Living in Burnaby BC PROS and CONS 2024 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

Thinking about moving to Burnaby, the third-largest city in Metro Vancouver? It's right next to Vancouver, offering a mix of city life and nature. This guide will help you understand the good and bad of living in Burnaby in 2024. It's all about deciding if this lively community is right for you.

Key Takeaways

• Burnaby's location next to Vancouver means easy access to city amenities and jobs.

• The city has a rich history and culture, with a modern vibe for all lifestyles.

• It's home to top schools like Simon Fraser University (SFU) and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT).

• Burnaby's parks and nature spots are perfect for outdoor fun and chill.

• The city's public transit, including the SkyTrain, makes it easy to get around.

Overview of Burnaby: Third-Largest City in Metro Vancouver

Burnaby is the third-largest city in the Greater Vancouver area. It's a vibrant community with a mix of urban life, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Situated east of Vancouver, Burnaby offers the best of both worlds to its residents.

Strategic Location East of Vancouver

Burnaby is right in the middle of Metro Vancouver, with Vancouver to the west and New Westminster to the east. The SkyTrain makes it easy to get around, especially to and from Vancouver. With its beautiful scenery and city perks, Burnaby is a great place to live.

Rich History and Cultural Heritage

Burnaby's history started in the late 19th century as a rural farming area. Today, it's a cultural hub with art galleries, museums, and community events. These celebrate the diverse heritage of its people.

Modern Urban Development

In recent years, Burnaby has seen significant changes, especially in the North Burnaby neighborhoods of Brentwood and Lougheed. The Amazing Brentwood, formerly Brentwood Town Centre, has transformed into a lively community with over 1.1 million square feet of retail space, up to 1 million square feet of office space, and around 6,000 new homes. (Nemetz)

Similarly, the City of Lougheed project is revitalizing the Lougheed Town Centre area. This redevelopment includes 23 new residential towers, offering over 10,000 new homes, along with 1.4 million square feet of retail space and 1 million square feet of office space. (Glotman Simpson)

These developments have greatly enhanced the shopping, dining, and entertainment options in North Burnaby, making it a vibrant place to live and visit. Burnaby’s central location, rich history, and ongoing modernization efforts continue to make it a desirable destination within the Greater Vancouver region.

Living in Burnaby: A Complete Neighbourhood Guide

Burnaby is the third-largest city in Metro Vancouver. It has many neighbourhoods, each with its own charm. If you're from Surrey or Vancouver, Burnaby's communities are worth exploring.

Metrotown is a famous area in Burnaby. It's a busy spot with the biggest mall in British Columbia. It has lots of places to eat, entertainment, and high-rise homes. It's a top choice for living.

• Explore the vibrant Metrotown neighbourhood, home to the largest shopping mall in British Columbia

• Consider the surrey area, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and abundance of green spaces

• Immerse yourself in the cultural diversity of Burnaby, where you can find restaurants, festivals, and community events that celebrate the city's rich heritage

Burnaby has a place to live for everyone. It's close to Vancouver, has a rich history, and modern areas. It's a great place to call home.

The Benefits of Making Burnaby Your Home

Burnaby is the third-largest city in Metro Vancouver. It offers a great quality of life. The city has top schools and beautiful natural spots for everyone.

Outstanding Educational Institutions

Burnaby is proud to have Simon Fraser University and British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). These schools are known for their excellent education and research. They offer many programs, making Burnaby a place for growth.

In Burnaby, several schools have been recognized for their academic excellence. According to the Fraser Institute’s rankings, the following schools have achieved notable standings:

Elementary Schools:

• Holy Cross Elementary School: Achieved a perfect score of 10, ranking 1st out of 932 schools in British Columbia.

• Our Lady of Mercy: Also secured a perfect score of 10, sharing the top position.

• St. Helen’s: Attained a score of 9.4, placing it 30th in the provincial rankings.

Secondary Schools:

• St. Thomas More Collegiate: Received a rating of 8.3, ranking 23rd among secondary schools in the province.

• Cariboo Hill Secondary: Earned a rating of 8.1, placing it 27th in the provincial standings.

Parks and Natural Attractions

Burnaby's beauty is unmatched, with Deer Lake and the Burnaby Village Museum being top spots. People can hike, cycle, and enjoy outdoor fun in the city's beautiful landscapes.

Central Park, right next to Metrotown in Burnaby, is a 90-hectare urban oasis offering a variety of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy walking trails through preserved temperate rainforest, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a pitch-and-putt golf course, and Swangard Stadium, which hosts various sporting events. The park’s proximity to the Patterson SkyTrain station ensures easy access for both residents and visitors.

Shopping and Entertainment Hubs

Burnaby has a lively shopping and entertainment scene. The Brentwood Town Centre and other malls have lots of stores, restaurants, and fun activities. The city's culture shines through in its many events and festivals.

Metropolis at Metrotown, nestled in Burnaby, British Columbia, stands as the largest shopping destination in the province. Boasting over 450 shops and services, it provides something for everyone, making it a go-to spot for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

Excellent Public Transit System

Burnaby's public transit is known for being efficient and easy to use. It makes getting around the city and Metro Vancouver simple. With SkyTrain, buses, and more, traveling is convenient.

Choosing Burnaby as your home means a vibrant lifestyle. You get access to great schools, beautiful nature, bustling commercial areas, and reliable public transit. It's clear why Burnaby is one of Canada's best places to live.

Challenges and Drawbacks of Burnaby Life

Burnaby, the third-largest city in Metro Vancouver, has many benefits. Yet, it's important to think about the challenges and drawbacks of living here. One big issue is traffic congestion, especially during rush hour.

The city's close location to Vancouver and the many commuters cause road jams. This makes the daily drive frustrating. It's hard for those trying to get to work or access the local economy. The job market in Burnaby is also competitive, making it tough for newcomers to find a job.

The cost of living in Burnaby is another factor to consider. The high housing prices and living costs can be a big issue. Despite the city's great amenities, easy access to metro vancouver, and strong local economy, the downsides should be thoughtfully weighed."Burnaby offers a great quality of life, but the challenges of traffic and cost of living are important considerations for anyone looking to call this city home."

Understanding both the good and bad sides of Burnaby helps make a smart choice. It ensures the decision fits with personal and professional goals.

Cost of Living and Housing Market Analysis

Burnaby, the third-largest city in Metro Vancouver, has a wide range of housing and living costs. While living in Burnaby might cost more than in some areas, its strong economy and great public services make it appealing. The real estate market is also thriving, attracting many people.

Real Estate Prices and Trends

The real estate market in Burnaby has seen steady growth. The average price for a single-family home is around $2.0 million. But, condos are more affordable, with one-bedroom units costing between $600,000 and $700,000 in areas like Hastings Street.

The demand for homes and limited land drive up prices. This makes Burnaby a good choice for those looking to invest in real estate for the long term.

Rental Market Overview

The rental market in Burnaby offers a variety of options for those who prefer renting. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $1,500 and $2,000 per month. This depends on the location and what's included.

The city's different neighborhoods, including Hastings Street, give renters many choices. They can find something that fits their budget and lifestyle.

Daily Living Expenses

Beyond housing, Burnaby's living costs are similar to other big cities in Metro Vancouver. Costs for groceries, transportation, and utilities are about the same as in nearby areas. However, there might be some savings on certain services and goods.

But, the city's many entertainment, dining, and recreational options can increase living expenses. This is especially true for those who love to stay active and enjoy a lively lifestyle.

FAQ

What are the main pros and cons of living in Burnaby, BC?

Burnaby is great because of its location, rich history, and modern vibe. It has top schools like Simon Fraser University and BCIT. Plus, there are lots of parks, shopping spots, and a good public transit system.

But, there are downsides too. Rush hour traffic can be a nightmare. And the local job market is tough.

What are the different neighbourhoods in Burnaby like?

Burnaby has many neighbourhoods, each with its own feel. North Burnaby is near Burnaby Mountain and Simon Fraser University. Metrotown is a busy area for shopping and living.

Places like Brentwood, Deer Lake, and the Burnaby Village Museum offer a mix of nature and city life. Burnaby is also compared to Surrey and New Westminster, each with its own charm.

What are the top benefits of making Burnaby your home?

Living in Burnaby means access to great schools, parks, and entertainment. The Burnaby Village Museum celebrates the area's history. Plus, its location in Metro Vancouver makes it easy to get around.

What are the main challenges or drawbacks of living in Burnaby?

One big challenge is the traffic during rush hour. It can be tough to get around. The job market is also competitive, making it hard for newcomers to find work.

The cost of living, especially housing, can be high. This is compared to other parts of Metro Vancouver.

How does the cost of living in Burnaby compare to the rest of Metro Vancouver?

The cost of living in Burnaby is similar to other big cities in Metro Vancouver. Housing prices and rentals are high, especially in Metrotown and Brentwood. But, there are more affordable options in other areas.

Daily expenses like groceries and utilities are also similar to the rest of the region.

Need Help ? or want to Relocate or live in Burnaby

If you’re interested in learning more or finding a home in Burnaby, feel free to reach out to Alex Lam PREC from Realzen Realty call 778-898-2539 or contact me here. With over 18 years of real estate experience, Alex is well-equipped to guide you in navigating Burnaby’s vibrant housing market. Whether you’re looking to buy or invest, Alex can help you make informed decisions.