Downtown Real Estate
New real estate developments in Downtown Vancouver have contributed to its exponential growth. The construction of properties such as the Wall Centre and, more recently, the Shangri-La (Vancouver’s tallest building at 62 stories high) have brought to Vancouver the concept of luxury residences with the convenience and amenities of a hotel stay. Condo prices are higher than average in the many new developments, but real estate growth continues in the neighbourhood.
Downtown – Vancouver’s Neighbourhoods & Communities
Downtown Vancouver is home to the central shopping, entertainment, and business districts in Vancouver. For a long time, the downtown core was renowned primarily for these distinctions, and while tourists and visitors flocked to the area, it was not considered significantly residential. All that has changed in recent years; with the addition of gourmet markets and luxury residences, along with the continued growth of fine dining restaurants and high end boutiques in the neighbourhood, Downtown Vancouver has successfully integrated cosmopolitan chic and residential comforts.
Downtown Vancouver is a central junction for most major transit routes. Waterfront Station is located at Granville and Cordova and from here, one can catch the Canada Line, SkyTrain, the West Coast Express, or the SeaBus to North Vancouver. Nearby West Coast Air and Harbour Air offer fast, convenient travel by sea plane to Richmond or Vancouver Island. Buses going every direction can be easily taken from the downtown core.
Restaurants and Shopping
Restaurants, nightclubs, theatres and shops abound in Downtown Vancouver. Alberni street is home to some local favorites such as the newly re-located Coast seafood restaurant and the popular Italian Kitchen as well as the tourist favorite, Kobe Steakhouse. There is certainly no shortage of selection for dining options in this area of Vancouver. With casual fare like Cafe Crepe to fine dining at Gotham steakhouse, there is something here to suit any taste and budget.
The Pacific Centre Shopping Mall is home to a wide array of shopping, including Holt Renfrew, the Bay and Sears department stores. More shops line the surrounding Granville and Robson Streets. High end and designer shoppes are close by at Alberni St. and Burrard. The downtown shopping district has something for everyone.
Downtown Residents
The residential population in Downtown Vancouver has been steadily increasing over the last ten years. Studies estimate over 100,000 people will live in the area by 2021. Most residents are professionals with a high level of education, and due to the large number of businesses in the neighbourhood, sales and service people also populate this area. Downtown Vancouver is a convenient location for those working close by, but families generally move away from the downtown core. The average age of residents is 40 and most are single and employed.
Downtown Parks and Recreation
There is not a lot of green space in the area, however, Stanley Park is a short distance from the downtown Vancouver core and makes for a beautiful walk or bike ride. The closest park to downtown, Harbour Green park, is located on the fringe of Coal Harbour at Cordova and Bute.
Downtown Schools
Pattison High School – Private
Westside Prepatory School – Private
The closest public schools are located in the West End.
Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), The Art Institute of Vancouver, and the Vancouver Film School all have campuses downtown.