If you're looking for a neighborhood in Vancouver that combines a rich history, top-notch amenities, and a diverse range of real estate options, look no further than Kerrisdale. Located on the west side of Vancouver, Kerrisdale is a sought-after destination for homebuyers looking for a serene community that is still well-connected to the city's downtown core. In this post, we'll dive into the history, amenities, and real estate trends of this neighbourhood.
Geography and Borders
Kerrisdale is a neighborhood located in the west side of Vancouver, bordered by Blenheim Street to the west, Cypress Street to the east, West 57th Avenue to the south, and West 37th Avenue to the north. The neighbourhood is known for its tree-lined streets, beautiful homes, and vibrant community.
History:
Kerrisdale has a rich history that dates back to the late 1800s. In 1903, a man named Frank Bowser bought 10 acres of land at 44th and Macdonald for $50 an acre. Shortly after that Kerrisdale gained its name in 1905, and in 1912, streetcar tracks were laid along the gravelled Wilson Road (now 41st Avenue) from West Boulevard to Dunbar Street. In 1920, tracks were extended eastward to Granville, allowing for through service to downtown Vancouver.
From 1904 to 1912, the business district of Kerrisdale was composed of one general store and post office, one meat market, real estate office, and hardware store. In 1912, the Bowser Block at 41st and West Boulevard was built, which still stands today and houses the Bank of Montreal.
The area was part of the Municipality of Point Grey, which amalgamated on January 1, 1929, with south Vancouver and Vancouver to make the City of Vancouver.
Amenities:
Kerrisdale features a shopping district that runs along West 41st Avenue between Larch and Maple Streets and West Boulevard between 37th and 49th Avenues. This district now offers an impressive array of retail stores, restaurants, and cafes, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
One of the most notable amenities in Kerrisdale is the Arbutus Greenway, a pedestrian and bike path that runs north to south through the neighborhood. The greenway was purchased by the City of Vancouver from Canadian Pacific Railway and has become a popular spot for walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Kerrisdale also has a community center that features a Vancouver Public Library and a public swimming pool. The Kerrisdale Cyclone Taylor Arena, which was built in 1949 as a hockey arena, was also used as a wrestling venue in the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games.
In terms of schools, Kerrisdale is home to several highly-rated public and private schools, including Kerrisdale Elementary, Quilchena Elementary, Kerrisdale Annex, Maple Grove Elementary, Magee Secondary (est.1912), Point Grey Secondary (est.1929), and Crofton House Private School (est.1898).
Kerrisdale is also home to several beautiful parks, including Malkin park, Elm park and Kerrisdale Centennial park. These parks offer a carry of recreational activities, indulging sports fields, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Real Estate:
Kerrisdale is known for its diverse range of real estate options, with homes reflecting Tudor, Spanish Colonial, and contemporary styles. Architecturally, the neighbourhood boasts many styles, and as of June 1992, there were 50 structures in the Kerrisdale area listed in the Vancouver Heritage inventory.
In terms of current real estate trends, active lot sizes range from 4,300 to 22,695 square feet, with an active list price range of $2,050,000 to $28,888,000. Over the past 24 months, sale prices for homes in Kerrisdale have ranged from $1,875,000 to $17,000,000, with sold lot sizes ranging from 3,400 to 23,000 square feet.
As of 2016, 13,975 people live in Kerrisdale, with 49% of the population speaking English and 35% speaking Chinese.
Conclusion: