Getting to Know Kerrisdale
Few areas on Vancouver’s West Side offer the combination of deep-rooted history, a walkable commercial district, and varied housing that Kerrisdale does. If you are looking to relocate to Kerrisdale, this Vancouver West Side neighbourhood draws buyers who want proximity to the city without trading away a quieter residential pace. This overview covers the neighbourhood’s background, what residents can find close to home, and what to expect from its real estate market.
Watch our neighbourhood tour below to get a closer look at why Kerrisdale continues to draw buyers to Vancouver’s West Side.
What Makes Kerrisdale Unique?
Geography and Borders
Kerrisdale sits on the West Side of Vancouver, with Blenheim Street marking the western edge, Cypress Street to the east, West 57th Avenue to the south, and West 37th Avenue to the north. The area is recognized for its canopied residential streets, well-kept homes, and an engaged, close-knit community.
Historical Background
Kerrisdale’s roots reach back to the late 1800s. In 1903, Frank Bowser purchased 10 acres of land at 44th and Macdonald for $50 an acre. The neighbourhood took its name in 1905, and by 1912, streetcar tracks had been laid along the gravelled Wilson Road (now 41st Avenue) from West Boulevard to Dunbar Street. By 1920, the line had been extended eastward to Granville, opening up regular service to downtown Vancouver.
Between 1904 and 1912, the commercial district consisted of a single general store and post office, one meat market, a real estate office, and a hardware store. The Bowser Block at 41st and West Boulevard was constructed in 1912 and remains standing today, currently occupied by the Bank of Montreal.
The neighbourhood was once part of the Municipality of Point Grey, which joined south Vancouver and the City of Vancouver in a formal amalgamation on January 1, 1929.
What the Neighbourhood Offers
Kerrisdale’s commercial area runs along West 41st Avenue between Larch and Maple Streets, and along West Boulevard between 37th and 49th Avenues. The district draws both residents and visitors with a solid range of shops, restaurants, and cafés that have become a regular part of the neighbourhood’s daily rhythm.
Among the more prominent features in Kerrisdale is the Arbutus Greenway, a dedicated path for pedestrians and cyclists that runs north to south through the area. The City of Vancouver acquired the corridor from Canadian Pacific Railway, and it has since grown into a well-used route for walkers, runners, and cyclists throughout the year.
The neighbourhood’s community centre houses a branch of the Vancouver Public Library and a public pool. The Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena was constructed in 1949 as a hockey facility and went on to serve as a wrestling venue during the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
Families considering relocating to Kerrisdale will find a selection of well-regarded public and private schools in the area, among them Kerrisdale Elementary, Quilchena Elementary, Kerrisdale Annex, Maple Grove Elementary, Magee Secondary (est. 1912), Point Grey Secondary (est. 1929), and Crofton House Private School (est. 1898).
Green space is well represented in Kerrisdale, with Malkin Park, Elm Park, and Kerrisdale Centennial Park all within reach. These parks accommodate a range of outdoor activities, including sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
Real Estate in Kerrisdale
Kerrisdale is noted for its varied housing stock, with properties ranging from Tudor and Spanish Colonial to early-twentieth-century residential styles. The neighbourhood carries a notable heritage presence; as of June 1992, 50 structures in the area were recorded in the Vancouver Heritage Inventory.
Current listing activity shows lot sizes from 4,300 to 22,695 square feet, with asking prices running from $2,050,000 to $28,888,000. Looking at the prior 24 months, completed sales in Kerrisdale have fallen between $1,875,000 and $17,000,000, with sold lot sizes recorded between 3,400 and 23,000 square feet. Those who relocate to Kerrisdale will find a market that reflects both the neighbourhood’s established character and its continued demand among West Side buyers.
According to 2016 census figures, 13,975 residents called Kerrisdale home, with 49% of the population reporting English as their primary language and 35% speaking Chinese.
Ready to Relocate to Kerrisdale?
Kerrisdale has much to offer: a range of housing types, accessible schools, green spaces, and a walkable commercial area.
Does this sound like the West Side neighbourhood for you?
