
The neighbourhood you choose has a huge effect on your overall quality of life, especially if you have a family.
According to liv.rent, a Vancouver-based rental platform, there are a few key neighbourhoods in the city that are best for families.
The company identified eight neighbourhoods that stand out from the rest and evaluated them based on average rent, transit options, and nearby schools, parks, and amenities.

liv.rent
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Note: The median rent for each neighbourhood is accurate as of April 2023 and is pulled from Zumper data.
1. Dunbar-Southlands
As far as average rent goes, Dunbar-Southlands is actually lower than the average for Vancouver. It has plentiful options for schools for students of all ages (the UBC campus is nearby), and it’s got plenty of parks and green space.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $2,860 per month
2. West Point Grey
Safe, homey, and beach access make this neighbourhood highly coveted for families.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $2,690 per month
3. Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant‘s central location and mix of commercial and residential areas make it ideal for raising families, both the human and pet variety.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $4,035 per month
4. Riley Park-Little Mountain
Surrounding Queen Elizabeth Park, this neighbourhood is a great place for families thanks to nearby amenities. Go for a swim, check out a baseball game, and grab a great meal all minutes away.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $2,837 per month
5. Kensington-Cedar Cottage
The most diverse neighbourhood on the list, there are plenty of schools, family-friendly restaurants, and unique shops along Kingsway, the neighbourhood’s main drag.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $3,400Ā per month
6. West End
Living in the West End might sound too close to downtown for some, but it’s an incredible community and a good place for families to enjoy the proximity to Stanley Park and the seawall.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $3,823 per month
7. Shaughnessy
This almost entirely residential neighbourhood full of single-family housing has lots of great schools nearby. There aren’t many rental homes or apartments in this neighbourhood.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $2,966 per month [data from April 2021]
8. Renfrew-Collingwood
On the edge of the city near Burnaby, this nature-filled enclave is popular with families in Vancouver.
Median rent:
- Unfurnished two-bedroom: $2,993 per month
You can learn more about liv.rent’s family neighbourhood assessment on its website.