Updated January 14, 2024

Apartments in Burnaby, BC | Is Burnaby a Good Place to Live?

Are you thinking about settling down in Burnaby, BC? The easily accessible third-largest city in British Columbia is one of the best places to live in this part of the world.

Why You Should Consider Apartments in Burnaby, BC

Burnaby has so much going for it, and if you’re searching for houses or apartments in Burnaby, BC, we’ll give you the lowdown on what to expect.

The Burnaby real estate market is booming these days. But before you consider moving to the area, you need to know everything about Burnaby to help you make an informed decision.

Living in Burnaby is Ideal for All Ages

Let's first talk about Burnaby's demographics. The median age is 42 years old, less than the British Columbia average of 42.3 years old.

The population is around 249,000, which some would argue is the perfect size for the city. Regardless of how old you are, Burnaby has something to offer.

However, before you browse through the apartments in Burnaby, BC listings, here are a few details to keep in mind.

For families with small kids, moving to Burnaby, BC, is a great idea. There are 41 elementary and 8 secondary schools in the area.

There are fun programs at the Shadbolt Centre for Arts and many public libraries with high-quality programs. For teenagers, a plethora of sports activities and teams are available

A college student is likely to thrive in Burnaby, BC, as it hosts two significant educational institutions. The British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Simon Fraser University (SFU) are both situated in Burnaby.

For senior citizens, Burnaby is an excellent place to live as well, as there are many residential options where they can safely get some low-impact exercise.

Burnaby Real Estate Market

If you select Burnaby for your new home, you'll be off to the real estate races. According to most recent data, the housing market in Burnaby right now is rising again.

There is competition among buyers, depending on the property type.

No wonder - Burnaby is an amazing place to live. But what does that look like in numbers? Here are the current prices for apartments in Burnaby, BC:

· 1-bedroom: $605,000

· 2-bedroom: $752,000

· 3-bedroom: $874,000

Compared to where these numbers were a year ago, you're looking at a price increase in the 1 and 2 bedroom.

We saw a decrease in the 3-bedroom listings, which are nearly 19% less in price than the previous year but we saw an increase in the 1 and 2 bedrooms for an average of 2.5%.

Many factors impact this shift in the real estate market of Burnaby, BC. But undoubtedly, people familiarizing themselves with all the fantastic things Burnaby has to offer is the most significant factor of all.

Aside from the cost of apartments in Burnaby, BC, we should note that the prices of detached homes and townhouses have also increased.

For example, the average price for a 3-bedroom detached house in Burnaby is $2.2 million, and for a 4-bedroom townhouse, it's $1.4 million.

Top 5 Neighbourhoods in Burnaby

To get a better sense of Burnaby and what the area is like, we want to introduce you to the top five neighborhoods where you might want to search for homes.

1. Metrotown is the city center which hosts 17 movie theatres and numerous shops and restaurants.

2. Simon Fraser is the largest geographical area and home to Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area.

3. Willingdon Heights provides excellent routes in any direction and has newer condos.

4. Vancouver Heights is a quiet residential area with the best views of Vancouver.

5. Government Road has 10 km of jogging trails, excellent schools, and many shopping destinations.

Transportation in Burnaby

It’s impossible to talk about Burnaby, BC, and not mention the SkyTrain, a light rapid transit system located in the city. It moves from east to west and promotes a closer connection to Vancouver and Surrey.

If you work in Vancouver and want to live in Burnaby, the commute will take no longer than 30 minutes. Taking the SkyTrain makes traveling from one place to another so much more convenient.

If you gravitate towards looking for apartments in Burnaby, BC, moving to this city becomes even more appealing as it’s within walking distance of SkyTrain stations.

What is the Weather Like in Burnaby, British Columbia?

Before moving to a new place, you have to be sure you'll appreciate the local climate. Fortunately, one of Burnaby's main advantages is its oceanic or maritime climate.

You will be able to enjoy mild and mostly dry summers and rainy winters.

However, it's important to point out that official climate records for Burnaby city register a colder climate than the city.

That's because the city's official weather station is located on Burnaby Mountain and above sea level. You don't have to worry about extreme weather conditions, which is reflected in the average cost of utilities.

Is Burnaby a Safe Place to Live?

It’s only natural to wonder about the safety of a place where you’re considering buying real estate. However, British Columbia, in general, is one of the safest provinces in Canada.

Burnaby, specifically, is considered very safe.

Compared to the national average, there is 31% less violent crime in Burnaby, 8% less total crime, and 1% less property crime. These stats speak volumes in this respect.

Things to Do in Burnaby

Burnaby welcomes people of all ages, has a great climate, and its residents feel safe. All amazing facts, but are there any fun things to do?

When searching for houses and apartments in Burnaby, check how far the properties are from the fantastic parks in the city.

Did you know that it’s not only New York City that has a Central Park? This is because the second mayor of Burnaby was born in NYC, and the beautiful city park was a tribute to him.

You can find many children’s playgrounds, tennis courts and golf courses, outdoor swimming pools in this temperate rainforest ecosystem.

Other popular parks in Burnaby are Kensington Park, Taylor Park, Robert Burnaby Park, and Burnaby Mountain Conversation Area.

You can check out Metropolis at Metrotown, British Columbia's biggest shopping mall, for a different kind of fun. It's the third-largest mall in all of Canada as it hosts nearly 30 million customers every year.

There are also many museums such as Burnaby Village Museum, where you can ride the historic carousel, and Nikkei Place, a national museum of Japanese culture.

Moving to Burnaby is Worth the Investment

To answer the question "Is Burnaby a good place to live?", the answer is yes. 

Still, should you choose to purchase an apartment or a house in this beautiful city, you’re unlikely to regret it. 

You'll become the owner of a high-value property in a safe city with an oceanic climate and low crime rates.

Also, the proximity and accessibility of Vancouver are a bonus for those who have to commute.