During the 1970s, Kitsilano, affectionately known to locals as “Kits,” was renowned as a thriving hippie destination.  The community has retained much of that down-to-earth mentality, and Kitsilano remains defined by beautiful beaches, organic markets, yoga studios, casual boutiques, and unique eateries. 

Who Lives There

On average, Kitsilano residents are between the ages of 20 and 34, and either single or common-law couples (37% are families).  The level of education here is higher than Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, with 87% of all residents possessing some form of post-secondary education.  Even though the majority of residents hold sales and service positions, more residents hold jobs requiring post-secondary education than in Metro Vancouver as a whole.  The average household income in Kitsilano is also slightly higher than that of Vancouver.  In general, Kitsilano caters to students, young couples and families who do not yet need to move further away from the city in order to purchase a larger home, but still enjoy the community feel of living in a friendly neighbourhood with countless conveniences at their fingertips.

Things to Do

Vancouver was recently counted among National Geographic’s top 10 beach cities in the world, and Kits Beach contributed to this honour.  In a central location with views of the city, North Shore Mountains, and fabulous sunsets over the Pacific, Kits Beach has something for everyone.  From volleyball courts to the Boathouse Restaurant to Kits pool, the longest outdoor pool in Canada, there is no shortage of things to do.

4^th Avenue boasts cafés such as Sophie’s Cosmic Café, Great restaurants such as Yuji’s (some of Vancouver’s best sushi), boutiques and board stores.  Organic markets and fresh bakeries also call 4^th avenue home, and check out Gravity Pope and Livestock for great selections on shoes. 

Local Public Eatery is located right across from Kits Beach, and up the street Karv offers similar fare with a casual vibe that invites you to stay all day.  The Taco Shack on Cornwall Ave. features some of the best, and most authentic, Tacos in the city.  DB Bistro Moderne on Broadway offers amazing brunch on the weekends, and Lumiere next door is one of Vancouver’s most popular fine dining restaurants.  Nightlife is limited to lounges such as Fiction, which features live DJs, and places such as Lola Cabaret, a club that is usually packed with students.  If you are not a student, it is best to take advantage of Kitsilano’s many restaurants and lounges, a lot of which are open late.

Real Estate

Most properties in kits are low-rise condo complexes and some detached houses.  Homes tend to be less modern and more spacious than in some of the more recently developed areas of Vancouver.  Real estate prices are slightly lower than the Vancouver average, but higher than that of Metro Vancouver.  Many residents rent, but buyers can expect terrific views, nearby amenities, and large suites.  Real Estate in Kitsilano can be a solid investment and a good jumping off point for first-time home buyers looking to purchase within the city.

Schools and Safety

There are several elementary schools in the area, including Bayview Elementary, Henry Hudson Elementary, Tennyson Elementary, and Gordon Elementary, and one public secondary school, Kitsilano Secondary.  Nearby private schools include, St. John’s (K-12), St. John’s International (8-12), and Fraser Academy (1-12, designed for children with learning disabilities).  The University of British Columbia is about 15 minutes by bus. 

Kitsilano is a fairly safe area, although residents should exercise the usual caution at night on beaches, in parks, and along poorly lit streets.  Residents are friendly and community-oriented, thus Kits remains one of the safer places to live in downtown Vancouver. 

Transportation

Summer is finally here and for those who call Vancouver home there is nothing better.  Vancouver residents live for this season, and with so many beaches and parks right downtown who wouldn’t?  Cycling, mountain biking, running, golfing, swimming, boating – the list of activities is endless.

Kitsilano Living

One of the best neighbourhoods in which to enjoy this sun-filled season has to be Kitsilano.  Loaded with beachfront real estate and peppered with funky cafes and shops, this Vancouver neighbourhood has been world-renowned since the 1970s.  Kits Beach is home to the longest swimming pool in Canada, and from May until September this outdoor gem is filled with beautiful people in search of sunshine.  The beach itself is surprisingly beautiful considering it is located just steps from downtown.  The new bike lane that leads over Burrard Bridge from downtown enables one to capture spectacular sunsets over English Bay.  For a more leisurely viewing, The Boathouse Restaurant on Kits Beach is a perfect place to people watch – and watch the sunset.  Neighbouring Jericho Sailing club offers any number of water sport, while further down, Spanish Banks provides an even longer stretch of beach that invites barbecues and games of beach volleyball.

Eccentric 4^th Ave. hosts many interesting shops and cafes, organic markets and yoga studios; it remains renowned for its laid-back vibe, yet appeals to young families as well. Every convenience is walking distance from wherever you are in Kitsilano, especially with Broadway, one of Vancouver’s main streets, just blocks away from 4^th Ave.  Kitsilano’s Broadway and Alma area is especially central.  Close to UBC and Jericho Park, Beach and Yacht Club – as well as a jazz bar, pubs and countless cafes – listings in this gorgeous Vancouver neighbourhood always get snatched up quickly.  Some of Vancouver’s prime real estate is in this area that borders prestigious Point Grey, yet the neighbourhood still manages to retain the relaxed Kitsilano vibe. 

Fantastic Vancouver Real Estate

The stunning Collingwood Place exemplifies this combination of gorgeous Vancouver real estate coupled with a garden feel.  The balconies and curved structure maximize light in this low-rise Vancouver condo complex.  The suites themselves in Collingwood Place are a Vancouver realtor’s dream.  Hardwood floors, open concept rooms boasting French doors that open onto charming balconies, and spacious, modern kitchens make these Vancouver homes an easy sell.