Agent Will

The West End of Vancouver. A charming neighbourhood mythically known as one of the densist population centres in Canada. It sure does have a lot of people but don’t think for a second that it is not civil or livable. It is, quite frankly, one of the best areas in the whole city to live in or raise a family.

Another legend, one that I can say I am a part of, is that everyone in Vancouver will live there once in their lifetime (likely when they first arrive). What is the charm that attracts so many people?

Architecture: This area has some of the oldest homes in the region. They are historically protected and, for the most part, immaculately kept. Many of them have become bed and breakfasts. Part of the Heritage designation requires the owners to maintain period looks and that includes period paint schemes. Lead glass windows, ornate doors, wrap around patios, hanging flower baskets, and the most unusual weather vains can frequently be found. The same goes for the low rise walkups and mid-rise buildings such as the Queen Charlotte which has an antique elevator to ferry residents to the top floors.

People can drive through the area (inconvenient though it may be for the inexperienced as many streets will force you to turn rather than continue straight) yet you will find most just out for a walk, a jog, or a bike ride from the store or their place of work. When we lived there we rarely drove. Everything was walking distance including the terrific fresh markets on Robson and fine dining along Denman and Davie. International cuisine abounds from Thai, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese, to African, Fish and Chips, and even First Nations.

On top of all that you have the most beautiful walks amongst these often architectural characters surrounded by a vast sea of colour. West of Denman St. between the rows of lowrises can be found Cherry blossoms in spring which lead in to hydrangeas and other seasonal plantings. The old trees that line the streets of this well established neighbourhood can be near 100 years of age and provide ample shade on the hotter days of summer.

And where else can you walk to the beach, or join the throngs of roller bladers along the seawall which arcs from Coal Harbour, around Stanley Park, to English Bay? Where else can you walk to see the annual Celebration of Fire (fireworks festival) and be home by 11pm (while the rest fight traffic or wait for a bus)? Where else can you take in a view of the mountains while feeding swans in Lost Lagoon? Where else can you live in a city yet feel like your not?

It is not easy to get a home in the West End. The majority of buildings are rental. Those that are not are not, shall we say, easy to afford. New building two bed plus den units command sums of 600k+ with an average closer to over $1million. That said, older and smaller units can be had for somewhere near 300k if you don’t mind the age or if it is a leasehold/co-op building. Rentals can certainly be had starting in the $900 range for a one bed or nice studio. That is the route most take and there is no shortage of demand for rental housing in the West End. The hot spots to look for definitely are anywhere West of Denman (closest to Stanley Park) and anywhere near the edges which would offer convenience of the sea wall and beaches and possibly a tremendous view.

Yes, I love the West End. So does my wife. We left because we needed more space for our little one but our hearts are filled with fond memories and we enjoy getting back there often. We have also vowed to return. That, I am told, is another legend of the West End. Those who have heard its siren song always vow to return. When will we be able to return? Hopefully not when pigs fly.

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