Introduction
Kensington-Cedar Cottage is a neighbourhood in the very centre of East Vancouver. It is bordered by 16th Avenue and East Broadway on the North, Nanaimo Street on the east, 41st Avenue on the south and Fraser Street on the west. It is an ethnically-diverse, up-and-coming neighbourhood.
Lifestyle
Though not the most aesthetically-pleasing of Vancouver ‘hoods, Kensington-Cedar Cottage more than makes up for it with a close-knit family-friendly community, lots of great restaurants and services, fantastic schools and a great location close to downtown, Main Street and Commercial Drive. Bisected by a stretch along Kingsway called “Little Siagon,” the area was for many years home to a large Vietnamese population, still in evidence by the Vietnamese grocery stores and many restaurants, delis and cafes.
The Vibe
This is a tight-knit community of a diverse range of people who know and care about their neighbours. Local businesses know their customers personally, most businesses are independently-owned, and a popular community Facebook page allows people to connect, promote activities and businesses (and occasionally squabble). Cafes are full of people working on laptops as well as hanging with babies, playing music and hosting knitting clubs. It’s welcoming and unpretentious.
Meet the Neighbours
Diverse in age and ethnicity, you can expect to see lots of young families, some seniors, and virtually every ethnicity you can imagine. According to the city hall’s census, under half of this population of 50,000 residents speak English as a first language, and mixed-race couples and kids are the norm rather than the exception. The residents are predominantly white-collar and politically left-leaning, with the NDP ruling here since people can remember.
In the Area
Apart from the incredible restaurants here, there’s a library at Knight and Kingsway, and Kensington Community Centre and Pool is at 33rd and Knight Street. There are many incredible schools offering both progressive and more traditional learning environments, including French immersion, and two private schools. The jewel of this area is Vancouver’s only lake, Trout Lake, in John Hendry Park beside Trout Lake Community Centre; home to farmers’ markets, festivals, a skating rink and tennis, soccer and baseball facilities.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
If you have to drive to work, Knight Street is a main line straight into Richmond, Surrey, Delta and beyond, Kingsway goes straight to Burnaby, and 12th Avenue turns into Highway 1. The B-Line bus to UBC runs down Broadway, and Number 12 goes downtown via Knight Street. There are two Skytrain stations, one at 10th and Commercial, and one on the east border at Nanaimo and 24th Avenue. The area has an average Walkscore of 76, and a cab ride downtown costs around $14.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
This is considered one of the best neighbourhoods to live in in Vancouver for a reason: it’s beloved by everyone who lives there. Neighbours are friendly, there are amazing parks, restaurants, schools and community activities. It’s safe, conveniently-located and connected. But… being so close to the DTES means that there is some property crime, frequent car break-ins and prostitutes can still be found at night along Kingsway.
Dollars & Sense
It’s still less expensive than the Westside, but this formerly rundown neighbourhood has been on the rise for a while and is now considered one of the most desirable places in the city to buy. House prices are high, but there are a surprising amount of reasonable rental buildings and most homes have a revenue suite.
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Neighbourhood Hotspots
La Batarde, Graze and Earnest Ice Cream
This little building on the east side of Fraser and 23rd hosts a wonderful French bakery/patisserie, delicious vegetarian eatery and the best ice cream in the city.
more infoTrout Lake Community Centre
Trout Lake and Trout Lake Community Centre – Work out while overlooking the lake and mountains, run around the lake, throw a ball for Spot at the dog park, go skating, play baseball, take a pottery or dance class: there’s so much to do here.
more infoCedar Cottage Neighbourhood Pub
Exactly what you want your local pub to be: unpretentious, clean, good food, and great for playing pool, watching the game, throwing darts or just hanging around the fireplace. The coffee house upstairs is great, too.
more infoKim Chau Vietnamese Deli
For the cheapest, freshest, most delicious banh mi you can imagine, served by the sweetest, most friendly people. Also pick up frozen delicacies and Vietnamese cupboard staples.
more infoFamous Foods
Vancouver’s original natural food store is still the best market in the city for all things natural. Go for the bulk goodies and incredible organic meat and cheese department. 1595 Kingsway.
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