Living in Metrotown: High-Rise Convenience and Urban Lifestyle
Metrotown is the bustling commercial and residential hub of Burnaby, combining high-rise condo living with convenient access to shopping, dining, and transit. It’s ideal for young professionals, small families, and investors who want proximity to urban amenities without living directly in Vancouver. The neighborhood is lively, convenient, and modern, but it lacks the suburban serenity found in other parts of Burnaby.
Demographics
Median List Price:
~ $2,383,000
Average Income:
~ $83,000
Population:
25,500
Median Age:
39 years
Architectural Style
Garage Access:
None
Typical Garage Size:
0 - 1 cars
Street Look:
High-rise condo towers, mixed-use developments
Quirks:
Deep porches, Tapered columns, Shingle siding, Exposed rafters, Mixed materials.
Key Features:
Low-pitched, gabled roofs with wide eaves and exposed rafters. Deep front porches supported by tapered columns or stone bases. Handcrafted wood details — window trim, beams, and built-ins. Earthy, natural materials: cedar shingles, stone, and brick accents. Cozy, functional floor plans with central fireplaces. Emphasis on craftsmanship and organic integration with the landscape.
Description:
Beloved for its warmth and detail, the Craftsman style is one of BC’s enduring favorites. It combines hand-crafted appeal with natural materials — cedar shakes, stone accents, and wood trim — giving homes a timeless, “made by hand” look. BC’s West Coast Craftsman variation adds broader eaves and larger windows to suit the coastal light and rain. Expect earthy tones, front porches made for coffee, and interiors with built-in woodwork and fireplaces. Buyers love it for its solid, grounded feel in an era of glass and steel.
Commute & Transportation
Walk Score:
84/100
Bike Score:
62/100
Average Commute:
25 min
SkyTrain:
✔️
Transit Access:
SkyTrain: Metrotown SkyTrain Station (Expo Line) is centrally located. Transit Score: Very high in the area. Driving/commute: 15–20 minute transit to central Vancouver according to lifestyle profiles.
Rush Hour Traffic:
Heavy around Kingsway, Central Boulevard, and mall access points
Environmental Comfort
Overall Noise Level:
Moderate
Nighttime Noise:
Moderate
Snow Removal:
Excellent
Seasonal Allergen:
Moderate
Wildlife:
Raccoons, skunks, squirrels, crows, owls
Evening Activity Level:
High
Family & Kids
Family Density Index:
Low
Average School Rating
⭐⭐⭐
Schools:
Maywood Community School (K‑7). Burnaby South Secondary (8‑12). Moscrop Secondary (8‑12)
Playground Accessibility:
Moderate
Traffic-Calming Features
Pedestrian-priority streets, traffic controls
Lifestyle & Amenities
Parks & Green Spaces
Central Park (Burnaby): An 86 ha major park bordering Metrotown. Numerous smaller neighbourhood parks mentioned in local realtor guides.
Community Centres
Bonsor Recreation Complex: Offers pool, sports, fitness. Bonsor Senior Centre: Next door, for older adults in the community.
Healthcare Facilities
Metrotown Urgent & Primary Care Centre, Burnaby Hospital, Panda Clinic Metrotown, Metro Healthcare (Family Practice), Burnaby Primary Care Network (PCN)
Shopping & Dining
Metropolis at Metrotown: 450+ stores — one of BC’s largest malls. Crystal Mall: Large Asian-themed shopping centre. Old Orchard Mall and Station Square also serve the area.
Cultural Amenities
The Metrotown Downtown Plan envisions the area as a growing urban core.
Community Character & Vibes
Community Engagement:
Low
Holiday Décor Index:
Low
Halloween Décor Index:
Low
Halloween Activity Level:
Low
Signature Traits:
Dense, transit-oriented, urban-suburban hybrid
Local Markets:
Urban grocers and specialty food stores
Street Parking Availability:
Limited
Street Life:
Very active daytime and evenings
Metrotown is the bustling commercial and residential hub of Burnaby, combining high-rise condo living with convenient access to shopping, dining, and transit. It’s ideal for young professionals, small families, and investors who want proximity to urban amenities without living directly in Vancouver. The neighborhood is lively, convenient, and modern, but it lacks the suburban serenity found in other parts of Burnaby.
Overview & Vibe
Metrotown is Burnaby’s urban core, offering high-rise condo living, shopping, and dining all within walking distance. The neighborhood is ideal for young professionals, small families, and investors who value convenience, transit access, and city life.
Lifestyle: Residents enjoy access to Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in BC, offering retail, dining, entertainment, and services. Restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores are abundant, and delivery services are widely available. The neighborhood is walkable, transit-friendly, and urban-focused, with less emphasis on private outdoor space compared to suburban neighborhoods.
Best For: Urban Professionals ✅, Future Dreamers ✅, Convenience Seekers ✅
Commute & Connectivity
SkyTrain: 15–20 minutes to downtown Vancouver, with fast access to Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey.
Driving: 15–25 minutes to downtown Vancouver; traffic may extend commute.
Cycling & Walking: Walkable streets, bike lanes, and close access to parks and amenities.
Practical Tip: Excellent for buyers prioritizing urban lifestyle and minimal car reliance.
Housing & Affordability
Condos: $550K–$950K; high-rise towers dominate.
Townhouses: $850K–$1.3M; low-rise developments near parks.
Detached Homes: Rare; most buyers looking for houses move to surrounding Burnaby neighborhoods.
Trends: High demand for condos due to convenience and proximity to shopping, transit, and amenities.
Market Notes: High demand from first-time buyers, investors, and young professionals. Condos dominate the market, offering convenience and access to shopping and transit.
Schools & Family Infrastructure
Public Schools: Local catchments serve families, though space is limited.
Childcare: Available but competitive; early planning advised.
Recreation: Nearby community centers, small parks, and sports facilities.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Dining & Shops: Abundant cafés, restaurants, retail, and entertainment options in Metropolis at Metrotown and along Kingsway.
Delivery & Services: Full coverage; groceries, food, and e-commerce items are easily accessible.
Cultural Life: Movie theaters, cultural events, and urban entertainment opportunities.
Nature & Recreation
Parks & Trails: Central Park is nearby, offering walking trails, sports fields, and green space.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Limited private outdoor space; residents rely on public parks and recreation facilities.
Family Recreation: Parks and community centers offer organized sports and activities.
Safety & Community
Safety: Generally safe, though higher-density areas may experience more urban-related issues than suburban neighborhoods.
Community Engagement: Active resident groups and community programs, though less tight-knit than suburban areas.
Future Outlook
Development: Continued high-rise development and transit-oriented projects; urban densification remains a priority.
Market Outlook: Strong demand from first-time buyers, young professionals, and investors seeking convenience, transit access, and urban lifestyle.
Who This Community is Best For
Metrotown is ideal for Urban Professionals, Future Dreamers, and Convenience Seekers — buyers who prioritize transit access, shopping, dining, and urban amenities over large private outdoor spaces.
Metrotown offers the convenience of urban living in Burnaby, with high-rise condos, shopping, and transit access all within reach. As a realtor, I help clients find homes that match their lifestyle priorities, whether that’s proximity to work, access to amenities, or modern urban living.
