Best Neighbourhoods in Vancouver for Families (2026 Edition)

Finding Your Family's Perfect Vancouver Neighbourhood

Choosing where to raise your family in Vancouver is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Beyond just the home itself, the neighbourhood shapes your daily life — school quality, park access, community feel, safety, and convenience all matter.

Here are my top picks for family-friendly neighbourhoods in Vancouver for 2026, based on data, local knowledge, and the families I've helped settle in.

1. Oakridge

Best for: Families wanting top schools, transit access, and a neighbourhood in transformation

Oakridge is my top pick for families in 2026, and not just because it's my specialty area. The combination of excellent schools, direct SkyTrain access, and the massive Oakridge Park redevelopment makes this neighbourhood unbeatable.

Schools: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary and Jamieson Elementary are both highly regarded. For secondary, Sir Winston Churchill is one of Vancouver's top public high schools.

Parks: Queen Elizabeth Park (one of Vancouver's most beautiful), plus the upcoming 9-acre Oakridge Park rooftop green space.

Family perks: New community centre coming (with pool, ice rink, childcare), direct Canada Line access, diverse dining options, and strong multicultural community.

Price range: GVR benchmarks (Jan 2026) — Condos $998K; Townhomes $1.64M; Detached $3.36M

2. Riley Park / Little Mountain

Best for: Families who value community feel and outdoor lifestyle

Riley Park offers a charming, established neighbourhood feel with excellent parks and a strong sense of community. It's slightly more affordable than neighbouring areas while still being centrally located.

Schools: Sir William Van Horne Elementary is well-regarded. Emily Carr Elementary is another solid option.

Parks: Riley Park itself is excellent, with sports fields, a community centre, and Nat Bailey Stadium nearby. Hillcrest Park and the aquatic centre are also close.

Family perks: Main Street shopping and dining nearby, community gardens, Hillcrest Community Centre with pool, and easy access to Queen Elizabeth Park.

Price range: GVR benchmarks (Jan 2026) — Condos $639K; Townhomes $1.04M; Detached $1.70M (Vancouver East)

3. Kerrisdale

Best for: Families seeking a quieter, established upscale neighbourhood

Kerrisdale has long been one of Vancouver's premier family neighbourhoods. The tree-lined streets, village-like shopping district, and excellent schools create an enviable lifestyle.

Schools: Kerrisdale Elementary is one of the most sought-after in Vancouver. Point Grey Secondary is also highly regarded.

Parks: Kerrisdale Centennial Park, Elm Park, and close proximity to the Arbutus Greenway cycling and walking trail.

Family perks: Charming village shopping on 41st Avenue, community centre, ice rink, swimming pool, and a strong neighbourhood association.

Price range: GVR benchmarks (Jan 2026) — Condos $974K; Townhomes $1.66M; Detached $2.98M

4. South Cambie

Best for: Families wanting walkability, transit, and convenience

South Cambie runs along the Cambie Corridor — one of Vancouver's most transit-accessible areas. With the Canada Line running through it and the Cambie Village shops, it's incredibly convenient for busy families.

Schools: Sir William Osler Elementary is the local school. Nearby options include Laurier and Jamieson.

Parks: Douglas Park is the neighbourhood gem, with a community centre, sports fields, and playground. Heather Park and Nat Bailey Stadium area are also close.

Family perks: Cambie Village shopping, direct Canada Line access at King Edward and Oakridge stations, growing restaurant scene, and proximity to major centres.

Price range: GVR benchmarks (Jan 2026) — Condos $1.02M; Townhomes $1.56M; Detached $4.16M

5. Marpole

Best for: Budget-conscious families who don't want to sacrifice location

Marpole offers some of the best value in Vancouver's westside. With improving amenities, excellent transit, and proximity to the Fraser River, it's increasingly popular with young families.

Schools: David Lloyd George Elementary and Sir Wilfrid Laurier Elementary are both solid. Sir Winston Churchill Secondary serves the area.

Parks: Marpole Park, Ash Park, and the Fraser River waterfront. Oak Park has excellent playground facilities.

Family perks: Most affordable westside neighbourhood, YVR access, growing dining scene on Granville Street, community centre, and strong multicultural character.

Price range: GVR benchmarks (Jan 2026) — Condos $684K; Townhomes $1.58M; Detached $2.13M

How to Choose the Right Neighbourhood

When helping families find their neighbourhood, I always suggest considering:

1. School catchments — Check the VSB website for current catchment boundaries 2. Commute times — Map your daily routes during rush hour 3. Park proximity — Families with young kids benefit from a playground within walking distance 4. Community amenities — Pools, libraries, community centres, and rec programs 5. Growth trajectory — Is the neighbourhood improving? New developments, transit expansions, and infrastructure investment signal future value 6. Budget reality — Balance wants with what's financially comfortable long-term

Let's Find Your Family's Neighbourhood

Every family is different, and the "best" neighbourhood depends entirely on your priorities, budget, and lifestyle. I'd love to help you explore the options and find the perfect fit.

Contact me for a personalised neighbourhood tour — I'll show you the parks, schools, shops, and hidden gems that make each area special.