Kitsilano, a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located in Vancouver, British Columbia, is a highly desirable place to live. Its rich history, amenities, and real estate options make it a top choice for potential home buyers. In this article, we will explore the details of Kitsilano and what makes it a great place to relocate to.
History
Kitsilano's history dates back to the 1880s when it was known as Greers Beach, named after Sam Greer, one of the area's earliest non-native settlers who purchased 200 acres of beachfront land in Burrard Inlet by 1884. Greer lived on the beach with his family from 1882 to 1890, but he lost his title to the land in a dispute with Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), which was given the land in 1885 after a long and shady dispute. Greer went to jail for shooting and wounding the sheriff who came to evict him, and his family was swindled out of their land.
In 1901, THE PROVINCE newspaper stated that the area was now named Kitsilano, so the people of Vancouver would forget about the name Sam Greer once and for all! Kitsilano is the anglicized name taken after Squamish First Nation chief Khatsahlanos, whose people were displaced by the local government and CPR ultimately in 1913 with a meager payout from the Indian reserve at Vanier Park.
Kitsilano was also a popular camping site in the summers, and the city finally banned tenting there in 1908. Kitsilano became connected to downtown and other surrounding areas by way of two electric streetcar lines. Then the Burrard Bridge was built in 1932, and the area really began to blossom, and the second stage of its housing development really began.
Geography/Border
Kitsilano is located on the south shore of English Bay, bordered by the following streets: Water (Point Grey Road/Cornwall Ave) to the north, West 16th Ave to the south, Burrard to the east, and Alma to the west.
Amenities
One of Kitsilano's main attractions is its abundance of amenities. Vanier Park is home to the Museum of Vancouver, HR McMillan Space Centre, and the Vancouver Maritime Museum. The park is also the site of Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival, which runs from June to September. Kitsilano Beach is another popular destination, named one of the "top 10 best city beaches in the world" by international travel magazines. The beach has playgrounds, basketball and volleyball courts, food stands, and picnic areas for families to enjoy. The Kitsilano heated saltwater outdoor pool, built in 1931, was originally filled by tidal flow from the ocean and cost $50,000 to build. The first diving board was put in place in 1936.
Kitsilano is also home to the Greek Days Festival on West Broadway, where most of the Greek immigrants originally settled, and the Khatsalano Festival on West 4th Ave. The neighbourhood holds onto its hippie roots, with The Naam, one of the city's oldest vegetarian restaurants, open 24 hours a day.
For those interested in shopping and dining, Kitsilano offers many options. The area along Cornwall at Yew, West 4th Ave, and West Broadway are all great places to find unique stores and delicious restaurants.
Schools
Kitsilano has a variety of schools to choose from, including Lord Tennyson, Lord Hudson, Gordon, Bayview, and Kitsilano High School.
Parks
Kitsilano has 17 parks so there is no shortage of outdoor options within these boarders!
Real Estate
Are you looking for a charming, historic neighborhood in Vancouver with a wide variety of real estate options? Look no further than Kitsilano. This picturesque neighbourhood is known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful beaches, and historic Craftsman-style homes.
Kitsilano was established in the early 1900s and features many beautifully crafted homes that were built during the 1910-1912 boom period. These Craftsman-style homes are known for their intricate woodwork, inviting front porches, and unique architectural details. Many of these homes have been updated with modern amenities while preserving their historic charm.
One of the most unique features of Kitsilano real estate is the homes located on Point Grey Road. This prestigious waterfront street is home to some of the most luxurious properties in the area. These homes offer stunning views of English Bay and the surrounding mountains, and they are highly sought after by buyers.
If you're looking to purchase a home in Kitsilano, you'll find a wide variety of options available. Current active lot sizes range from 2,000 to 8,700 square feet, and the active list price ranges from $2,099,000 to $24,988,000. In the past 24 months, homes have sold for prices ranging from $1.4 million to $22 million, with lot sizes ranging from 1,875 to 9,877 square feet.
Whether you're looking for a cozy bungalow or a spacious waterfront property, Kitsilano has something to offer. Many of the homes in this area have been updated with modern amenities while still retaining their historic charm. You'll find everything from classic Craftsman-style homes to modern townhouses and luxury waterfront estates.
Kitsilano also offers a variety of real estate options for those looking to invest in the area. Many of the properties in this neighbourhood have great rental potential, making them a smart investment for anyone looking to break into the rental market.
Overall, Kitsilano is a fantastic neighborhood to consider if you're looking to purchase a home in Vancouver. With its historic homes, stunning waterfront properties, and wide variety of real estate options, this neighborhood has something to offer for everyone. So why not take a closer look and see what Kitsilano has to offer?