Homes For Sale in University Hill

Why live in University Hill?

University Hill offers residents a prime location in northwest Vancouver. Situated next to the University of British Columbia, locals are surrounded by nature, including the University Endowment Lands, Pacific Spirit Regional Park, and the Georgia Strait. However, they also have access to every urban amenity you could possibly want, thanks to the nearby neighbourhood of West Point Grey. As one of the most coveted neighbourhoods in the city, you can’t go wrong by choosing to move to University Hill.

Quality and diversity of education in University Hill

University Hill is known for the quality of its educational opportunities. First, it is home to University Hill Secondary School, a world-renowned public high school in Vancouver that is part of the Vancouver School District, or BC School District No. 39. University Hill Secondary School was once ranked the top public secondary school in the entire province. Beyond this secondary school, residents have access to dozens of other schools in the nearby communities of Wesbrook Place, Point Grey, and Dunbar, all of which are also operated by School District No. 39. More than elementary and high school, those who live in University Hill are a stone’s throw away (literally) from the top university in British Columbia and the second best university in Canada, the University of British Columbia (UBC). UBC also ranked as the 13th best university worldwide. It offers programs in a wide range of faculties, including education, law, music, social work, nursing, medicine, business, architecture, arts, and more, and educates over 70,000 students annually. Other post-secondary options in Vancouver include Simon Fraser University, Capilano University, Vancouver Film School, the Art Institute of Vancouver, and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design.

Most populous cities in University Hill

University Hill is a relatively small neighbourhood in and of itself, and therefore, the neighbourhoods are not so distinct. Rather, the area can generally be divided up into four areas, known as Area A, Area B, Area C, and Area D.

Quality of infrastructure for University Hill

Given the influx of students into the neighbourhood each year, you can rest assured that University Hill has an extensive public transportation network, with buses running to and from it at all hours of the day. Please note that there is currently no SkyTrain access in University Hill. However, the frequent buses can quickly take students and residents alike into downtown Vancouver and throughout the Metro Vancouver Area, including to Vancouver International Airport in Richmond. The airport is roughly 25 minutes by car from University Hill and can be easily accessed via SW Marine Drive. If you are in need of healthcare services, the UBC campus has the UBC clinic and the UBC Hospital. However, you can also visit any of Vancouver’s other hospitals, like Mount Saint Joseph Hospital, St. Paul’s Hospital, and Vancouver General Hospital.

Safety and security for University Hill

The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) is the law enforcement agency responsible for ensuring the safety and security of University Hill. That said, University Hill’s crime rate is below average. Emergency services anywhere in Vancouver can be accessed by calling 9-1-1.

University Hill property market

University Hill has a booming property market, and this demand is largely being driven by students and young families wishing to call the area home. As such, buying a property here will not come cheap, but you can bet that the resale value will be high. The main types of properties you will find in University Hill are condos, apartments, and single-family homes, including both detached and semi-detached homes.

Standard of living in University Hill

University Hill has a reputation for offering a high standard of living, largely due to the top-quality educational opportunities, scenic surroundings, and community-oriented feel characterized by the large student population that resides here. Plus, University Hill and its surrounding neighbourhoods are known for all sorts of family-friendly amenities, including parks, recreational programs, shops, and dining. As you learn more about what University Hill is like, it makes sense that the City of Vancouver, which includes University Hill, is lauded for its liveability. In fact, The Global Liveability Index’s 2023 Liveability Report recently listed Vancouver as the fifth most liveable city in the world.

Something wonderful about University Hill

University Hill has its own unique micro-climate. Due to the fact that it is located on the cliffs overlooking the Strait of Georgia, the area often experiences above-average winds. These winds are typically coming from the Georgia Strait or nearby English Bay and Howe Sound. In addition, snow is more common here than in other Vancouver neighbourhoods due to the higher altitude. Since it is largely residential, it also lacks the heat that Vancouver’s downtown core and other more densely-populated neighbourhoods experience. That said, humidity levels in University Hill are higher due to the fact that all but one side is surrounded by water. Due to this, fog is also more common than in other Vancouver municipalities.

Transportation

Shopping, Food and Nightlife

Greenery & Character