Sunset on the Fraser River
The Neighbourhood
An ethnically diverse neighbourhood within Ontario Street on the west and Knight Street on the east, Sunset extends from 41st Avenue south to the Fraser River in southeastern Vancouver, British Columbia. Like most of southeast Vancouver, the area was once mostly working class, but rising prices everywhere have made the area increasingly popular with young professionals and families no longer able to afford houses on the west side.
Background
Formerly part of the incorporated District of South Vancouver, the neighbourhood became part of Vancouver in 1929. As farmland sloping southward to the river with clusters of homes and villages by the 1860s, when the Fraser River was a full day’s journey to the Granville Townsite on the Burrard Inlet by boat or overland through forest and swamp, Sunset welcomed the advance of Westminster Avenue, now Main Street, south from Mount Pleasant in 1910.
The first immigrants from Punjab arrived in Vancouver in the 1890s. Most of them settled in the area around Main Street and 49th Avenue, and many established restaurants and businesses there. Over the years the Sunset neighbourhood has become for Vancouver’s estimated 160,000 South Asian residents a central assembly point of culture and commerce.
The number of Punjabi speakers increased steadily for decades. It is now the most common language in Sunset. More than one in four, 26 per cent of the Sunset population, in 2006 spoke Punjabi as their first language compared to less than three per cent of the general city population, 21 percent spoke Chinese, and 24 percent English. Businesses, restaurants, and services catering to these communities proliferated along Fraser and Main streets; prominent among them was the Punjabi Market.
Information Links:
http://southhillbia.ca
http://vancouver.ca/green-vancouver/sunset.aspx
http://www.mysunset.net
The Punjabi Market
The Punjabi Market is a commercial district and ethnic enclave in a roughly six-block section around Main Street and 49th Avenue. Vancouver is home to more than 200,000 people of Indian and Pakistani descent, nowhere more vibrant than at the Punjabi Market, a world of glittering bangles, flowing saris, and rich curry aromas. The neighbourhood gives visitors a glimpse of South Asian culture on Canada’s Pacific Coast. Shops sell fine silk saris in a rainbow of bright colors and elaborate gowns with thousands of tiny inlaid gems. Bhangra music from Bollywood films pumps out of storefronts. Fine jewelers offer exquisite gold rings, bracelets, and necklaces. In April, the Punjabi Market celebrates Vaisakhi Day, the Sikh New Year, with a colorful parade through the streets attracting thousands of spectators.
Vancouver’s Punjabi Market has been a city fixture for decades, but the 2013 municipal Assessment Roll Report finds the area in financial trouble: “Values here are down about 15 percent as the regional [Indo-Canadian] retail hub continues to shift towards Surrey.” Even Tourism Vancouver says the Punjabi Market is struggling. Once famous for many jewelry stores, the Punjabi Market now displays lots of empty space for lease. Elsewhere across the city, retail property value assessments rise but decline here as businesses relocate to Surrey.
The Punjabi Market Association says the district needs some help from the city, province, and federal governments if it’s going to survive. The Surrey Board of Trade says its city offers lower rents and taxes than does Vancouver.
New Sunset Live MLS Listings
Sunset, Vancouver, BC
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412 E 59TH Avenue in Vancouver: South Vancouver House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2874298
412 E 59TH Avenue Vancouver V5X 1Y1 
$2,099,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2874298
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 3
- Floor Area:
- 2,088 sq. ft.
Discover an exceptional investment opportunity in the heart of South Vancouver! This well loved 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home offers incredible potential. Close to Langara College, Sunset Park, and the Community Centre. With new R1-1 zoning, envision your dream home or multiplex on this prime lot. The large serene back yard would be perfect for a young family to make their own. Complete with a garage and lots of storage. This property is a developer's dream. Call to view this home today! More detailsListed by RE/MAX Select Realty
- Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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473 E 54TH Avenue in Vancouver: South Vancouver House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2850241
473 E 54TH Avenue Vancouver V5X 1L3
$2,099,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2850241
- Bedrooms:
- 4
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,256 sq. ft.
HUGE DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL! Discover charm in simplicity with this vintage residence featuring 2 bedrooms and a full bath on the main floor, complemented by an additional 2 bedrooms and 1 full bath downstairs. Revel in the character of hardwood and tile flooring, a spacious kitchen, and an inviting enclosed sunroom/deck. Explore the unique appeal of this classic home. More detailsListed by Keller Williams Ocean Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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5831 KNIGHT Street in Vancouver: Knight House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2738197
5831 KNIGHT Street Vancouver V5P 2V4
$2,099,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2738197
- Bedrooms:
- 5
- Bathrooms:
- 2
- Floor Area:
- 2,564 sq. ft.
Land Assembly Along with 5843 Knight St or Any Interested Buyer can offer separately, doesn't have to be in conjunction with the neighbouring property. Possible to rezone to RR-2A, RR-2B and RR-2C to build a 4-5 storey Apartment (1.75-2.4 FSR) for city Streamline Rental Housing Policy. More detailsListed by Sutton Group - 1st West Realty and Royal LePage West Real Estate Services - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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125 E 48TH Avenue in Vancouver: Main House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2876508
125 E 48TH Avenue Vancouver V5W 2C7
$2,098,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2876508
- Bedrooms:
- 2
- Bathrooms:
- 1
- Floor Area:
- 1,206 sq. ft.
A charming entry-level bungalow in prime condition. Though take note of its generous square footage of approximately 1,200 sq ft all on one level. Exceptionally insulated with storm windows and featuring a double garage with two entrances. The garden requires minimal maintenance, offering a serene and private environment in a central location. Positioned wonderfully to the west of the Main Street corridor, with convenient proximity to Oakridge, the Canada Line, and Langara. This meticulously maintained single-story dwelling sits on a 32' x 122' lot, boasting rear lane access. Perfect for a small family or investors alike, and easily accessible for viewing. Potential Zoning R1-1 :- 4 plex zoned & can be build, check with city of Vancouver. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
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886 E 56TH Avenue in Vancouver: South Vancouver House for sale (Vancouver East) : MLS®# R2874258
886 E 56TH Avenue Vancouver V5X 1S2
$2,098,000Residential Detached- Status:
- Active
- MLS® Num:
- R2874258
- Bedrooms:
- 7
- Bathrooms:
- 4
- Floor Area:
- 2,160 sq. ft.
Beautiful location in the heart of Vancouver. Features include kitchens and bathrooms, large deck with Richmond views. All in one for families, in a nice, quiet and friendly neighbourhood. Conveniently located just 5 minutes walk to shopping and public transit. More detailsListed by Sutton Group-West Coast Realty - Aedis Realty
- 604-688-8669
- 604-657-1111
- Contact by Email
