Once a quiet stop on the British Columbia Electric Railway, Kerrisdale has transformed from its humble origins as a way station between Vancouver and Lulu Island into one of the city’s most desirable and affluent neighbourhoods. Initially part of the municipality of Point Grey, Kerrisdale became part of Vancouver following the 1929 amalgamation.

Location

Kerrisdale is bordered to the north by 33rd Avenue, to the south by West 57th Avenue, with the Railway right-of-way on the eastern edge and Blenheim Street to the west. The City of Vancouver’s official boundaries are slightly smaller. Kerrisdale is widely considered to be a picturesque and sought-after area, renowned for its lush streetscapes and residential charm.

Housing Market & Architecture

Kerrisdale is predominantly made up of single-family detached homes, with an eclectic mix of older bungalows in styles such as Tudor, Beaux Arts, and Spanish Colonial, as well as newly renovated properties. For those seeking apartments, there are both low-rise and high-rise options available, providing a variety of choices for renters and first-time buyers. While the neighbourhood offers homes at a range of prices, properties in Kerrisdale tend to lean toward the higher end of the market, with many homes exuding an air of elegance and sophistication.

Recreation & Parks

Kerrisdale offers a wealth of recreational amenities for residents. The Kerrisdale Community Centre, located just south of West 41st on West Boulevard, provides a range of programs for both children and adults, including public swimming, fitness classes, and personal training. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy two private golf courses: Marine Drive Golf Club and McCleery Golf Course. In addition, Kerrisdale is home to eight public parks, such as the popular Fraser River Park, which features an off-leash dog area, and the expansive Kerrisdale Park, with its sports fields, two hockey rinks, soccer pitches, baseball diamonds, and a running track. Throughout the year, the Kerrisdale Business Association (KBA) organizes a variety of community events, including Carnival Days in late April, Kerrisdale Days in early September, and the festive Christmas in Kerrisdale celebration held every weekend throughout December.

Shopping & Dining

Kerrisdale is known for its charming, walkable village atmosphere, where boutique shopping and casual dining thrive. The neighbourhood boasts a unique blend of essential services and quirky finds, including baby boutiques, artisanal bakeries, gourmet cafes, teahouses, electronics stores, seafood markets, and everything in between. The Kerrisdale Business Association actively supports local businesses, helping to maintain a vibrant, community-oriented shopping district that attracts both residents and visitors alike.

Schools

Kerrisdale is home to several well-regarded public and private schools. For younger children, there are local options like Kerrisdale Elementary and Kerrisdale Annex, as well as several elementary schools just outside the neighbourhood. High school students have access to excellent schools, including Magee Secondary, Prince of Wales Secondary, and the highly regarded Point Grey Secondary. The area is also close to prestigious private institutions, such as Crofton House, an all-girls academy, and York House School, known for its academic excellence.

Transportation

Kerrisdale’s central location makes it easily accessible by various transportation routes. Granville Street connects to downtown Vancouver, while SW Marine Drive leads to UBC and beyond. Dunbar Street provides a direct route north to Kitsilano and the beach. Public transit options, including buses and the SkyTrain, serve the area well, and the neighbourhood is also bike-friendly, offering convenient connections to the rest of Vancouver.

With its combination of scenic beauty, rich history, top-tier amenities, and a range of housing options, Kerrisdale remains one of Vancouver’s most coveted communities for real estate buyers.

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Green upgrades offer significant benefits for the environment, whether you’re building a new home or renovating an existing one. In many cities, features once considered "green" are now the standard. However, there is still limited data on how much upgrading a home to a more eco-friendly model impacts its market value. If you're making these changes for your own enjoyment, the return on investment might not be as crucial. But if you plan to sell, it could have an effect. The answer isn’t always clear.

1) Consider Renovating Instead Of Demolishing

In Vancouver, it’s become increasingly common for high-end homes to be demolished and rebuilt. When you're investing millions, adding a bit more for a custom home may seem trivial. But this approach could be considered wasteful, depleting natural resources.

2) Choose Local Materials

Some parts of the world lack regulations on industry practices, making it even more crucial to select locally sourced materials when possible. The environmental cost of transporting materials from faraway places is significant, so choosing local resources reduces pollution and supports sustainability.

3) Harness Rainwater

Vancouver is blessed with one of the world’s largest natural water supplies, but many residents still don’t take advantage of this. Surprisingly, many homes in the area lack water meters, and water conservation is often overlooked. Homeowners could easily collect rainwater using barrels for irrigation, which would help conserve this valuable resource without much effort.

4) Repurpose Materials and Opt for Renewables

Salvaging materials from a demolition can reduce waste, though such opportunities are limited in the Lower Mainland. Instead, consider using renewable materials like bamboo or cork for flooring—both are eco-friendly choices that also look great.

5) Install an Energy-Efficient Water Heater

Adding an energy-efficient water heater is a smart move that can increase your home’s value. Modern units heat water on demand, minimizing energy waste. Additionally, insulating the first few feet of both hot and cold water pipes boosts the system’s efficiency even further.

6) Create a Green Roof Garden

Roof gardens are a popular feature in many of Vancouver’s progressive condo buildings, and for good reason. These gardens enhance energy efficiency, improve air quality, and provide a relaxing space. They can also reduce your dependence on grocery stores by growing vegetables and herbs. If your house has a flat roof, you can make this work as well.

7) Revitalize Old Furniture

Instead of sending old furniture to the landfill, consider reupholstering it for a fresh look. Many modern pieces are poorly made, but older furniture often has a solid structure. Giving it a facelift is both cost-effective and environmentally responsible.

8) Ditch the Air Conditioner

Vancouver’s mild climate means air conditioning is rarely necessary. While summers can be humid, it's usually not enough to justify the environmental impact of A/C units, which are energy-intensive and have a high environmental cost. Since A/C is only used a few months each year, it’s an unnecessary drain on resources.

9) Maximize Natural Light

When renovating, explore the possibility of adding skylights or other openings to let in natural light. A well-placed skylight brightens your home. Installing more windows helps reduce your reliance on lighting, making your home feel warmer and more inviting.

Incorporating green upgrades into your home should focus on simplicity and sustainability. These changes are likely to become even more valuable over time. If you’re staying in the home, the long-term savings on energy bills will pay off, and you may even recover most, if not all, of your investment. If the upgrades boost resale value, that’s an added bonus.