There are many reasons why people want to live in Vancouver. One of the top reasons would be that Vancouver scores high in livability. In fact, it recently ranked as the best city to live in in North America. With its diverse and vibrant neighbourhoods, no matter what Vancouver suburb you choose to live in, you are going to fall in love with all that living in beautiful, coastal Vancouver has to offer.
Living in Vancouver
The geographical location of Vancouver means that you get access to both stunning beaches as well as majestic mountains. Not only does this provide incredible and stunning scenic views, but also for those who enjoy the great outdoors, there is plenty to do no matter what season it is.
Culturally, Vancouver offers so much! Known as one of the most multicultural places in the world, it is safe to say that living in Vancouver provides living experiences that no other place can begin to compete with. From food, whether it be restaurants or markets to arts and entertainment, one can experience the world without ever actually leaving Vancouver.
The hardest decision you will have to make once you decide Vancouver is the place for you will be choosing which Vancouver suburb is going to be your new home.
To assist you in the decision-making process, we have listed 10 of the best Vancouver suburbs to live in.
Central Vancouver / Downtown
If city living is for you, then you will want to live in the hub of Vancouver which is known as Central Vancouver or Downtown.
From its contemporary eating establishments to its very diverse cultural experiences, great shopping, and entertainment options, there will never be a dull moment living in this non-stop suburb of Vancouver.
A great asset to living downtown Vancouver is having the well known CF Pacific Centre Shopping Mall located right in the heart of downtown Vancouver right where you live. From your everyday basic needs to that specialty item you are after, this huge 3 story shopping centre is sure to provide.
Having a high walking score, living in Central Vancouver appeals to those who desire an environmentally conscious lifestyle or simply desire to live an active and healthy lifestyle.
![7 Reasons To Live In Downtown Vancouver [2022 Edition]](https://u.realgeeks.media/whatsmyhouseworth/7-Reasons-To-Live-In-Downtown-Vancouver.jpg)
West End
Connected closely to the Downtown area, the Vancouver suburb of West End is a highly desirable neighbourhood to call home. With its ease of access to public transportation connections it is a very easy commute should you work downtown or if you want to simply enjoy all that the downtown lifestyle has to offer.
The West End is known to be a very diverse suburb making it very appealing to live in for many.
No matter what style of housing you are looking for, the West End suburb has a great variety of options from high-rise condominiums to heritage houses, and contemporary homes while also offering lots of rental options.
Of all the suburbs closely connected to the Downtown area, West End has been rated as the most affordable downtown suburb which of course adds to the appeal of living in West End.
![6 Reasons To Live In Vancouver West [2022 Edition]](https://u.realgeeks.media/whatsmyhouseworth/6_Reasons_Related_Post_Vancouver_West.jpg)
Kitsilano
Located on the west side of Vancouver, Kitsilano attracts those who want to enjoy the beach. Having Kits Beach along with Jericho Beach, two of Vancouver's greatest beaches right outside your door offers resort-style living when one lives in Kitsilano.
Kitsilano is a very trendy neighbourhood for those wanting to live a healthy and active lifestyle with its yoga studios, health food stores, dance studios, and gyms.
When the season isn’t suitable for swimming or surfing, how about snowboarding? With the mountains close by, you will be too busy snowboarding or skiing to miss the beach.
Dunbar-Southlands
Dunbar-Southlands is a melting pot of arts, culture, business, and community creating one of the most distinctively diverse residential areas and Vancouver suburbs to live in.
One of the more mature suburbs of Vancouver, Dunbar-Southlands is known for its immaculate tree-lined streets and park areas.
You will find that this Vancouver suburb is a bit of a quieter neighbourhood than some but the green spaces, golf courses, and unique cultural shops and restaurants make up for the less busy downtown living experience. When you want that downtown activity, know that it is still just moments away and very accessible.
West Point Grey
Although West Point Grey is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Vancouver it is still a highly sought-after Vancouver suburb to live in. Located along English Bay, West Point Grey is also very close to two lovely beaches, Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach.
Living in West Point Grey has lots to offer its residents including great amenities.
West Point Grey is known for its excellent shopping district called Point Grey Village. With its many charming and quaint shops and restaurants creating a village-like atmosphere, it is easy to see how the shopping district got its name Point Grey Village.
Mount Pleasant
One of the many things that attracts people to Vancouver is the culture and eclectic lifestyle that Vancouver is known for. This Vancouver suburb, Mount Pleasant certainly lives up to that reputation.
Mount Pleasant has a very dynamic energy and prides itself in its diverse and unique stores, arts, and cultural lifestyle.
Businesses and residents of the Mount Pleasant suburb have taken great efforts to intently intertwine the many varied cultures and history associated with this suburb to create a stimulating neighbourhood that totally accepts, encourages, and embraces every person’s individual uniqueness.
With its transportation options including the Skytrain and the Canada Line, Mount Pleasant is a great place to live.
Grandview
There are many reasons to love the Vancouver suburb of Grandview but the reason that stands out the most would be Commercial Drive or ‘The Drive’ as it is referred to by the locals.
Commercial Drive is the hub of Grandview. With its charming cafes, ethnic restaurants, organic food stores, late night bars featuring arts and entertainment, Commercial Drive does not fall short in its offerings.
With many parks and green spaces, community centres, pools, etc. an active and healthy lifestyle is quite easy to achieve living in Grandview.
Being serviced by both excellent bus service and Skytrain getting around is quite easy making the neighbourhood of Grandview quite high on many people's list of places to consider living.
South Granville
Located just a few minutes south of downtown Vancouver, the suburb of South Granville is one to take a serious look at when considering where to live in Vancouver.
South Granville offers fantastic transportation options connecting those who live in South Granville to all over the city. A very attractive feature when considering where to call home.
South Granville has in fact been rated as one of the best Vancouver suburbs in the categories of shopping, dining, and culture.
High-end shops, charming boutiques, art galleries, and exclusive and contemporary restaurants that will amp up your dining experiences are just a few of the incredible amenities available should you decide to live in South Granville.
Kerrisdale
Kerrisdale is a very popular Vancouver suburb located south of Kitsilano. Because of its prime location, Kerrisdale suburb is a quick ride to the University of British Columbia, just 15-20 minutes to Kitsilano with its beautiful beach area while just being a short trip via transit to the downtown core where everything is happening.
Kerrisdale makes pretty much everything that could possibly interest you accessible no matter what your age demographic is making it a very attractive suburb to live in.
Regardless of your age or income, Kerrisdale’s main shopping area with over two hundred shops has a retail experience for you. When done shopping or perhaps you just need a break between purchases, enjoy the many cafes, eateries or galleries that this amazing suburb of Kerrisdale has to offer.
Shaughnessy
Shaughnessy is a great Vancouver suburb to call home as it offers a quiet and serene lifestyle while providing quick access to all that downtown city living has to offer. Living in Shaughnessy provides the best of both worlds.
Shaughnessy ranks very high in livability for Vancouver suburbs.
The prime location of Shaughnessy, near major routes for both car and transit as well as close proximity to an airport, means that living in this beautiful subdivision of Vancouver, everything you could ever want access to is right at your back door.
A Few Points of Interest
Having an active lifestyle is easy in Vancouver with its high walkability scores and of course having the most beautiful year-round outdoor landscape to be active in. Walking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, golfing, cycling, sailing, swimming, surfing, and tennis are just a few of the options available to residents of Vancouver.
Because Vancouver is known as Canada’s largest port and highly industrial centre, finding employment in Vancouver is much easier than in other areas of Canada. With its various options for transportation, no matter which suburb you decide upon, commuting to work or going out will not be a problem.
If education is of interest to you, then you will not be disappointed. Vancouver schools rank high in quality of education whether you choose public or private options. No matter what neighbourhood you move to, a great education is available to all.
Let’s not forget that Vancouver has the University of British Columbia for those who are ready for that next level of education. If not within walking distance, the University of British Columbia will be just a quick bus ride away.
Vancouver prides itself in having high standards when it comes to being environmentally friendly and living a healthy lifestyle. You will see these values reflected greatly throughout the city no matter what suburb you choose to live in.
So no matter what your reason is for your desire to live in Vancouver, whether it’s the steadily growing economy, the beautiful landscapes, the desirable year-round weather and all that the changing seasons have to offer, the commitment to living environmentally friendly, education, the diverse and exceptional blend of cultures, or the fantastic and dynamic food scene or perhaps just wanting to live in one of the world's most livable cities, your reason is totally understandable.
Living in Vancouver and embracing the Vancouver lifestyle is phenomenal, just ask anyone who calls Vancouver home.
We hope that the above-mentioned 10 best Vancouver suburbs will greatly assist you in finding the best Vancouver suburb for you to live in.
Greg Covell is dedicated to selling your home or finding you that dream home you are searching for. Greg specializes in homes for sale in Maple Ridge and the Vancouver area. You are invited to browse his website and call or e-mail him with any questions you have about buying or selling a home in the area.
