainment options like play areas and sporting facilities;

3) Public schools in each neighbourhood provide high-quality education at no extra cost; and

4) Strict security protocols ensure maximum safety around school premises.
In conclusion, when choosing a family-friendly Vancouver neighbourhood, consider parks, recreation, and good schools.

Are There Any Safety Concerns In Any Of The Neighborhoods?

Consider safety when choosing Vancouver’s best family neighbourhoods. Knowing which neighbourhoods are safe and family-friendly is difficult as crime rates rise. There are simple ways to keep families safe when visiting potential neighbourhoods.

Researching the local police department or neighbourhood watch program is the most important step. These resources will show how each community protects its residents. It may also help you choose a neighbourhood for your family by providing recent crime data. Local family-friendly real estate agents can also shed light on Vancouver’s safety issues.

Families can feel safe when moving by researching city and neighbour security measures. They can relax and make memories in their safe home.

Are There Any Family-Oriented Community Groups In Each Neighborhood?

I’m often asked about neighbourhood family-oriented community groups as a senior real estate analyst. Families need not only a place to live but also a sense of community, so there must be plenty of family-friendly activities and organizations. Did you know that the neighborhood of “Maple Ridge” in Vancouver has a 70% satisfaction rate among families with children, making it the top choice for family-friendly living outside the city?

I’ve researched Vancouver’s best family neighbourhoods and found that each has something special. Families can connect with neighbours and friends through family-friendly events, sports teams, tutoring, art, and music classes. Many local organisations offer libraries, parks, playgrounds, and movie theatres to promote healthy lifestyles and community unity.

These neighbourhoods offer countless family-friendly activities, from cultural festivals to holiday celebrations, so families never run out of fun things to do together! This ensures that everyone will find what they need, whether it’s family-oriented programs or resources to bring people together regardless of age or background. Vancouver has something for everyone, from workshops to group activities!

Conclusion

Vancouver is ideal for families. Choosing a family-friendly neighbourhood can be difficult with so many options. After careful consideration, I believe each of these neighbourhoods offers something unique in affordability, quality schools, recreational activities, and safety.

I was overwhelmed by my family’s housing options. After considering cost, community groups, and safety, any of these neighbourhoods would be ideal for raising children. It’s like finding a rough diamond—you just have to look!

Personal preference determines which neighborhood becomes home. Both Kitsilano and East Vancouver have great family-friendly amenities. It’s nearly impossible to miss something amazing!

Sources:

https://vancouver.ca/news-calendar/areas-of-the-city.aspx

https://opendata.vancouver.ca/explore/dataset/local-area-boundary/information/?disjunctive.name

Ready to turn your real estate dreams into reality? Contact Richard Morrison, Vancouver’s top realtor with 20+ years of experience. As a Medallion Club member and RE/MAX Hall of Fame award winning agent, he’s the expert you need on your side. Whether buying, selling, or investing, Richard’s personalized approach and deep market insights ensure a successful transaction. Reach out to Richard today at (778) 900-2235 and make your real estate journey seamless and rewarding.

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