Since the completion of the Canada Line, South Cambie has flourished.  Home to City Hall and Vancouver General Hospital, and mere minutes from the downtown core, the neighbourhood has returned to the central location it once was.  Cambie Village now boasts practically any convenience you can think of, and the real estate surfacing in the area reflects this renaissance.

Who Lives There

The South Cambie population is primarily middle class, half of whom hold a degree and almost a quarter earning six figure salaries.  In addition, 49% of South Cambie residents own their home.  This is not to say that the area is particularly wealthy, however – the average household income is in between that of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.  In addition, 30% of residents are between the ages of 20 and 34, and their occupations span a broad spectrum, from social sciences, education, and government, to applied sciences, to the arts.  These statistics reflect the energetic, well-rounded young community.

Things to Do

Queen Elizabeth Park, at 33^rd and Cambie, boasts the most incredible views in the city.  Visit Seasons in the Park at the top of the hill to take advantage of this panorama while enjoying some fine cuisine.  Up here one can also visit the stunning Quarry Gardens and Bloedel Floral Conservatory.  There is also a lawn bowling green and a pitch ‘n’ putt course where one can also try disc golf.  The park is so beautiful, however, that walking through it can be an activity in itself. 

The Cambie Village is home to Whole Foods, Canadian Tire, Best Buy and Choices Market, among other conveniences.  Residents rarely need to leave the neighbourhood for everyday necessities.  Oakridge shopping centre on Cambie and 41^st is a short drive away, and can also be accessed by the Canada Line.   The Park Theatre plays great films, while Kino Flemenco Café and Tapas Bar on Cambie and 18^th offers food and dancing nightly, and is one of several small eateries in the area.  For other restaurants and nightlife, hit up Broadway or head to Yaletown or downtown – the Canada Line will get you there in one or two stops. 

Real Estate

Although it is one of the oldest settled areas of Vancouver, South Cambie is growing, and with the completion of several new developments, it has attracted another wave of professionals and young families who are looking to put down roots.  Detached houses in this area are beautiful, and properties such as The Olive epitomize urban living.  These condos have all the amenities of downtown real estate with the comforts of a neighbourhood just outside the city’s centre.  Housing prices range from upwards of $1million for detached homes to half that for apartments, which is about on par with standard Vancouver real estate.  While the Canada Line was under construction, South Cambie suffered, but upon its completion the area has been revamped and the South Cambie real estate market reflects this.

Schools and Safety

South Cambie is a pleasant, family-oriented community.  Edith Cavell Elementary serves South Cambie residents, and nearby high schools include Sir Charles Tupper Secondary (public) and St. Patrick Regional Secondary (private).  Langara College is conveniently located about 10 minutes away by car or the Canada Line, and buses to UBC or SFU can be easily caught from Broadway.

Transportation

The controversy that surrounded the construction of the Canada Line – a rapid transit line connecting the cities of Richmond and Vancouver – left many Vancouver residents apprehensive over whether the rewards reaped would be worth the billions of dollars spent and years of construction.  First conceived of almost 20 years ago, the 19km, 16 stop addition to the SkyTrain network has exceeded the expectations of many.  The convenience of travelling to and from the airport is unparalleled if you live or work along the Canada Line route, which stops at most major intersections along Cambie Street and includes three stops in downtown Vancouver.  This accessibility has, however, come at a cost.  Businesses, residents and commuters suffered for years as their neighbourhoods were torn up during construction of the Canada Line.  All this changed, however, with the opening of the Canada Line late last summer.

Vancouver’s New Prime Real Estate

The areas that for too long had been marked with demolished sidewalks, noise and orange cones redirecting traffic, underwent makeovers that not only restored but improved them.  Property values went up, and new businesses surfaced.  Perhaps the Vancouver neighbourhood that underwent the most dramatic transformation is the area around city hall at Cambie and 12^th.  Minutes from downtown Vancouver just over the Cambie St. Bridge, this burgeoning community has become a small town in itself.  A combination of small businesses and large chain stores cater to the many beautiful residential properties in the vicinity. 

South Cambie Living                                                                      

Olive at 3228 Tupper St. embodies the vibe of the revamped South Cambie area.  Above Caper’s Market and walking distance from Whole Foods, healthy living is at your fingertips.  The proximity of Canadian Tire and Best Buy add to the convenience of living in this neighbourhood, without compromising its culture.  The renowned Kino Café Flamenco and Tapas Bar is among many local restaurants just steps away, and the Park Theatre retains its cultural importance in Vancouver.  Nearby Queen Elizabeth Park boasts the best views in the city, and fine dining as well.

Olive, which features a full club facility including outdoor pool, fitness area, lounge and guest accommodations, exemplifies prime Vancouver real estate.  Many listings boast granite counter tops, outdoor patios, gas ranges, fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.  The stylish exterior in this low-rise condominium complex matches the stunning interiors of these homes.