Thinking about moving to Burnaby? You are making a smart choice. Burnaby is the third largest city in British Columbia and one of the most sought-after places to live in Metro Vancouver. With expansive parks, strong public transit connections, diverse dining options, and welcoming communities, Burnaby offers something for nearly every lifestyle.
With dozens of distinct neighborhoods across the city, choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. Should you choose a vibrant urban hub like Metrotown or Brentwood? Or would a quieter, family-oriented area like Deer Lake or Burnaby Heights suit you better?
This guide walks you through the best neighborhoods in Burnaby, covering housing prices, transit access, schools, parks, and everyday amenities. As a local moving company in Burnaby, President Movers has helped residents relocate across all of these communities, and we created this guide to help you choose the right area with confidence. Whether you are a young professional, a growing family, a student, or a retiree, you can find a Burnaby neighborhood that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Understanding Burnaby’s Layout
Before we dive into specific neighborhoods, it helps to understand how Burnaby is organized. The city is divided into four main quadrants, with the Trans-Canada Highway separating the north and south areas.
Each quadrant has one major Town Centre that serves as its commercial and transit hub:
- Northwest: Brentwood Town Centre
- Northeast: Lougheed Town Centre
- Southwest: Metrotown (Regional Town Centre)
- Southeast: Edmonds Town Centre
Burnaby is well connected by two SkyTrain lines. The Expo Line runs through the southern part of the city, stopping at Metrotown and Edmonds. The Millennium Line serves the northern areas, including Brentwood and Lougheed. This excellent transit network means you can reach downtown Vancouver in 20 to 30 minutes from most parts of Burnaby.
Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
If you’re a young professional who wants city convenience, nightlife, easy commutes, and lots to do around Burnaby, these neighborhoods offer a comfortable work-life balance.
1. Metrotown
Metrotown feels like Burnaby’s downtown. It’s busy, vertical, and always moving, which is exactly why many young professionals choose it.
People like how connected it feels. One Burnaby resident on Reddit said they love “how easy it is to get to all the good stuff in the Lower Mainland from Burnaby.” That sums up Metrotown pretty well. You can walk to groceries, cafés, gyms, and restaurants, with Metropolis at Metrotown sitting right in the middle of it all.
Transit makes life simple here. The SkyTrain takes you downtown Vancouver in about 20 to 25 minutes, and another local put it plainly: “The SkyTrain is right there… very central to lots of places.” Many residents end up skipping a car altogether.
What surprises newcomers is Central Park. Just steps from the towers, you’ll find trails, tennis courts, and wide green spaces that give you a break from the concrete.
Most housing comes in condo form. Older one-bedroom units usually start around $550,000, while newer two-bedroom homes can exceed $900,000. One-bedroom rentals often land between $2,200 and $2,500 per month, depending on the building.
Metrotown does stay busy. Mall crowds build up on weekends, traffic picks up during rush hour, and construction continues as new towers rise. Still, if you want walkability, nightlife, fast transit, and plenty happening around you, Metrotown remains one of Burnaby’s top choices for young professionals.
2. Brentwood
Brentwood feels like a neighborhood in motion. New towers keep rising, restaurants keep opening, and the area grows busier every year. What once felt quiet now feels like a compact urban hub.
People move here because daily life feels easy. You can grab coffee downstairs, meet friends for dinner nearby, and walk straight to the SkyTrain without thinking twice. One local summed it up well, saying the area feels “very walkable and always felt very safe,” which explains why so many young professionals choose it.
The Amazing Brentwood sits at the center of everything, with shops, restaurants, and a movie theatre all within a few blocks. Some residents mention crowded buses during rush hour, but the SkyTrain nearby keeps commuting to downtown Vancouver simple.
Most people live in newer high-rise condos, with prices typically ranging from $550,000 to $950,000 and one-bedroom rentals averaging $2,300 to $2,600. Construction comes with the territory, and congestion pops up at busy times, but for anyone who values walkability, transit access, and a modern lifestyle, Brentwood continues to stand out.
3. Lougheed Town Centre
Lougheed Town Centre gives you many of the same urban perks as Metrotown and Brentwood, but usually at a lower price point.
People move here because it feels practical. The City of Lougheed covers most daily needs with Walmart, London Drugs, and dozens of other shops all in one place. Locals often mention that the area feels busy enough to stay lively but not overwhelming, which makes everyday errands feel easier.
Transit really stands out here. The SkyTrain connects to both the Millennium and Expo lines, so you can head toward Vancouver, Coquitlam, or Surrey without switching trains. That flexibility matters if you commute or bounce around Metro Vancouver often.
Housing ranges from older low-rise apartments to newer high-rise condos and townhouses. One-bedroom condos usually start around $450,000, while rentals average about $2,000 to $2,300 per month, making Lougheed one of the more affordable urban pockets in Burnaby.
Burnaby Lake Regional Park sits nearby, giving residents quick access to trails, wildlife, and quiet outdoor space when they want a break from concrete. Some locals also point out that Lougheed feels more spread out than Brentwood, and ongoing construction reminds you the neighborhood is still evolving.
If you want strong transit access, lower prices, and a growing community that feels grounded rather than flashy, Lougheed Town Centre offers a solid alternative.
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Burnaby is an excellent place to raise a family. The city offers top-rated schools, safe streets, beautiful parks, and strong community programs. Here are the best neighborhoods for families looking for space, safety, and convenience.
1. Deer Lake
Deer Lake feels calm the moment you arrive. Families who move here usually do it for one reason: space to breathe.
You wake up to quiet streets, walk your kids to school, and end the day with a loop around Deer Lake Park. Locals often talk about how beautiful the park feels and how easy it is to escape into nature without leaving the city. Many residents spend weekends walking the trails, packing picnics, or watching kayakers drift across the lake. It never feels far away. It feels like part of daily life.
Parents appreciate how safe the area feels compared to busier parts of Burnaby. Streets stay peaceful, neighbors know each other, and kids still ride bikes outside. Cultural spots like Burnaby Village Museum and the Shadbolt Centre sit right inside the park, so family outings stay simple and close to home.
Most homes here are detached houses on large lots, and prices usually range from about $1.8 million to over $3.5 million. You can find some townhouses and low-rise condos nearby, but Deer Lake mainly attracts buyers who want space and privacy.
The tradeoff comes with transit. You’ll likely rely on a car, since the nearest SkyTrain stations sit a short drive away at Metrotown or Royal Oak.
Still, families who choose Deer Lake rarely regret it. They come for the park, the quiet streets, and the sense of community, and they stay because it feels like one of the few places in Burnaby where life slows down just enough.
2. Burnaby Heights (The Heights)
Burnaby Heights feels like a real neighborhood, not just another development zone. Families like it because it offers walkability, community events, and quieter streets all in one place.
Hastings Street runs through the heart of the area, lined with bakeries, cafés, small shops, and local restaurants. Parents often talk about how much they enjoy the village feel here, especially compared to mall-centered neighborhoods. Seasonal events like Hats Off Day and Halloween on the Heights bring neighbors together and give kids something to look forward to.
Confederation Park adds playgrounds, an outdoor pool, and open green space for everyday family time. Several elementary schools serve the area, and housing ranges from older character homes to newer builds, with detached homes typically priced between $1.5 million and $2.5 million. Some condos and townhouses offer more affordable options. Many homes also enjoy west-facing views toward the North Shore Mountains and downtown Vancouver.
If you want a family-friendly neighborhood with strong community vibes and walkable amenities, The Heights stands out.
3. South Slope
South Slope feels like a classic family neighborhood. It sits just south of Metrotown, giving you easy access to urban amenities while still feeling calm and grounded.
Many parents here talk about how comfortable it feels for kids, with tree-lined streets and lots of space between homes. You get big lawns, children playing outside, and a real sense of a close-knit community. People coming from busier parts of Burnaby often mention how much more relaxed life feels here.
Nature plays a big role too. Byrne Creek Ravine Park sits nearby, and locals love taking their kids for walks along its trails or pushing strollers through paths that feel quieter than the city’s busy spots. Some families also use Central Park or other nearby green spaces for evening strolls and bike rides.
Schools add to the appeal. South Slope includes Burnaby South Secondary and Nelson Elementary, both known for strong programs and community support.
Homes mostly stay single-family, with a mix of older character homes and newer builds. Prices generally fall between $1.6 million and $2.8 million, and if you want to rent, apartments often average around $2,000 to $2,300 per month.
Because South Slope sits close to major parks and offers a quieter rhythm, many families find it a comfortable place to put down roots and watch their kids grow.
4. Capitol Hill
Capitol Hill sits up high in North Burnaby, and you feel it right away. You get quiet streets, fresh air, and some of the best views in the city. On clear days, you can see the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, and even downtown Vancouver.
Families like Capitol Hill because it feels settled and comfortable. You see kids walking to school, neighbors chatting outside, and people heading out for evening walks. Locals often describe it as a pleasant place to raise a family, with everything close enough that you don’t always need a car, even though the hills will definitely give your legs a workout.
Parks and trails sit nearby, so getting outside feels easy. Many residents spend weekends hiking in North Burnaby or just enjoying the quieter streets compared to busier parts of the city. The community feels diverse and welcoming, with long-standing Italian, Portuguese, and Croatian families mixed in with students thanks to Simon Fraser University nearby.
Housing includes single-family homes, duplexes, and a few condos. Detached homes usually start around $1.4 million and can climb past $4 million, especially closer to the top of the hill where the views get better.
If you want space, scenery, and a neighborhood that feels lived-in rather than overdeveloped, Capitol Hill offers a solid family lifestyle.
5. Government Road
Government Road feels calm and close to nature, yet still connected to the rest of Burnaby. People who live here often choose it for peace and space, with homes overlooking Burnaby Lake and Burnaby Mountain.
The vibe here is quiet. Locals talk about never feeling unsafe and enjoying the slower pace compared with busier parts of the city. You can take a walk or bike ride around Burnaby Lake with access to wide trails and water views just steps from home, which makes everyday life feel more relaxed and outdoorsy.
Boutiques, coffee spots, and restaurants sit nearby, and Lougheed Town Centre stays just minutes away when you need more shops or services. Burnaby Lake Regional Park becomes a backyard for family hikes, birdwatching, or weekend picnics.
Schools like Seaforth Elementary and Burnaby Mountain Secondary serve the area well. Housing mostly comes in large single-family homes on generous lots, and it’s one of the more exclusive parts of Burnaby, with prices typically starting around $2 million and climbing past $5 million.
Some people also mention that the neighborhood includes a mix of older character and newer styles the farther you go east, especially near Lougheed, which keeps the area feeling diverse and lived-in.
For families who want quiet, scenic streets with nature right outside the door, Government Road remains a top choice.
Best Neighborhoods for Students
Burnaby is home to two major post-secondary institutions: Simon Fraser University (SFU) on Burnaby Mountain and the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) in Central Burnaby. Here are the best neighborhoods for students.
1. UniverCity (SFU Burnaby Mountain)
Living at UniverCity feels like staying inside your own campus bubble. You wake up, grab coffee downstairs, and walk straight to class. No rushing for buses. No fighting traffic. You just step outside and go.
Students choose it for that simplicity. Everything sits close by, and the area feels quiet and safe compared to busier parts of Burnaby. Many people who live here describe it as calm and self-contained, which makes focusing on school easier.
Nature shapes daily life. Burnaby Mountain surrounds you, so quick hikes and trail walks become part of your routine. The views and fresh air make studying feel less boxed in. In winter, though, the elevation means you notice the snow a bit more than in lower areas.
Housing includes condos and townhouses, with some below-market rentals for SFU students and staff. One-bedroom condos start around $450,000, while rentals usually range from $1,800 to $2,400 per month. Living on the mountain can cost more, but many students accept it for the zero commute.
Buses run regularly to Lougheed and Production Way SkyTrain stations, so you can still reach the rest of Metro Vancouver without much trouble.
If you want convenience, community, and nature all in one place, UniverCity makes student life feel simple and focused.
2. The Lougheed Area (Bordering Burquitlam)
Students who live here usually do it for one reason: value.
You hop on the 145 bus or SkyTrain and reach SFU in about 15 to 20 minutes. Most students say the commute feels reasonable, especially compared to paying higher rent on Burnaby Mountain.
The Lougheed Town Centre area surprises people. You get groceries, food spots, and everyday services all in one place, so you don’t need to travel far.
Rent stays more affordable here. One-bedroom apartments typically run $1,900 to $2,200 per month, and many students share homes to cut costs even further.
If you want lower rent, solid transit, and a practical place to live off campus, Lougheed and Burquitlam work well.
3. Central Burnaby (Near BCIT)
Students who attend BCIT usually pick Central Burnaby for convenience and lower rent.
You can walk or bike to campus, which saves time and transit costs. Many students choose basement suites or shared homes nearby because they cost less than apartments closer to Metrotown or Burnaby Mountain.
Rent typically falls between $1,400 and $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom or shared space. Local shops, cafés, and bus routes sit close by, and Metrotown stays just a short ride away when you want more options.
If you study at BCIT and want an easy commute with affordable housing, Central Burnaby makes sense.
Best Neighborhoods for Value Seekers
Looking for more affordable options in Burnaby? These neighborhoods offer good value while still providing access to transit, services, and amenities.
1. Edmonds
Edmonds is a diverse, multicultural neighborhood in southeast Burnaby and one of the city’s four Town Centres. It attracts value seekers who want transit access without Metrotown or Brentwood prices.
People who live here often talk about how welcoming the area feels, with many cultures sharing the same streets. Housing stays more affordable than other SkyTrain-connected neighborhoods, and the Edmonds station makes it easy to reach downtown Vancouver and the rest of the region. Highgate Village continues to bring new shops and energy to the area, while nearby green spaces give residents quieter places to walk.
Housing includes older walk-up apartments, newer towers, townhouses, and single-family homes. One-bedroom condos usually start around $400,000, with rentals averaging $1,900 to $2,200 per month. Edmonds Community Centre adds everyday convenience with pools, fitness classes, gymnasiums, preschool programs, and a youth lounge.
2. Highgate
Highgate is a quiet residential area located between Edmonds and Deer Lake, offering a suburban feel with excellent access to everyday services. It is much more affordable than neighboring Deer Lake but provides many of the same benefits, including close proximity to the park and its cultural attractions.
Residents often mention that the neighborhood stays incredibly calm, with most evening activity centered around the shops and dining options at Highgate Village. Getting around is also simple with easy access to New Westminster and the SkyTrain at Edmonds. The housing market here features a comfortable mix of single-family bungalows, townhouses, and mid-rise condos.
It is a fantastic choice for couples and young professionals looking to purchase their first home without compromising on a community feel.
3. Willingdon Heights
Willingdon Heights is an established neighborhood in North Burnaby that offers peace and quiet at a much lower price point than nearby Brentwood. Locals often call it underrated, and many say it is one of their favorite places they have lived in Burnaby.
The area is known for its calm streets and a highly family-oriented atmosphere, while family-run businesses give the neighborhood a warm, homey feel. You still get quick access to Brentwood Mall and the SkyTrain, just without paying those premium prices. Everyday recreation is also right around the corner at the Eileen Dailly Pool and Fitness Centre.
Housing consists primarily of single-family homes, with some apartment buildings located along Hastings Street. For those looking to buy, homes typically range from $1.3 million to $2.2 million.
Best Upscale Neighborhoods
For those seeking luxury homes, large properties, and exclusive settings, Burnaby has several upscale neighborhoods.
1. Buckingham Heights
Buckingham Heights sits among Burnaby’s most prestigious neighborhoods, known for large, upscale homes and beautiful views.
Locals often place it at the very top of Burnaby’s prestige rankings, and many residents admit they didn’t even know it existed until they explored Deer Lake or nearby bike routes.
Luxury buyers love the scenery here. Homes look out over the North Shore Mountains and downtown, and properties generally sit on large lots with high-end finishes. You stay close to Deer Lake Park when you want green space, and Metrotown isn’t far when you want shopping or dinner.
Housing here mostly consists of large single-family homes. Prices usually start around $2 million for four-bedroom homes and can reach close to $5 million for luxury properties.
Walks around the neighborhood feel safe and quiet, though you might spot wildlife like coyotes near wooded paths on quieter streets.
2. Westridge
Westridge sits on the western slopes of Burnaby Mountain, and you feel how close it is to nature every day.
Many residents talk about how easy it is to step out for a walk and see deer or raccoons on quiet streets or trails near home. Sometimes people even spot black bears or other wildlife close to wooded paths or lakes, so you learn quickly that this area lives close to the forest and water.
Luxury buyers love Westridge for its unmatched water and mountain views and quick access to Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area trails. You get a quiet, secluded feel while still being near Hastings Street restaurants and shops.
Housing mixes original properties with newer construction, with prices usually starting around $1.5 million and exceeding $3 million for homes with the best views.
If you want big scenery, everyday access to nature, and a neighborhood that feels like part of the mountain forest, Westridge delivers.
Make Your Burnaby Move Easy with President Movers
Once you’ve found your perfect Burnaby neighborhood, the next step is making your move as smooth as possible. At President Movers, we specialize in local residential moves throughout Burnaby and understand the unique challenges of each area.
Moving into a high-rise in Metrotown or Brentwood? We handle condo moves every day, from elevator bookings and loading dock coordination to professional packing and furniture disassembly. Relocating to a single-family home in Deer Lake or South Slope? We arrive with protective equipment, wrap and secure your furniture, and manage loading and transportation from start to finish, so your move stays smooth and stress-free.
Why Burnaby residents choose President Movers:
- Local Expertise: We know Burnaby’s neighborhoods, building requirements, and traffic patterns
- Furniture Care: Professional disassembly, wrapping, and reassembly included
- Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees or surprise charges
- Fully Licensed and Insured: Your belongings are protected throughout the move
- Flexible Scheduling: Available 7 days a week to fit your timeline
- Over 10 Years Experience: Thousands of successful moves in Metro Vancouver
Whether you’re moving within Burnaby or relocating from Vancouver, Surrey, Coquitlam, New Westminster, or anywhere else in the Lower Mainland, our experienced team is ready to help.
Ready to plan your Burnaby move? Call 604-900-5433 today for your free, no-obligation quote.
Conclusion
Burnaby offers a wide range of neighborhoods to match every lifestyle and budget. Metrotown and Brentwood deliver urban energy, Deer Lake and The Heights offer peaceful residential living, UniverCity supports student life, and Buckingham Heights provides upscale comfort. You can find a Burnaby neighborhood that fits your needs.
Start by choosing what matters most to you. Need fast transit to downtown Vancouver? Choose Metrotown, Brentwood, or Edmonds. Looking for strong schools and family-friendly parks? Explore Deer Lake, South Slope, or The Heights. Want more affordable options with solid transit access? Edmonds and Highgate deliver great value.
No matter where you settle, Burnaby gives you urban convenience, natural beauty, and welcoming communities, all with easy access to Metro Vancouver.
When you’re ready to move, President Movers is ready to help. Call today for your free quote and experience the difference of working with Burnaby’s trusted local movers.