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®# R2450432
2181 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L4 
$5,688,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2450432
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,133 sq. ft.
GORGEOUS & BRAND NEW 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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2580 W 16TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2471054
2580 W 16TH Avenue Vancouver V6K 3C1
$4,688,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2471054
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 7
- Floor Area:
- 4,772 sq. ft.
Custom-built home on a large 50 x 150 FT LOT with a SOUTH FACING BACK YARD. This exceptionally large (4,772 SF) home features over height ceilings, three gas fireplaces, family room built-ins that create the sense of a grand yet cozy home. The large main living level also features a large Wok kitchen with natural light and fresh air and a guest room with full ensuite bath. Basement is perfect for entertaining with its large bar, wine storage, living and play area and for guests with a private guest bedroom. All upper bedrooms are large and have their own ensuites. A/C, 2 steam showers, sauna & B/in vacuum. 4 car garage. Easy access to York House, St. Georges, Crofton House and UBC. Prince of Wales School district. More detailsListed by Oakwyn Realty Downtown Ltd. - 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
$4,388,000Residential 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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2721 W 24TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2441732
2721 W 24TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1R2
$3,990,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2441732
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 6
- Floor Area:
- 3,731 sq. ft.
Prime Arbutus Location close by Trafalgar Elementary. European builder custom built home offers full attention to details in craftsmanship, supreme finishing gives the warm feeling ofluxury. Gourmet kitchen with high end appliances, extensive use of granite, marbles and custom mill work throughout. Functional floor plan, total 5 bedrooms, 4 full bath, 2 half bath, 3-car garage. Prince of Wales Secondary Catchment. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2446 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2469579
2446 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1G7
$3,888,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2469579
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,942 sq. ft.
This elegant and spacious home is a must-see. With nearly 4,000 sq ft of living space, a 4-CAR garage, skylights, exposed aggregate and a South-facing yard, this one is sure to impress. ORIGINAL OWNER custom built this home and has barely lived in it. The main floor has a living room AND a family room (both with gas fireplaces), dining room AND eat-in kitchen PLUS wok kitchen, office with built-ins and powder room. Upper level has four bedrooms (two with ensuites) plus full bathroom. Spacious master bedroom has a 5-piece ensuite with soaker tub and dual vanity. The basement is complete with a wet bar, theatre room, two bedrooms, full bathroom and laundry room. This 52x122 lot is situated in a prime location with easy access to Arbutus & Broadway shopping and close to premium schools. More detailsListed by eXp Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2983 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2468903
2983 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1K7
$3,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2468903
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 2,844 sq. ft.
Specious custom built home on a beautiful and quiet tree-lined street in prestigious Arbutus area. Over 2,800 sf of living space featuring 3 bedrooms up all with ensuite bathrooms. The 2nd bedroom connects a balcony with mountain views. Main floor offers a gourmet kitchen as well as a wok kitchen with top-of-theline appliances. Extensive use of granite counter tops, radiant heating in all three levels, air conditioning, HRV, security monitor system, etc. Lower level is ideal for entertaining which includes a home theatre. A two-bedroom legal rental suites downstairs with its own private entry, can be a great mortgage helper! Top school catchment: PW Secondary and Carnarvon Elementary. Close to shops, parks, transit, and short distance to UBC and beaches! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Crest Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2862 W 19TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2443711
2862 W 19TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1E5
$3,680,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2443711
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 2,984 sq. ft.
Dream house on a quiet tree lined street north facing in the most desirable Arbutus location. The main floor features a total open concept plan with 10 ft ceilings, custom millwork, imported Italian tile flrs. Designer hand-picked finishings! Upstairs 3 spacious bdrm, open den/library, master bedroom w/large 5 pc ensuite w/dbl sided F/P, & W/I closet. Master bathroom has world famous massage bathtub, steam shower and automatic toilet. The Chef's kitchen incorporates Wolf/Subzero Professional appliances, custom made cabinetry w/quartz counters. Bsmt incl a theatre room, wet bar, 1 bdrm suite potential, 1.5 baths & laundry room. Also featuring fully automated integrate sound system, A/C w/HRV, 2 car garage & 2-5-10 year warranty. Walking distance to beautiful Carnarvon Park. School catch. More detailsListed by LeHomes Realty Premier - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2970 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2463249
2970 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1H5
$2,659,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2463249
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 2,695 sq. ft.
A fabulous family home central to all the best of the Westside. This home is on a quiet street of well-maintained and newer homes. A short walk to buses, shopping, and all the amenities of Kitsilano. The house was substantially rebuilt with quality in 2000. Enter through the formal living room with adjoining den (could be fourth bedroom). The kitchen is open with granite counters, stainless appliances and joins the spacious family room and office nook. Upstairs you will find three bedrooms and two recently renovated bathrooms. The master faces south with balcony, walk in closet and ensuite. The back deck and yard face south are beautifully landscaped and private. The oversized two car garage . Bonus two bedroom fully furnished suite. More detailsListed by Royal LePage Sussex - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2796 W 21ST Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2461181
2796 W 21ST Avenue Vancouver V6L 1K3
$2,599,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2461181
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 1,649 sq. ft.
Attention builders & Investors! Prime Arbutus Ridge, 40 x 122, Corner Lot with mountain views & sunny backyard! Excellent Duplex or Single Family development property. Superb location in the catchment areas of Vancouver's best public schools, Prince of Wales High School and Trafalgar Elementary. 3-level home with 5 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. This home is very livable, rentable, perfect for investment or to build. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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