Introduction
This Burnaby neighbourhood, nestled between Metrotown and the Vancouver city limits, is bordered to the north by Imperial Drive, the south by Marine Drive, the east by Patterson Avenue, and the west by Boundary Road. Quiet and residential, it nevertheless hugs the busy commuters’ routes and the commercial heart of the city — quiet and convenience are rarely combined so well.
Lifestyle
Shady, peaceful and graced with some wonderful parks, this is a neighbourhood that calls out to the homemaker who’s looking for it all: it’s got your shopping needs covered in a quick jaunt, and the residential streets are quiet and clean. The area has been a Burnaby mainstay for quite some time now and you can see it in the homes — old fashioned, conservative and very pretty.
Dollars & Sense
Residents can enjoy strolls along the side streets, play and relaxation in the parks, and a round of pitch and putt; most of this is free. Metrotown aside, there’s not a lot to spend your money on around this neighbourhood. Living isn’t cheap, with few rentals and high real estate values, but when it comes to recreation the key phrase here is no charge.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Top marks for beauty: whether it’s Canadian Geese at close range or the charm of a spring garden, this place is a sight for sore eyes. There’s a sense of heritage here and that’s important to a great many homebuyers. Being next to Metrotown is also great. If there’s a downside to the area, it would be the busy thoroughfares that enclose it: speeding cars and not enough pedestrian crossings.
4.6 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
While it’s a quick walk to Metrotown, you might want to take the car anyway: the main streets are noisy and quite busy, although when you’re on the side streets, you might as well be miles away. Cars are pervasive as a means of transportation; the accommodations for biking are less than they could be.
In the Area
Important neighbourhood spots include Suncrest Elementary School and its lovely park adjoining. The most significant institution, and a key destination spot, is Oceanview Burial Park, a dignified and long-established resting place for the deceased; it occupies a sizeable chunk of the area. Suncrest’s other important park is Central Park, which rests along Imperial Street.
Meet the Neighbours
According to burnaby.ca, Suncrest is a largely Caucasian area, with immigrants a minority. Of the latter, there are residents from Hong Kong, India, China, South Korea and Greece. Most neighbourhood folks fall somewhere in the middle category, age-wise: the two biggest brackets recorded are 20-44 and 45-65 years old. This is a tolerant place, where people commingle with no friction.
The Vibe
The lifestyle in Suncrest is middle-class mellow: the sense of affluence is there, but it’s not at all imposing. Streets are shady with trees, lawns are well kept and there are some wonderful gardens. The area is home to a large cemetery, tastefully enclosed behind edges, and there's a fine school and two great parks.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
T&T Supermarket
One of Canada’s great Asian success stories, and this Metropolis location is perhaps their best. For cooking, for healing and for a plethora of other options, this is a sure bet.
more infoKidoodles Art Studio
Located in Metropolis, this wonderful spot offers lessons in painting and music, as well as day camps and other programs. If you’re looking to get the kids away from that TV….
more infoMetropolis at Metrotown
Enjoy BC’s biggest shopping centre. From The Gap to ginseng, boxer shorts to Blenz, Metropolis has it all. Size matters: an area this large is going to have what you need 99% of the time.
more infoSuncrest School Park
A great place to take the kids. There’s a good playground and, for those hot summer days, a water park! It’s a place for blowing off steam, with benches discreetly located for parents to supervise.
more infoCentral Park Pitch and Putt
Did we mention the golfing? This course offers low pressure stakes and a beautiful surrounding environment. Prices are very reasonable and the pace is relaxed. Take a few swings and soak up the sun.
more infoCentral Park
Central Park is a local treasure that offers enough trees for shade, enough space for a large family gathering and enough acreage to feel like you’ve really gotten away from it all.
more info