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.
Custom-built with great material, workmanship & taste in desirable West of Dunbar. Rare 3,000 sq.w/perfect floorplan. The main flr features an open floorplan: a good flow of Living, Dining, Family & a gourmet kitchen w/ top-of-line MIELE appliances. 2nd level features 3 decent-size bedrooms (all ensuite). Top-level is an office/bedroom w/powder rm+balcony+view. Enjoy city & winter water views. Basement features an entertainment rec area w/bar PLUS an extra 1 bdrm + lvg suite. High ceilings on all 3 levels. Good professionally interior-designed with high-end finishing throughout. Extensive use of intricately patterned designer ceramic and slate tiles. Walk to Lord Byng Sec and QE Elem, Dunbar Village shopping. Short drive to St Georges, Crofton House, York House&UBC.More details
ATTENTION FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS AND INVESTORS! This prime West of Dunbar location on a 52 x 118.5 (6162 sqft) property with 4+ bedrooms offers lots of options, an ideal property to hold or build your dream home. Perfect lot with Beautiful back garden and double car garage. Walking distance to Dunbar Village, St. George’s Schools, Queen Elizabeth Elementary, Lord Byng Secondary, Dunbar Community Centre, Pacific Spirit Park and easy access to UBC.More details
Location, Location, Location!!! Near St. George private school, Close to Lord Byng Secondary and UBC. Fully renovated home in 2014, new kitchen, new bathrooms, new windows, new ventilation system, new paint, new roof and much more. This home is across from Pacific Spirit Park and sits on a 8,424 sqft lot. 60' x 140'. Book your private showing.More details
Prestigious Dunbar area! 33' x 130.24' lot located on a tree-lined residential street. This well maintained modem design house boasts almost 3,000 SF of living space offers high ceilings in all 3 levels, custom detailing and hardwood flooring throughout, kitchen is equipped with center island and top-of-the-line Miele appliance. Upstairs spacious 3 bdrms w/ ensuite baths. Basement: recreation room w/wet bar, laundry room & fully finished I-bedroom legal suite w/ separate private entry. Across street from Lord Kitchener Elem & bus stop (to UBC)! Prince of Wales Sec and prestigious private schools such as Saint Georges and Crofton House School are also nearby. Easy access to Dunbar & Kerrisdale Village shopping (restaurants, cafes, retails), UBC & much more. Open Feb 11/12 2-4PMMore details
Located in highly sought Dunbar area near Pacific Spirit Park and St. George's School, this spacious home offers large rooms and cozy floor plan ideal for large family and entertaining. Close to Dunbar amenities, including banks and shopping, community center, library and transit. Catchment schools are Queen Elizabeth Elementary and Lord Byng Secondary. Easy access to UBC. Call for your private showing today!More details