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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2350 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2333598
$5,878,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2333598
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,206 sq. ft.
Beauty on Arbutus! This family-oriented area is calling you home! Our highly anticipated and beautifully decorated home is ready for preview. With every detail carefully selected and qualty finished and exceeding all expectations. Walk into your open concept first floor with custom ceiling details with a spacisous family and dining area. Lots of beautiful millwork, modern main & work kitchens, nice hardwood floors on upper and main floors. Top of the line Miele appliances, auto lawn sprinklers, 4 bedrooms upstairs with ensuite. Open concept media room, wet bar, wine cellar, sauna, and in home gym in basement. Four car garage, HRV system, AC, Nest and state of the art Control 4 automation. High ceiling on all 3 levels. 2-5-10 home warranty. More detailsListed by Homeland Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3894 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2380472
$5,800,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2380472
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 3,030 sq. ft.
View, view, view!!! Breath taking 180 degree Ocean, City, and mountain views from the perfect, quiet location. This beautiful well kept house is on a 4100 sqft lot. It features 3 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Excellent condition of the house. Seller has just changed roof and external stone. Newer upgraded kitchen, hardwood flooring, washroom, and so much. Close to all the shopping, top private schools, UBC. Catchments: Trafalgar Elementary & Prince of Wales Secondary. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3442 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2347855
$5,698,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2347855
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 4,244 sq. ft.
Built in 2014 this 4 level contemporary home is exceptional in every way. Situated on the prestigious Quesnel Drive, this property has post card quality views over the city towards downtown and the North Shore Mountains. Architecturally, the exterior of this beautiful home has clean lines, hardy board exterior with cedar wood accents. Upon entering the home the sleek design and light finishing’s with a magnificent kitchen that is an open plan attached to the living area and access to the exterior deck. 3 bedrooms up, all with spa like ensuites and a bonus 3rd level family room with spacious deck overlooking the city. Rec room, Gym and home office complete the lower level. 3 car garage w/ car lift. Special home is not to be missed! // OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, August 24th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm More detailsListed by Engel & Volkers Vancouver - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2181 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2345339
$4,999,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2345339
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,702 sq. ft.
Very well built and well kept over 4700 sqft beautiful house located in the prime Arbutus area. Excellent layout with attention to details, wood trim and built-in high end cabinetry in family room. Four large bedrooms upstairs all with ensuite bathrooms. Main floor has an office or bedroom and full bathroom. Spacious wok kitchen with walkout door. Basement finished with rec room, media room, 2 bedrms/2baths, wet bar, sauna and marble floor. A/C, HRV, radiant heat. Solid hard wood floor throughout main and upstairs. Extra deep lot provides extra big deck. Four car garages. School catchment: Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales secondary. Short walk to City Market grocery. Easy access to everywhere. Good value and must see. More detailsListed by Sutton Group Seafair Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2206 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2315961
$4,980,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2315961
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,078 sq. ft.
Custom Built luxury home located in the most prestigious west side abutus neighborhood. With more than 4000 sqft living space. Spacious kitchen w/ a wok-kitchen & high end appliances. Upstairs features 3 bedrooms (all w/ en-suites) and beautiful View of North Shore mountains that can be enjoyed in your own bedroom! Downstairs offers a huge recreational room with wet bar, media room, separate 2-bedroom and larger Washer/Dryer Room. Private and fenced backyard. Close to transits, shopping area, restaurants, and best schools: PW Secondary, Crofton House and St. George's and UBC university. Open house Sat-Sun Apr 20-21, 2-4 pm 2019 More detailsListed by LeHomes Realty Premier - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2556 W 16TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2386239
$4,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2386239
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,706 sq. ft.
Nestled along the beautiful tree-lined 16th st on west side. Two blocks away from famous Macdonalds st, and 8 minutes walk to proposed Millennuium Line skytrain. This stunning 4,700 sf house situated in a 7,500sf lot. First floor's features include high-end fixtures and finishes, an open concept froyer, spacious living room and family room, decorative marble stone fireplace, a full bathroom and expansive open kitchen with good brand steeless appliances. second floor contains 4 gracious luxury-detailed chic bedrooms with 4 full en-suite bathrooms. Basement bosting a media room with build-in speaker and a rental unit. The rental are ideal for generating additional income or hosting relatives, it features 2 bedrooms, 1 full bath , fully equipped kitchen.Open House August 24 Sat 2-4 More detailsListed by LeHomes Realty Premier - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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4248 QUESNEL Drive in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2398856
$4,788,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2398856
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,951 sq. ft.
Modern home with views of the Vancouver Skyline. The living room and master bedroom boast view of the mountains, Burrard Inlet and the North Shore; the house, outfitted with skylights, also features a large balcony and open patio in which the beauty of the city can be enjoyed. This 4 bedroom, 3 and a half bathroom house takes up 3 stores and includes 4 parking spots. Renovated in 2004. this 20 year old house features a cherry wood kitchen, stainless steel appliances, built in double ovens and espresso machines, air conditioning, radiant in floor heating. This home is central to parks local schools, community centres and bike paths. Start your day with waking up to the views of the city you want to live in, and settle in the house you'll never want to leave. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2609 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2396076
$4,688,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2396076
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,657 sq. ft.
Welcome to this Top quality well maintained custom built home in the famous prestegeous Sakura bloosom(Cherry) street, steps to the park and Schools. With 7 bedrooms and den. Subzero Fridge, 5 star stove, German faucet. 4 ensuite upstairs, and 3 bedrooms and recreation room in basement. Three floors radiant heat, Air conditioning and HRV. Beautiful landscaping, large sundeck, tile roof. Top School catchment: P.W. Secondary School and Trafalgar Elementary School. Close to Parks, Shopping & transit and easy access to UBC and downtown. Truly dream home for you to move in and own, hurry, won't last! More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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3120 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2367601
$4,590,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2367601
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 4,143 sq. ft.
North Shore Mountains View and South-Facing Backyard!! This gorgeous magnificent custom built home is almost like new over 4,140 sq ft sits on SAKURA street with Beautiful Landscaped 6100 sq ft lot. Carnarvon elementary school and Carnarvon park are just a few steps away. Close to York House, St. George's and Crofton House. This beautiful home offers 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, detail-oriented finishing & first class craftsmanship, stunning gourmet kitchen & wok kitchen w/high-end cabinetry & top of the line appliances, A/C, HRV, floor radiant heating, sound system, steam shower and much more. Basement offers amazing wet bar, luxurious wine cellar, pool table, theatre room and etc. More detailsListed by Pacific Evergreen Realty Ltd. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2316 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2348753
$4,560,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2348753
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 3,771 sq. ft.
Walk distance famous Trafalgar Elementary, Prince of Wales Secondary School & Arbutus Mall. Partially renovated in 2017. More detailsListed by Luxmore Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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