East Vancouver - Overview
Vancouver eastside area has been one of the most discussed areas over the past decade. Home prices in this region have seen a significant surge, drawing in more families and first-time homebuyers from other parts of Vancouver. As seasoned Vancouver Realtors, we’ve witnessed the gradual transformation of Vancouver over the years. In this article, our aim is tohighlight specific neighborhoods, pricing trends, and amenities. We will also delve into the reasons why these eastside neighborhoods stand out as the finest and most promising choices for prospective homebuyers in East Vancouver.
Commercial Drive - Eastside Neighborhood
Also known as “The Drive,” this neighborhood is renowned for its historic charm, boutique stores, trendy cafes, and restaurants. Originally attracting Italian and Latin American immigrants, today The Drive showcases a diverse cultural landscape that adds to its unique and captivating allure. The Commercial Drive neighborhood stretches along Commercial Drive between Hastings and East 12th Ave. Homebuyers can discover a mix of old character houses, 80’s condo apartments, and live/work commercial spaces along the Drive. Prices in the area have seen a significant increase as young families seek an urban center close to community amenities, cafes, shopping, and parks. The two main annual events you can experience on The Drive are Car Free Days and Italian Days.
Venues We Love on The Drive
Havana Restaurant – Latin Restaurant
Moja Coffee Rosters – Coffee Rosters
Prado Cafe Commercial – Coffee Rosters
Marcello Ristorante & Pizzeria – Italian Restaurant
Grandview Lanes – Old School Bowling
Mount Pleasant - Realtor's Favorite
Mount Pleasant has emerged as the most coveted neighborhood in Eastvan. Situated between Main Street and Cambie Street, Mount Pleasant showcases a blend of residential homes, boutique stores, and a thriving arts scene. Over the past decade, property prices in Mount Pleasant are consistently on the rise, propelling it to become one of the most expensive areas in East Vancouver. Families are naturally drawn to Mount Pleasant due to its strong sense of community. What makes it one of our favorites is its walkable access to parks, Fraser Street and Main Street shops and eateries, and its close proximity and convenient connections to the Olympic Village, seawall, and downtown core. If you’re in search of a home within a vibrant community, this might just be the area tailored to your needs.
Venues We Love in Mount Pleasant
49th Parallel & Lucky’s Doughnuts – Coffee
Les Faux Bourgeois– The Best French Restaurant in Town!
Burgoo on Main– Comfort Food
JJ Beans on Main– Coffee Rosters
Strathcona - Eastside Neighborhood
Located east of Main Street towards Clark Drive and just north of Great Northern Way, Strathcona is an interesting neighborhood to consider. It is one of the oldest residential areas in Vancouver, with a mix of commercial and residential areas. The area is known for its diversity and abundance of culture. Real estate in the Strathcona area is typically comprised of old character homes; however, in recent years, there have been many new condo developments that attract a younger crowd to the area. The neighborhood is strategically located with easy access to downtown Vancouver, North Vancouver, and the highway. It also provides convenient access to BC Place, Chinatown, and Crosstown on the east side of Vancouver.
Cedar Cottage - Kengsington
Cedar Cottage is the neighborhood located between Fraser Street and Victoria, bordered in the north by Broadway and extending all the way to Kingsway.
Historically, this area was somewhat secluded, positioned a bit too far south and east for potential home buyers to consider. However, in the early 2000s, with the development of Kingsway-Edward Village—the first high-rise and higher density development in the region—the neighborhood underwent a transformation and became a hotspot.
Zoning regulations for the lots, typically designated as RT, allowed home builders to convert single-family houses into duplexes. This move created a blend of affordability and the ambiance of a house, complete with a yard, split-level design, and ample living area suitable for families. The local school catchment is Charles Dickens Elementary, which has been updated and still maintains its reputation as one of the better schools in the vicinity.
The significant shift in homebuyers’ attitudes occurred when more commercial spaces were constructed, giving rise to a genuine community within East Vancouver. Cedar Cottage is strategically positioned within a short stroll from Trout Lake, the Community Center, and offers easy commuting to the Kingsway connector. The variety of homes available in this area includes old character houses, newer duplexes, townhomes and rowhouses, as well as new condo developments along the Kingsway corridor.
Venues We Love in Cedar Cottage
Vancouver Eastside Raeltor Advice
In conclusion, while we have highlighted three neighborhoods in Vancouver Eastside, it is important to recognize that there are other areas which homebuyers should consider. Neighborhoods such as Renfrew, Killarney, Fraserview (including the River District) are just a few examples. If you are planning to buy in the near future and seek professional advice from realtors who specialize in East Vancouver, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us for further discussions.
For those who are considering selling their homes in the near future, we would be delighted to hear from you. We provide a professional, data-driven home evaluation to ensure that you are well-informed before listing your home.
