Arbutus, an affluent residential neighbourhood in Vancouver’s West Side, extends from 16th Avenue on the north to 41st on the south and from Mackenzie Street on the west to Arbutus Street on the east. A mature community with stately homes on large lots between tree-lined streets interspersed with quiet neighbourhood parks and with clear views of the nearby mountains to the north, Arbutus in the middle of Vancouver’s west side has easy access to Downtown, the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and the seaside areas of Kitsilano and Jericho Beach. Most of the population of about 16,000 live in single-family homes. Neighborhood schools are Prince of Wales Secondary School, Carnarvon Elementary School, and Trafalgar Elementary School, which conducts a French immersion program.
Historical Notes
Ironically, this affluent neighbourhood was once the “Asthma Flats” in the late 1800s and early 1900s, little more than a swamp traversable by plank walkways. As in much of Vancouver, the Canadian Pacific Railway brought commercial and residential development to Arbutus Ridge after 1888, when the province turned the area over to the railroad. The Arbutus line remains adjacent to Arbutus Street throughout the east side of the neighbourhood though now abandoned and unused. Arbutus Ridge became a municipality of the City of Vancouver in 1929
Mackenzie Heights in the southwest corner of Arbutus Ridge was in 1912 the first area of the community to start large-scale residential development. Not until the 1940s did developers haul sand from False Creek to fill in the Asthmas Flats for construction of property improvements on the bottom lands.
High Property Values
The single-family home at 2805 West 19th Avenue may look like a bungalow but in fact has six bedrooms and two bathrooms on three levels. A good home and investment, the house has a full basement with a two-bedroom suite which could bring in substantial income. Built in 1942, the 2,310-square-foot home lists for $1.598 million. Annual property taxes are just over $6,000.
Many shops and amenities are within walking distance: a Starbucks coffee shop, Choices Market, La Buca Italian Trattoria, Trafalgar’s at Sweet Obsession, and the Jamaican-inspired Patty Shop. The home is close to Prince of Wales secondary and Carnarvon and Trafalgar elementary schools, and to transit stops just steps away.
Canadian Pacific Controversy
The Arbutus Corridor is marred by train tracks that have not seen a train for years. Cyclists and environmentalists lobby for conversion of this 11-kilometre strip to use as a greenway. The Canadian Pacific Railway owns the land but the city won the legal right to determine land use zoning in a 2006 court decision. The city’s long-term 2040 Transportation Plan describes the Arbutus Corridor as “an east-west barrier.”
Canadian Pacific has asked more than 15,000 people and businesses to remove any property along the train tracks in the Arbutus Corridor as it continues its review of the rail line. No trains have used the line since 2001. The City of Vancouver, which has the last word on use of the corridor, says it is against a return of heavy rail, but residents fear that Canadian Pacific may intend to resume it.
Community Vision PlanIn November 2005, the Vancouver City Council approved the Arbutus Ridge-Kerrisdale-Shaughnessy Community Vision Plan, which seeks to retain the historic and mature character of the area and to further improve the community by:
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New Arbutus Live MLS Listings
Arbutus in Vancouver, BC
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2181 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2506722
2181 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4 
$5,680,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2506722
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,133 sq. ft.
GORGEOUS & BRANDNEW custom built mansion in Arbutus! 4,100+ sq.ft. of luxurious living area sits on beautiful landscaped level lot 50 x 122 (6,222 sq.ft.). Superb workmanship, meticulous attention to quality & details w/no expense spared. Open floor plan w/high ceiling & hard wood floor, marbles thru out. Total 6 bedrooms & den (4 ensuited on top flr), 6.5 baths, entertaining sized family rm overlooking the serene garden. Large gourmet kitchen w/high-end cabinetry & top of line appliances, wok kit, home theatre, wet bar, wine rack, smart home system, radiant in-floor heating, A/C, HRV. 4 car garage. Steps away from Trafalgar Elem, PW Secondary. Easy drive to York House, St. Georges, Crofton & UBC. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3950 PUGET Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2486213
3950 PUGET Drive Vancouver V6L 2V4
$4,650,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2486213
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,376 sq. ft.
Custom built contemporary panoramic view home on Puget Drive in the Arbutus area. This lovely home sits on an 8358 sqft corner lot & has been well maintained & updated throughout the years by the current owners. Over 4300 sqft of open plan living with plenty of windows & skylights to bring in lots of natural lights. The reverse plan features the main level w/ spacious principal rooms including a large living rm, dining rm, a fabulous gourmet kitchen w/ eating area & a huge family rm overlooking a private sundeck w/ beautiful city & mountain view. The lower level has 4 bedrooms & an office. The basement has a terrific in-law suite. New furnace & hot water tank. Professionally landscaped gardens & 2 cars attached garage. Close to Trafalgar Elem & Prince of Wales Sec School catchment More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2969 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2504265
2969 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1M9
$4,350,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2504265
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,654 sq. ft.
Most Desirable Arbutus location at highly ranked Prince of Wales Secondary school catchment. Over 3,650 sf of spacious living space. This gorgeous custom built house features grand foyer with high ceilings, 5 bedrooms, 6 baths, spacious gourmet kitchen with high end cabinetry and top of line appliances. Enjoy modern style of luxury living, wet bar, wine cellar, sauna, steam bath, home theatre, radiant floor heat throughout, HRV, A/C. PRICED TO SELL! More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty Westmar - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2418 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2428070
2418 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1B1
$3,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2428070
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,820 sq. ft.
Well maintained cozy home on a beautiful treelined street in Arbutus area. Built by reputable German builder, spent over $100,000 on renovation in 2016, the house provides over 3,800 Sqft. living area for a big family, with a southern backyard. High ceiling foyer leads to the bright living room with cozy fireplace. Kitchen features granite counter top, with a separate formal dining room. One bedroom on main could be Nanny’s room or office. 4 bedrooms on upper level including an ensuite. Others feature include central vacuum system, radiant floor, 3 car garage. Basement with separate entrance could be used as mortgage helper. Close to Trafalgar Elementary, Princes of Wales Secondary, shopping centre, easy to downtown, UBC. More detailsListed by Pacific Evergreen Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2688 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2520899
2688 W 19TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1C9
$3,800,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2520899
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,598 sq. ft.
This 52x120 CORNER lot is centrally located in the desirable Arbutus. The floor plan encompasses 6 spacious bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms with plenty of room for study, sleep and storage. The gourmet kitchen with quality appliances has all the counter space you could ever want which flows thru to the eating area and SE facing backyard. Grand foyer w/high ceiling, HOME THEATRE, H/W floors thru out & a self-contained studio with a separate entrance on the main level. 4 spacious bedrooms (2 ensuites) on the upper level, lots of space for a growing family or a perfect investment property, easy to rent out all the rooms. Easy access to UBC, Arbutus & Broadway shopping, St. Georges, Crofton and York private schools. SCHOOL catchment: Trafalgar Elementary & P. W HIGH. More detailsListed by Nu Stream Realty Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3550 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2505831
3550 QUESNEL Drive Vancouver V6L 2W6
$3,770,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2505831
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,356 sq. ft.
Please bring you client to see this well maintained comfortable and livable OT house, with 180 degree City and Mountain view. This unique 6880 square feet lot has 50ft frontage along Quesnel drive. The house has an impressive paramour view once you step in the door. The house offers 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms with 2 large sundecks. Located close to transit, stores, restaurants and community Centre. School catchment including Lord Kitchener elementary, Prince of Wales and Kitsilano Secondary school. More detailsListed by Georgia Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2137 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2496211
2137 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1E9
$3,698,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2496211
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,665 sq. ft.
Very functional layout south facing with almost 3,700 sq.ft of living space in the desirable and convenient Arbutus neighbourhood. Main floor well designed w/an office and a full bathroom.Open kitchen maximizes on function and storage.Sundeck offers extra space for recreation. Upstairs includes 4 bedrms and 3 baths with a spacious master en-suite with North shore mountain view.The bsmt is finished with 2 bedrms&2 baths,kitchen,laundry and separate entrance. Steps away from Arbutus Greenway and groceries.School catchment of Trafalgar Elementary School and Prince of Wales Secondary School.Great location!Gorgeous cherry blossom-lined streets all around the neighbourhood in Spring. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2793 ALAMEIN Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus Townhouse for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2520241
2793 ALAMEIN Avenue Vancouver V6L 0C2
$3,480,000Residential Attached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2520241
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,877 sq. ft.
Arbutus Beauty! This elegant townhome showcases open concept 1877 sqft living area in this Arbutus community. High ceiling grand foyer. Chef's dream kitchen with Gaggenau appliance package , 3" Quartz countertop, wood veneer cabinetry & eating area. Bright living room with sliding door for privacy. Spacious dining room/recreation room. Upper floor has 3 bedrooms with luxurious master ensuite. Entrance level offers an ensuite for your guests. Mountain and city views from private roof top deck. Engineered Oak hardwood floorings, custom shelving with LED lighting, Control4 smart home systems, side by side 2 car parking with EV charging station and 2-5-10 new home warranty. Walking distance to Trafalgar Elementary and Park. Truly a great home for a young family! More detailsListed by Macdonald Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2848 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2511456
2848 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1H3
$3,380,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2511456
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 2,954 sq. ft.
Excellent location ! This CUSTOM-built home in prime Arbutus area .Unlimited extra qualities is built in: double layer concrete foundation, 2 x 6 frame construction, granite counters & cabinets, , extra skylight & ceiling lights, radiant heating. EnerGuide Home,Water Filter System,EV Charger .WELL maintained 5 bedroom, 4 bathroom home is close to all the BEST SCHOOLS on the Westside. Ready to raise another Family! OWNER SPENT more than $50,000 on renovations! Master Bath fully Reno & office & hardwood floor were updated 2 yrs ago. Triple car garage + & South facing back yard W/Nice balcony .Close to Carnarvon Park & shops , ALMOST A SUITE down & more. Motivated seller! MUST SEE! OPEN HOUSE NOV 8 SUN 2-4 PM by appt More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3231 VINE Street in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2475315
3231 VINE Street Vancouver V6L 3E8
$3,350,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2475315
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,038 sq. ft.
A great opportunity to own a well built home at an excellent price in Vancouver west side. A welcoming entrance leads to spacious rooms, all above grade for maximum living enjoyment. Lots of Skylights provide natural light throughout. Hugh lot (50 X 150), good school catchment (Prince of Whales Secondary and Trafalgar Elementary), spacious living area (3 bedrooms upper level, 1 ensuite bedroom on the main floor) make it one of most affordable and liveable houses in Arbutus neighbourhood. 2018 Summer Renovation incld: Roof, SkyLight Windows, Bathroom Sink/Faucet/Countertop, Hardwood floor (2nd floor), & Laundry Machine. Tenants occupied, fixed term till end of May 2021, selling with the tenancy agreement. More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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