Vancouver is a coastal city on the southwest corner of British Columbia (BC), Canada, and is known for its scenic views and friendly people. It’s also known as one of the best places to live in British Columbia. Over half of its residents speak a first language other than English, making it one of the most ethnically diverse Canadian cities to live in.

Due to its popularity, buying a home or renting an apartment tends to fall on the expensive side of the housing and rental market, so you will need to do your homework. Vancouver is divided up by Main Street; of the over 20 neighborhoods, those that reside on the West Side are considered more affluent than those that fall on the East Side.

Intrigued yet? Let’s take a look at the best places to live in Vancouver, British Columbia.

1. West End

Best neighborhood in Vancouver for singles and entertainment seekers

If you are looking for an easygoing neighborhood, one that allows easy access to nightlife and strong ties to the LGBT communities, then look no further. West End offers open access to Stanley Park, a public common that is almost entirely surrounded by the waters of the Vancouver Harbor and the English Bay.

Here you will also find the Inukshuk, a stone Inuit stature, among many other of the locale’s popular public art. Restaurants include a variety of foods, from French cuisine to East African; you’ll never be found wanting.

2. Kitsilano

Best neighborhood in Vancouver for outdoor recreation and mountain views

Staying on the island’s West End, this relaxed residential area is a perfect oasis for outdoor enthusiasts with its mountain views and direct access to two shorelines, Kitsilano Beach and Jericho Beach. Continue to enjoy the great mountain views with waterfront eateries (including organic and vegetarian options) and athletic wear shopping along the main strip. Kitsilano has some amazing views, easily making it one of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver for outdoor enthusiasts.

Known to the locals as Kits, this Vancouver neighborhood also brings in visitors who come to see the Vancouver Maritime Museum as well as the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the latter is a hot spot for astronomy and science enthusiasts alike.

3. Mount Pleasant

Best neighborhood in Vancouver for young professionals and families

Continuing in the combined theme of a residential neighborhood that offers plenty of outdoor activities, Mount Pleasant, as its name suggests, is the perfect location for first-time homebuyers, including young professionals and families.

The shopping district includes a variety of indie shops, a diverse array of specialty outdoor equipment stores, and relaxed dining experiences. Be sure to take a trip to the numerous art venues dotted throughout the industrial zone, while a geodesic dome offers interactive shows from Science World. Younger kids will love the hands-on fun at the local science centers and parks.

4. Yaletown

Best neighborhood in Vancouver for singles and working professionals

Wanting to find great downtown apartments is a popular desire of many of today’s renters. In Yaletown, you will find old warehouse buildings that have been converted into inviting restaurants with outdoor terraces that produce the hottest nightlife.

With easy access to the Seawall and views of False Creek and Yaletown, you will have the best of both worlds. Don’t forget to regularly check BC Place Stadium and Rogers Arena for sporting events and great rock concerts. Yaletown is perfect for singles and working professionals who want to be right in the middle of all the action.

5. Gastown

Best neighborhood in Vancouver for artists, photographers, writers, and designers

On the opposite side of Yaletown, and yet still part of the downtown core, downtown apartments are heavily sought after in this lively and hip neighborhood. It is home to indie artists and those wanting to thrive in the original settlement that expanded into the core of Vancouver.

Known for its famous Steam Clock, built in 1977 to harness the steam, an abundance of souvenir shops, art galleries, and Victorian buildings that line Water Street. Yearly events include the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and the Global Relay Gastown Grand Prix, a bicycle race that brings in competitors from around the Globe.

6. Coal Harbour

Best neighborhood in Vancouver for easy access to entertainment and dining

Staying close to the downtown area, this Vancouver neighborhood is known for its mix of marinas and mountain views. Coal Harbour is believed to be one of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver due to its ideal location to the paved Seawall and easy access to Stanley Park.

You will want to take the whole family to visit the Vancouver Aquarium, ride a bike down by the harbor, or watch the seaplanes take off. Condos surround the Vancouver Convention Centre, offering Vancouver rentals for those wanting to reside right on the water’s edge.

Renting in Vancouver

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for rent in the best neighborhoods in Vancouver:

• Average cost of a studio apartment: $2,300 per month
• Average cost of a one-bedroom apartment: $2,495 per month
• Average cost of a two-bedroom apartment: $3,490 per month

The best places to live in Vancouver, British Columbia, may come at a higher price than other providences in Canada. However, the city puts you central to some of the country’s best restaurants, shops, and bars. The views and outdoor recreation in Vancouver are also second to none. Vancouver offers beautiful mountains, a blue ocean, and rainforests, making it one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Short-term rentals may also be an option in Vancouver. Some of the best neighborhoods in Vancouver for a short-term rental are Yaletown and Coal Harbour. Both of these cities are walkable, meaning you can easily immerse yourself in the local culture before deciding if Vancouver is right for you.

Frequently asked questions about living in Vancouver, B.C.

Vancouver city offers some of the best places to live in all of BC and is the city that keeps on growing. If moving to Vancouver, or relocating to this coastal island is on your wants list, then be sure to check out our Vancouver apartments for rent.

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