NEIGHBOURHOOD

Oakridge

Vancouver

Introduction

Stretching from Granville Street to Ontario Street between West 41st and 57th Avenues, Oakridge is a rectangular-shaped oasis in the heart of Vancouver. Home to the Oakridge Centre shopping mall, Langara College and the Jewish Community Centre , this bustling area is one of the most recent – and constantly evolving – developments in the city.

Lifestyle

Oakridge is home to great shopping, exciting cultural activities and a number of large green spaces and parks. Whether you're looking for designer apparel at the Oakridge Centre, meeting for a round of golf at the historical Langara Golf Course (opened in 1926) or taking in a play at the Jewish Community Centre's Norman Rothstein Theatre, you'll never be bored in this young and lively neighbourhood.

The Vibe

Mostly forest until the late 1950s, Oakridge was one of the last neighbourhoods developed in Vancouver. A unique and constantly growing community, it has an abundance of urban amenities, schools and parks to keep residents of every age and inclination entertained. Oakridge’s tree-lined streets and safe community feel, combined with the short commute to the downtown core, makes it a desirable home base for many.

Meet the Neighbours

Since the end of the Second World War, Oakridge has been the heart of Vancouver's Jewish community and is proud home to the annual Chutzpah! Festival for the performing arts. According to the city of Vancouver’s 2001 Census data, 50 percent of residents claim Chinese as their first language. This affluent area also includes young professionals and families as well as assisted-living facilities that cater to a growing senior population.

In the Area

In addition to Langara College, residents have access to two elementary schools and the city's second largest secondary school (offering a French immersion and International Baccalaureate program). Cambie Park, Tisdall Park and Columbia Park offer plenty of green space to walk dogs, exercise or just escape the daily grind of the city. The Oakridge Centre shopping mall is also a huge attraction for locals and visitors alike.

Distance from City Hall

4.4 km

Planes, Trains & Automobiles

Centrally located within Vancouver, Oakridge is well-connected by car and public transit. The area features two stops on the Canada Line of the SkyTrain rapid transit system, which runs all the way from Vancouver's waterfront to the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond. Good bus links to Vancouver's downtown and out to the University of British Columbia make it easy to get to schools, shopping and other attractions throughout the city.

The Good, the Bad & the Rest

Oakridge’s prime location may make it accessible, but it comes at a cost. Granville and Main Streets are popular thoroughfares that border the neighbourhood, while Oak and Cambie Streets actually run north-south through it, and are known as Vancouver’s busiest commuter roads. Luckily for residents, the area's top-notch SkyTrain and bus connections can make your commute quick and hassle-free, even if you can’t block out the noise of honking cars.

Dollars & Sense

In a neighbourhood that’s known for its picturesque, tree-lined streets, golf course and designer stores, Oakridge is undoubtedly a place where the affluent live and play. While it is a popular choice for middle class and wealthy professional families, the sheer variety of amenities provides a lot of options to all. The green spaces, Jewish community centre and affordable public transit routes let you make your own fun on a budget.

Neighbourhood Hotspots

Oakridge Centre

This upscale shopping mall has a selection of over 150 brand name stores, and developments are in the works to create a mixed-use space with an outdoor shopping street and housing options.

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Jewish Community Centre of Greater Vancouver

Well known for its Chutzpah! Festival, this well-maintained community centre offers a variety of educational, recreational and cultural activities, including performances in the Norman & Annette Rothstein Theatre and a large, windowed indoor pool.

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Langara Family YMCA

Located close by to Langara College, this family-focused YMCA offers a large swimming pool, gym, fitness classes, basketball courts, ping pong tables and kids’ entertainment space at affordable membership rates.

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Café Forty One

Located close by to Langara College, this family-focused YMCA offers a large swimming pool, gym, fitness classes, basketball courts, ping pong tables and kids’ entertainment space at affordable membership rates.

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Langara Golf Course

Built in 1926 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, this par 71 course appeals to players of all levels and is easy to walk. But the large rolling greens and narrow fairways add some challenges.

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Vancouver Public Library – Oakridge Branch

This branch of the Vancouver Public Library system is close to the Oakridge Centre, so library-goers looking to study can pop in to grab a tea, coffee or snack before returning to their desks.

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Street Corner

Demographic Data

Oakridge
Housing
Neighbours
Habits
Cheers!
Wheels
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