Living in Metrotown: High-Rise Convenience and Urban Lifestyle
Sep 18, 2025
Metrotown is the bustling commercial and residential hub of Burnaby, combining high-rise condo living with convenient access to shopping, dining, and transit. It’s ideal for young professionals, small families, and investors who want proximity to urban amenities without living directly in Vancouver. The neighborhood is lively, convenient, and modern, but it lacks the suburban serenity found in other parts of Burnaby.
Overview & Vibe
Metrotown is Burnaby’s urban core, offering high-rise condo living, shopping, and dining all within walking distance. The neighborhood is ideal for young professionals, small families, and investors who value convenience, transit access, and city life.
Lifestyle: Residents enjoy access to Metropolis at Metrotown, the largest shopping mall in BC, offering retail, dining, entertainment, and services. Restaurants, cafés, and grocery stores are abundant, and delivery services are widely available. The neighborhood is walkable, transit-friendly, and urban-focused, with less emphasis on private outdoor space compared to suburban neighborhoods.
Best For: Urban Professionals ✅, Future Dreamers ✅, Convenience Seekers ✅
Commute & Connectivity
SkyTrain: 15–20 minutes to downtown Vancouver, with fast access to Burnaby, New Westminster, and Surrey.
Driving: 15–25 minutes to downtown Vancouver; traffic may extend commute.
Cycling & Walking: Walkable streets, bike lanes, and close access to parks and amenities.
Practical Tip: Excellent for buyers prioritizing urban lifestyle and minimal car reliance.
Housing & Affordability
Condos: $550K–$950K; high-rise towers dominate.
Townhouses: $850K–$1.3M; low-rise developments near parks.
Detached Homes: Rare; most buyers looking for houses move to surrounding Burnaby neighborhoods.
Trends: High demand for condos due to convenience and proximity to shopping, transit, and amenities.
Market Notes: High demand from first-time buyers, investors, and young professionals. Condos dominate the market, offering convenience and access to shopping and transit.
Schools & Family Infrastructure
Public Schools: Local catchments serve families, though space is limited.
Childcare: Available but competitive; early planning advised.
Recreation: Nearby community centers, small parks, and sports facilities.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Dining & Shops: Abundant cafés, restaurants, retail, and entertainment options in Metropolis at Metrotown and along Kingsway.
Delivery & Services: Full coverage; groceries, food, and e-commerce items are easily accessible.
Cultural Life: Movie theaters, cultural events, and urban entertainment opportunities.
Nature & Recreation
Parks & Trails: Central Park is nearby, offering walking trails, sports fields, and green space.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Limited private outdoor space; residents rely on public parks and recreation facilities.
Family Recreation: Parks and community centers offer organized sports and activities.
Safety & Community
Safety: Generally safe, though higher-density areas may experience more urban-related issues than suburban neighborhoods.
Community Engagement: Active resident groups and community programs, though less tight-knit than suburban areas.
Future Outlook
Development: Continued high-rise development and transit-oriented projects; urban densification remains a priority.
Market Outlook: Strong demand from first-time buyers, young professionals, and investors seeking convenience, transit access, and urban lifestyle.
Who This Community is Best For
Metrotown is ideal for Urban Professionals, Future Dreamers, and Convenience Seekers — buyers who prioritize transit access, shopping, dining, and urban amenities over large private outdoor spaces.
Metrotown offers the convenience of urban living in Burnaby, with high-rise condos, shopping, and transit access all within reach. As a realtor, I help clients find homes that match their lifestyle priorities, whether that’s proximity to work, access to amenities, or modern urban living.
