Best Places To Live In Vancouver

Vancouver often makes it to the top of lists featuring the best places to live in around the world – and for good reason. This relaxed seaside city in Canada has an abundance of art, culture, theater, music, and a fantastic food scene, all while being encircled by an amazing natural playground. Health, well-being, leisure, and quality of life are very important to Vancouverites and those values are reflected in the green and pleasant communities throughout the city, making it one of the best places to live in Vancouver. 

Vancouver is a large city by Canadian standards, and there are many different neighbourhoods to choose from in the best places to live in Vancouver. Let's look at a few Vancouver neighbourhoods and weigh the distinct advantages and disadvantages of each before you decide to migrate.

Top 10 best places to live in Vancouver:

So, you're eyeing Vancouver for your next move? Great choice! This city's buzzing with awesome neighbourhoods, and it's all about finding that perfect spot to call home. From the laid-back vibe of the West End to the family-friendly pockets in Burnaby and North Vancouver, the options are diverse. So, without further ado, here are the 10 best places to live in Vancouver:

1. Central
2. The West End
3. Kitsilano
4. South Vancouver
5. West Point Grey
6. Grandview
7. Mount Pleasant
8. South Granville
9. City of Burnaby
10. North Vancouver

1. Central

The Downtown area of Vancouver is the most thriving, hip, and popular neighbourhood and it is very popular with young professionals making it one of the best places to live in Vancouver. This area is home to the Vancouver Public Library, West Georgia Street, the Vancouver Art Gallery, the Pacific Centre Shopping Mall, and several other well-known Vancouver attractions.

Of course, the closer you are to the downtown core, the more expensive the properties will be in the best places to live in Vancouver. Most likely, the residential unit you live in will be a high-rise. The most exclusive and high-end area in the city is the West End.

This beautiful neighbourhood is the access point to Stanley Park and is also home to Robson Street – the most famous shopping street in the city within the best places to live in Vancouver. Unlike Yaletown, which is a relatively new neighbourhood mostly inhabited by young people, the West End is home to individuals of various ages, many of whom have lived there for decades.

2. The West End

With a laid-back charm and a great location, one of the best neighbourhoods in Vancouver for young professionals is The West End in the best places to live in Vancouver. Many people choose to live in the West End and commute to work downtown, as the public transport connections and close proximity make it easy to do so.

The neighbourhood begins on the western side of the downtown Vancouver Peninsula and spans from south of Georgia Street to Burrard Street and is centred around Denman Street within the best places to live in Vancouver.

When it comes to housing here in the best places to live in Vancouver, there is a lot of variety to choose from – including heritage houses, high-rise condos and apartments, and art deco apartment buildings.

3. Kitsilano

This vibrant neighbourhood stands as one of the best places to live in Vancouver, attracting young professionals seeking an active lifestyle and a health-conscious environment. Its bohemian atmosphere hosts an array of yoga studios, health food stores, snowboarding and surfing shops, gyms, dance studios, and trendy cafes, making it an ideal spot among the best places to live in Vancouver.

Furthermore, this locale boasts an exhilarating nightlife scene, featuring a multitude of bustling restaurants and bars within the area recognized as one of the best places to live in Vancouver. Nestled alongside the scenic sandy beaches of English Bay, it offers breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains and Downtown, solidifying its reputation as one of the best places to live in Vancouver.

Given its prime location close to Downtown Vancouver, housing prices here tend to be higher. Nonetheless, this neighbourhood compensates by providing an exceptional quality of life, marking it as one of the best places to live in Vancouver.

4. South Vancouver

If you are searching for a serene and family-friendly place to reside in Canada, South Vancouver emerges as an ideal choice among the best places to live in Vancouver. Stroll along the peaceful, tree-lined streets of Dunbar, and you'll witness children playing in the parks amidst the backdrop of stately homes constructed in the early 1900s.

Kerrisdale boasts a vibrant and close-knit community ambiance, while Marpole presents affordable rental housing options. In Renfrew, Collingwood, and Killarney, a diverse range of lower-income families from various backgrounds reside, resulting in a fusion of rental housing options and service-oriented businesses within the best area to live in Vancouver.

5. West Point Grey

West Point Grey, situated on the West side of the city, stands as one of the oldest and most picturesque neighbourhoods in Vancouver, renowned among the best places to live in Vancouver. Nestled close to two stunning beaches – Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach, it offers residents an incredibly scenic environment.

Recognized for its excellent shopping district – Point Grey Village, this area boasts a delightful ambiance with an array of charming shops and restaurants. Moreover, it plays host to the Point Grey Fiesta, a lively summer carnival that adds to the vibrant community spirit of this neighbourhood, making it one of the prime choices among the best places to live in Vancouver.

6. Grandview

On the East Side of the city lies Grandview, celebrated as one of the most culturally diverse areas of Vancouver among the best places to live in Vancouver. Its focal point is Commercial Drive, affectionately referred to as “The Drive”.

This vibrant neighbourhood hub boasts several charming cafes, restaurants, and organic food stores, contributing to its lively atmosphere. Alongside these establishments, visitors and residents alike can enjoy a plethora of late-night bars, exceptional ethnic eateries, and coffee shops that frequently host open mics, readings, and live bands, showcasing the neighbourhood's dynamic culture within one of the best areas in Vancouver to live.

In proximity lies Trout Lake, offering a serene setting for swimming and picnicking. Moreover, the Grandview neighbourhood is equipped with numerous pools, ice rinks, and community centres that host various programs such as day camps, adding to the community's vibrant lifestyle.

In terms of housing costs, Grandview generally offers more affordable options compared to neighbourhoods like Kitsilano or the West End due to its location on the east side of the city, making it an attractive choice among the best places to live in Vancouver..

7. Mount Pleasant

This appealing neighbourhood situated on the East Side of the city, once predominantly inhabited by students and young artists, now sees an increasing number of young families making it their home among the best places to live in Vancouver. A significant 60% of the residents in this youthful enclave are under the age of 40.

Mount Pleasant exudes a welcoming, relaxed vibe and fosters a strong sense of community, making it an attractive choice among the best places to live in Vancouver. Notably, this area boasts several excellent schools, including Florence Nightingale Elementary School, Mount Pleasant Elementary School, and Simon Fraser Elementary School.

Another notable advantage of residing here is the plethora of transportation options connecting the neighbourhood to downtown via the Skytrain or the Canada Line, adding to the convenience of living in one of the best areas in Vancouver to live.

For those seeking affordable real estate options, exploring the South Main area is advisable, offering reasonably priced homes compared to other parts of the city, making it an attractive prospect among the best places to live in Vancouver.

8. South Granville

This appealing neighbourhood, located just a few minutes south of Downtown Vancouver, stands as an attractive gem among the best places to live in Vancouver.

This locale offers excellent transportation links throughout the city, alongside upscale shops, boutique stores, art galleries, bookshops, and a myriad of other amenities, creating a vibrant atmosphere within this neighbourhood recognized as one of the best places to live in Vancouver. Renowned as a foodie paradise, this area hosts a plethora of unique and innovative restaurants.

The thriving social scene further solidifies its reputation as one of the best neighbourhoods for young professionals in Vancouver, offering an alluring lifestyle within close proximity to Downtown Vancouver.

9. City of Burnaby

Burnaby, a distinct city bordering Vancouver to the east, embodies a diverse community much like many areas within Greater Vancouver. It hosts sizable ethnic and immigrant populations.

Boasting excellent accessibility to Downtown Vancouver via transit, Burnaby's affordability in terms of rent makes it an enticing option while considering where to live in Vancouver. The SkyTrain rapid transit system traverses Burnaby from east to west at two key junctures. The Expo Line spans the southern region along Kingsway, while the Millennium Line tracks along Lougheed Highway, enhancing the connectivity and convenience of living in Burnaby when exploring where to live in Vancouver.

10. North Vancouver

North Vancouver, a distinct city in its own right, is witnessing a surge in popularity among newcomers, mirroring the trend seen in Burnaby. Known for its family-oriented atmosphere, this region is gaining traction due to its more affordable rents and convenient access to the North Shore mountains, a haven for biking and snowboarding enthusiasts. Additionally, numerous individuals employed at the local mountains often choose to reside in North Vancouver neighbourhoods.

Lonsdale Avenue, extending north from the SeaBus terminal, serves as a focal point offering a diverse range of accommodations and services in North Vancouver neighbourhoods, drawing interest among those exploring where to live in Vancouver. Alternative options include Marine Drive, the primary east-west thoroughfare, and Lynn Valley Village, positioned approximately 30 minutes north of the waterfront, catering to residents seeking varied living experiences within North Vancouver.

For transportation to downtown, the SeaBus serves as a vital link, departing for downtown every 15 minutes during peak hours and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours, providing seamless connectivity from North Vancouver to downtown Vancouver. Additionally, bus services operate in the area, enhancing the commuting options for residents within the best places to live in Vancouver.