Vancouver's beach-front community
“Kits” is primarily defined by its beaches, waterfront parks and breathtaking mountain/ocean views that greet you at every turn. From Burrard St to Alma St and 16th Ave to the water, there are several micro “hoods” within Kits. Whether you are a UBC student, a busy professional, a young family or an empty nester, there is a little pocket of Kits made especially for you. Its hard to think of another neighbourhood anywhere in the world as close to the centre of a major city which offers so much access to nature and outdoor living. Kits Beach, Jericho Park, Spanish Banks and Pacific Spirit Park (just up the hill in Point Grey/UBC) offer enough beaches and trails to keep you busy all year round. West 4th Avenue (most notably Burrard to Balsam) is where you’ll find endless upscale boutiques, restaurants, cafes, spas and yoga studios. On West Broadway (especially Macdonald to Dunbar) families take advantage of numerous independent shops and restaurants, including many owned the city’s vibrant Greek community. Duncan has made Kitsilano his home since 2004 and has lived in 4 different locations here. You won’t find a better guide to find the right spot for you in this wonderful part of the city.
THE MARKET
There is a huge diversity in terms of housing in Kits, in part due to the all the different zoning bylaws. For young families, the pocket south of 10th and west Of Macdonald offers comparatively affordable detached homes and old fashioned sense of community, which is arguably now missing in some other Westside locations. North of 4th and West of Macdonald is a very peaceful pocket, mainly offering detached character homes, mixed in with some Duplex and Triplex options, all just steps from the ocean. Vancouver is notoriously short of townhouses and there are options for this style of living all over Kits. For newer condos, look to the busier thoroughfares (West 4th, West Broadway & Burrard St) and Arbutus Walk (a lovely pocket created after the rezoning of the old Carlings Brewery Site in the 1990’s). If you are comfortable with slightly older buildings, North of 4th from Burrard to Balsam is a fantastic spot. Both here and on the exclusive “Kits Point” you will find simpler apartments mainly built in the 70’s which provide an affordable way to live in this truly world class location.
