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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2638 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2729436
2638 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1G8 
$3,880,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2729436
- Bedrooms:
- 6
- Bathrooms:
- 5
- Floor Area:
- 3,785 sq. ft.
Bright and Spacious 3785 sf house on 50 x 122 level lot in prime Arbutus area. Total of 6 bedrms & 5 baths, the office on Main flr can easily convert to 7th bedrm. Upstairs boast 4 bedrms & 3 baths (2 ensuites). Main flr has beautiful hardwood floors throughout that enhances the nice flowing layout. Bsmt has separate entry which can be converted into a suite for extra income. Lots of potential here with a bit of elbow grease. New Boiler since 2018, radiant heat, 2 gas fireplace & air conditioning are a definite plus. Catchment Schools: Prince of Wales Secondary & Trafalgar Elementary. Also close to Little Flower, York House, St. George, UBC, parks & shopping. South facing rear yard & 3 car garage makes this an ideal home. Measurements approx, Buyer to verify if deemed important. More detailsListed by Homeland Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2115 W 18TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus Land for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2745243
2115 W 18TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1A3
$3,749,000Land Only- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2745243
Vancouver West, Arbutus 9,500sqft building lot. 18th Avenue is one of prestigious streets with bigger lot than other streets. This lot is one of the biggest corner lot in the area. Best schools and shopping nearby. Arbutus Greenway is across the street. Future Arbutus sky-train station is blocks away. Arbutus club, gold clubs are nearby. UBC, YVR,DT access are very convenient. Vacant land-demolition is done(save cost). Building permit and building plan can be provided upon request. Building permit valid till mid May. More detailsListed by Sutton Group - Vancouver First Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2205 W 22ND Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2745636
2205 W 22ND Avenue Vancouver V6L 1L6
$3,450,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2745636
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,906 sq. ft.
PRIME VIEW corner lot on FAMOUS CHERRY BLOSSOM street. This level 50.25' x 121.95' lot is at the top of the street and is perfect to build your dream home over-looking the Arbutus Valley. Properties on this block rarely go for sale. Value mainly in land. Long time owner would like to rent back for up to 6 months. All measurements approximate to be verified by Buyer. More detailsListed by RE/MAX Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2356 W 20TH Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2674322
2356 W 20TH Avenue Vancouver V6L 1G5
$3,280,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2674322
- Bedrooms:
- 3
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 1,997 sq. ft.
INVESTORS/BUILDERS ALERT!!! Popular 50' lot in highly sought-after Arbutus area. Lot features home facing north, private south-facing backyard. 2 bedroom and 1 bathroom on main floor. Basement suite includes 1 bedroom & 1 bathroom with separate entrance. Currently rented at $2,900 per month on a month-by-month term. Home perfect for investors or those looking for tear down opportunity. Oil tank removed. 24 hours notice to show. More detailsListed by RA Realty Alliance Inc. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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2855 ALAMEIN Avenue in Vancouver: Arbutus House for sale (Vancouver West) : MLS®# R2745086
2855 ALAMEIN Avenue Vancouver V6L 1S4
$3,260,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2745086
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 2,932 sq. ft.
Conveniently located home sits on a 41.25' x 122.16' (5039 sqft) lot in the desirable part of Arbutus. This close to 3000 sqft 2 level Vancouver Special home with mountain view features excellent floor plan, granite entrance hall, spacious 3 bedroom with 2 bedroom suite on the main floor (for the privacy, one of the bedrooms could be a self-contained suite). Renovated with new kitchen, bathroom sink and cabinets upstairs and new paint in 2022. 2 cars attached garage. Walking distance to Trafalgar Elementary and Prince of Wales Secondary Catchment Area. Close to grocery shopping, schools and transit to UBC. More detailsListed by Royal Pacific Realty Corp. - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
