When homebuyers think of moving to BC’s lower mainland, they might not always think of North Vancouver homes right away. Though Vancouver’s reputation sometimes tends to eclipse those of its smaller neighbours, buying North Vancouver real estate is definitely worth some consideration. Here are just ten reasons why you should explore real estate on the North Shore.

10. North Vancouver is home to some terrific shopping. Malls like Park Royal and Capilano offer old favourites, while Edgemont Village, Lonsdale Avenue, and Dundarave Village provide a diverse selection in clothing, restaurants, and more. Dundarave even boasts a farmer’s market that runs all summer long.

9. Post-secondary educational institutions are plentiful and of high quality. Whether you’re going back for your PhD or a wide-eyed first-year, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to access first-class education from your North Vancouver home. Capilano University is nearby, and the downtown campuses of the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University are just a short scenic ride away on the Sea Bus.

8. Let’s be honest, the cost of real estate in Vancouver can be a really big concern, especially for first-time homeowners. North Vancouver boasts lower real estate prices than its neighbours to the south and west. For that reason, buyers can really stretch their dollars and get more here than they might be able to elsewhere, translating to larger homes and lots. It also helps that North Vancouver is not geographically restricted like much of Vancouver proper.

7. If you’re a jetsetter, a home in North Vancouver means easy access to Canada’s second largest international airport. Vancouver International (YVR) has flights to over 150 destinations and, with the Canada Line rapid transit built right in, weary travellers can get back home to their North Vancouver home quickly and efficiently.

6. Have family or friends on Vancouver Island? Getting to the ferry is easy in North Vancouver. Real estate owners here can bypass the hassle of downtown streets by taking the Horseshoe Bay ferry to Departure Bay, Nanaimo. The beautiful boat ride takes about the same amount of time as the trip from Tsawassen to Victoria. Even if you don’t have anyone to visit, taking a cruise on the ferry is easy from your North Vancouver home.

5. North Vancouver real estate is a great investment. Because of the supply/demand ratio here, property values tend either to either keep on a level plane or rise. This is especially good news if you’re interested in a second home, of which there are plenty to choose from.

4. For those with children, North Vancouver is a great place to call home. Top-notch public schools as well as private and alternative schools are plentiful. There is lots of community support for families, as can be seen from recreation and community centre activities. Children will also love the plentiful outdoor opportunities available, while their parents will love the lower population density and safe atmosphere.

3. Far enough away for some peace and quiet, but close enough when you’re ready for some excitement, a North Vancouver home is just the right distance from big beautiful downtown Vancouver. There are a few ways you can get to Vancouver from the North Shore: only 15 minutes across Vancouver Harbour by Sea Bus, about 25 minutes by car, and approximately 45 minutes by bus, depending on traffic. The choice is yours!

2. Because of the lower population density, there is more variety in North Vancouver single-family homes as well as condos and townhomes in various price ranges. There is even land available on which to build your dream home. From luxury mansions and charming tudor-style flats, to trendy modern townhomes and funky floating homes, North Vancouver boasts plenty of choice for even the pickiest buyer.

1. North Vancouver real estate is close to all kinds of fabulous recreational activities. It is not unheard of to go skiing in the morning and then take a swim at the beach in the evening. There are even fun things to do when it’s raining: North Vancouver’s community centres offer everything an active person could need and there are even indoor rock climbing facilities. From kayaking, to hiking, snowboarding to paragliding, there is never a dull day on the North Shore.

There you have it, the top ten reasons why you should buy North Vancouver real estate. There is so much to see and do here that most North Vancouver residents can’t (and don’t want to) imagine living anywhere else.

Do you agree? Think I’m missing something? Leave me a comment; I look forward to hearing what you have to say about the great place we call home.

Produced by Kerri Demski’s Writing Team

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Tags: North Vancouver, Vancouver