Vancouver Westside Guide to Arbutus

All You Need to Know About Arbutus Homes

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At a Glance

Population

7,762

Population Density

2,228.5 per km²

Median Age

44.8

Single-Family Homes

68%

Multi-Family Homes

32%

Avg Household Income

$250,600

Walk Score

77

Bike Score

53

Transit Score

95

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Arbutus Community Snapshot

Aerial view of the Arbutus neighbourhood looking north from Arbutus Ridge.

Arbutus is geographically defined by elevated terrain, a feature that affords select properties views of the city and the North Shore mountains. The neighbourhood’s character is a direct result of its mid-20th-century residential planning, which established a consistent fabric of single-family homes, many on larger-than-average lots.

Arbutus is distinguished by a dense, mature tree canopy that covers its quiet internal streets. This residential focus is balanced by a central location on the West Side that provides direct access to the commercial districts of Kerrisdale and Kitsilano, the University of British Columbia, and downtown Vancouver.

Shopping & Services

Commercial activity in Arbutus is concentrated at the redeveloped Arbutus Shopping Centre at Arbutus Street and Lahb Avenue. It includes a Safeway supermarket, a pharmacy, Starbucks, BMO bank, BCLIQUOR store, and various services.

Nearby commercial areas include Kerrisdale Village to the south, Arbutus North, the Broadway Corridor, and West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano.

Arbutus Shopping Centre as seen from the corner of Arbutus Street and Lahb Avenue.

Education in Arbutus

The neighbourhood is served by the Vancouver School Board and is in proximity to several independent schools.

  • Public Elementary Schools: Carnarvon Elementary, Trafalgar Elementary
  • Public Secondary School: Prince of Wales Secondary
  • Nearby Independent Schools: St. George’s School, York House School, Crofton House School, Little Flower Academy
  • Post-Secondary: The University of British Columbia is 6 km to the west and accessible via public transit routes on 16th, 25th, and 41st avenues.

Civic & Cultural Facilities

Residents have access to a variety of public facilities and recreational clubs, primarily in the surrounding areas.

  • Community Centre: The nearest public facility is the Kerrisdale Community Centre, which offers programs, a fitness centre, an ice rink, and an indoor pool.
  • Private Club: The Arbutus Club is a major private recreation facility located within the neighbourhood’s boundaries.
  • Library: The Kerrisdale Branch of the Vancouver Public Library serves the local population.
  • Places of Worship: Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant churches and a Buddhist temple are located in adjacent neighbourhoods.

Arbutus Parks & Recreation

Aerial view of Quilchena Park looking south from West 29th Avenue.

Arbutus Ridge contains several public parks and a significant recreational corridor.

  • Arbutus Greenway: 9-km multi-use path connecting False Creek to the Fraser River
  • Arbutus Village Park: playground, 0.5 km accessible trail
  • Carnarvon Park: sports field, baseball, playground
  • Prince of Wales Park: playground, large green space
  • Quilchena Park: dog park, skate park, disc golf, baseball, playground, garden, accessible paths
  • Ravine Park: accessible, tree-lined pathway
  • Trafalgar Park: playground, baseball, large green space

Community Life

The community in Arbutus Ridge is predominantly made up of long-term residents and families with a high rate of homeownership. The area is represented by the Arbutus Ridge Community Association, which addresses local planning and community issues. Day-to-day life is centered around local parks, schools, and the activities hosted at the nearby Kerrisdale Community Centre and the private Arbutus Club.

Transportation in Arbutus

The neighbourhood is well-connected to the broader city, with very favourable scores for walking and frequent transit services.

  • Cycling & Bike Routes: The Arbutus Greenway is the primary off-street cycling spine. Designated on-street bike routes are located on 37th Avenue (part of the Ridgeway Greenway) and Macdonald Street.
  • Public Transit: TransLink provides bus service along major arterials. Key routes include the R4 RapidBus, the #16 Arbutus/UBC, and the #25 King Edward, connecting to UBC, the Canada Line, and downtown.
  • Major Roadways: Main vehicle routes are Arbutus Street, King Edward Avenue, and 41st Avenue, facilitating travel to other parts of Vancouver, the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and Richmond.
  • Alternative Transportation: Car-sharing services like Evo and Modo have vehicles available in the area. The Mobi public bike-share system has stations located along the northern edge of the neighbourhood.