Introduction
Kitsilano, or “Kits” as it’s known to Vancouverites, is situated in Vancouver’s West Side on the south of English Bay, sandwiched between Fairview and Point Grey hoods on the east and west. This prime location offers the best of the Vancouver lifestyle: excellent shopping and night life, as well all the water sports you can handle at.
Lifestyle
Kits is the place to be for the young and the young at heart: nearly half of the population here falls into the 20 to 39 age range, but the next highest population demographic is the 40 to 64 group, who make up nearly a third of Kits residents (according to the 2006 census).
The Vibe
Bring your Lulus and surfboard. Kitsilano typifies the active Vancouver lifestyle, so the nearest yoga or Pilates studios aren’t far away. The summer brings crowds to the beach in search of fun in the sun: tennis, volleyball, paddleboarding and surfing are just a few of the outdoor sports that keep people moving at Kits Beach.
Meet the Neighbours
Although Kitsilano retains some of its hippie history, the neighbourhood has been gentrified over the years. The bulk of Kitsilano's population is made up of singles and couples without children, but Kits’ grass-roots atmosphere makes it family-friendly, too – for families that can afford the tony housing prices here. Kits is an easy commute to downtown and to UBC, making it popular with young urban professionals and students.
In the Area
The main attraction in Kitsilano is Kits beach, which attracts droves of tourists and locals alike all summer long. Nature and exercise lovers are sure to find their fix in Kits’s abundance of outdoor activities and range of fitness classes. A variety of ethnic groceries and fantastic eateries make this an ideal locale for foodies to boot.
4.6 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
TransLink is readily accessible in Kitsilano, and bike lanes abound. It’s easy to get to, from and around Kits by car, but parking can be difficult because of residential parking restrictions on most side streets. An easy way to avoid this is to try one of the car shares currently available in Vancouver, since many of these offer designated parking spots.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
The majority of residences here are apartments, so finding a family-sized properties can be challenging. One- and two- bedroom condos dominate the market in Kitsilano, with townhouses and duplexes also available, as well as a limited amount of larger single-family homes. With the recently approved plan to close Point Grey Road to through traffic, Kitsilano is set to become a cycling hub.
Dollars & Sense
As of February 2013, the median price of a condo in Kitsilano was $436,500. At that same time, the median price for a detached home was $1.8 million. With these numbers out in the open, it's obvious that Kitsilano is a pricey place to live so it's only fair to assume those who live here do it because they love the neighbourhood.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Kidsbooks
A speciality bookstore made just for kids! This store has a huge selection of youth novels and of course the all the classic children's books you read as a kid.
more infoHarvest Deli
If you're in the mood for some great deli cuisine, this is the place to go. The ingredients are always fresh, making each bite of that meaty sandwich so flavourful.
more infoLotusland Electronics & Music
Calling all musciains and music enthusiasts! This secondhand music store is great if you're on a tight budget and looking for some vintage music gear or new equipment to for your next jam.
more infoO5 Rare Tea Bar
The relaxing and inviting atmosphere at O5 Rare Tea Bar makes it a great place to chill out after a long day at work. Plus, there are a variety of specialty teas to sip on!
more infoKitsilano's Farmer's Market
With the Kitsilano's Farmer's Market, it's never been easier to buy the freshest local fruits and veggies. While it's not the biggest market, it is still a charming place to walk around and explore!
more infoMousse Salon
Pamper yourself to a new hairdo at Mousse Salon. The top-notch hairdressers and stylists provide exceptional services at a reasonable price.
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