On the main peninsula of the City of Vancouver in the Lower Mainland of the southwestern corner of the Canadian Province of British Columbia, the neighbourhood of Dunbar–Southlands extends northward from the Fraser River past Pacific Spirit Regional Park on the west to West 16th Avenue, where the border extends eastward to the neighbourhoods of Arbutus Ridge and Kerrisdale east of Puget Drive, Mackenzie Street, and Blenheim Street. The Southlands area of the neighbourhood south of Marine Drive near the river is one of lavish mansions, golf courses, and horse farms.
Historical Sketch
History or legend records the first European settlers as farmers Fitzgerald and Sam McCleery in 1863. In 1912, the Canadian Pacific Railway and the provincial government, which by then held most of the land, established a subdivision for construction of residences for the planned University of British Columbia under development just to the west. By 1927, Dunbar had three streetcar lines and a number of unique homes, many still standing; 21 are on the City of Vancouver heritage register.
Affluent Southlands
Southlands is ideal for the high-flying, jet-setting lifestyle as Vancouver International Airport on Sea Island across the river is a short drive away. Trees line Southlands streets and often arch across the entire roadway. In early spring, hundreds of cherry trees blossom. The city maintains eight parks within Dunbar-Southlands. The extensive Pacific Spirit Regional Park has many kilometres of trails and the Camosun Bog wetland. Southlands lots are mostly of multi-acre dimensions behind million-dollar mansions that dominate the land.
Dunbar-Southland are in fact two distinct neighbourhoods combined into one. North of Southlands, Dunbar too has quiet streets lined with grand old trees and landscaped parks. Cross the line from Southlands to Dunbar and property quality declines from magnificent to merely luxurious. Multi-million dollar mansions on expansive, secluded estates give way to large single-family homes on pristine lots. Dunbar-Southland is a neighbourhood of mostly established families, not many recent immigrants, and less ethnic diversity than in Vancouver overall, but this feature may change as condominium construction makes the housing stock more affordable.
Commerce and Education
The Dunbar Business Improvement Area (BIA), the newest Vancouver BIA, covers ten blocks along Dunbar Street between 16th and 41st Avenues as far east as Collingwood Street. Shopping in the quaint stores along Dunbar Street adds to the distinctively genteel neighbourhood ambiance. About 12,350 inhabit the Dunbar BIA.
The proportion of people between the ages of 5 and 19 is well above the Metro Vancouver average. Dunbar-Southlands residents value formal education highly. The independent St George’s School on the eastern edge of Pacific Spirit Regional Park has ranked at the top of the British Columbia schools for several years. Two other schools, West Point Grey and Crofton House, rank regularly in the top five. Lord Byng and University Hill are perhaps the most academically distinguished in a field of highly reputable public secondary schools.
Careers
Fifty-six percent of Dunbar-Southlanders hold university degrees compared to thirty-nine percent for the city and thirty-one for Metro Vancouver. Perhaps reflecting the fact that neighbourhood education levels are significantly higher than average regional levels, many residents work in leadership positions and in specialized fields in social sciences, education, government, religion, business management, natural and applied sciences, and health care.
QUIET STREET IN DUNBAR! A charming and picturesque house located in a desirable Dunbar neighborhood. Nestled on a tree-lined street, this inviting residence exudes a classic elegance that captures the essence of comfortable living. With its distinctive architecture and well-maintained exterior, the house stands as a testament to both timeless design and meticulous care. The interior boasts a perfect blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The open-concept layout allows for seamless flow between the various living spaces, providing an ideal setting for both relaxation and entertaining.The gourmet kitchen is a chef's delight, equipped with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, ample cabinetry, and a spacious center island.this residence offers a truly remarkable living experience and just steps away from St. George's schoolMore details
Elegant custom built house located in most prestigious Dunbar area! House sits on 50X101.5ft lot and quiet Sakura trees street. Features including functional open layout, spacious living and dining area, together with big family room, hardwood floor throughout, give you a cozy living experience. Large gourmet kitchen with high-end cabinetry, granite counters, and luxury Wolf appliances with 6 burner gas range. 3 spacious bedrooms upstairs, all ensuites. Maser bedroom features big walking closet and bathroom. Laundry room in 2nd floor. 2 bdrms suite in basement as good mortgage helper. School Catchments: Kerrisdale Elementary & Point Grey Secondary. 7 minutes WALK to Crofton House School, and 5 mins drive to St George's, 9 minutes drive to UBC. Close to public transit on 41st Ave. Must see!More details
INCREDIBLE Home (3,916 SQFT+crawspace) in prestigious Dunbar neighborhood sitting on a 6,533 SQFT (50 X 130.65) lot. Tranquil community with walking distance away from vital commercial on Dunbar (Shops, Restaurant, Banks, Library, etc.) Double Garage with an additional outdoor stall that can park a RV. Beautifully designed home with lots of natural lights, Total 7 bedrooms + den, with rare 4 Bedrooms on the 2nd floor. More than $200K of renovation on move in (2021), including : All 5 bathrooms, New Floor, New UV Blocking Windows, New Blinds, New Appliances, Painting and more. Close to private schools (St. George's / York House / Crofton) and great public catchment (Lord Kitchener Elementary / Lord Byng Secondary). 3D Matterport available.More details
Luxurious custom built home in the most desirable West Dunbar area!! This beautiful south facing crafted home has over 2,800 sq.ft living area with 4 bedms & 6 bathms and 420 sq.ft of rooftop deck that offers you panoramic views of city, mountain & water. Excellent open concept layout&design on the main level with elegant high-end kitchen cabinetries and WOLF & GAGGENAU stainless steel appliances, marble countertops, wok kitchen & patio. 3 generous ensuite bedrooms on upper floor are perfect laid-out. Lower level offers huge recreation room with wet bar, home theater, powder room & ensuite nanny room. Also features smart home system, HVAC, hardwood floor thru-out, radiant floor heating, 2 car garage & carport, private yard. School catchment: Lord Byng Secondary & Lord Kitchener Elementary.More details
Nestled in the quiet and Prime location Dunbar area, this custom-built residence graces a generous 55X109 ft lot, epitomizing timeless elegance and modern convenience. Open layout, expansive living and dining spaces complemented by a sizable family room. Features Cherry hardwood floors, high ceilings, and radiant in-floor heat. Two distinct kitchens cater to culinary enthusiasts and facilitate seamless entertaining. Upstairs, four generously bedrooms await, each accompanied by its own ensuite for unparalleled comfort. Laundry room on both the second floor and basement. Huge potential for a three-bedroom suite with a private entrance on the basement level. Excellent Dunbar neighborhood close to UBC, St. Georges, Crofton, best public schools and shopping! Open house 3/9, 3/10, 3/16, 3/17.More details