Burnaby BC Homes for Sale — Urban Living, SkyTrain Access, Natural Beauty

Living in Burnaby means morning coffee with mountain views from your Brentwood Town Centre balcony, afternoon strolls through the old-growth forests of Central Park, and dinner at Kingsway's vibrant ethnic restaurants. Whether you're exploring the cultural hub at Deer Lake Park, catching the SkyTrain from Metrotown Station, or cycling the Trans Canada Trail along Burnaby Lake, this city blends urban sophistication with natural tranquillity just minutes from downtown Vancouver.

Latest Homes for Sale in Burnaby

Burnaby Community Snapshot

Quick Facts About Burnaby

Living in Burnaby: Complete Lifestyle Guide

Living in Burnaby: Daily Life Between Mountains and Rivers

Your typical Burnaby morning begins with mountain views from your tower balcony in Brentwood or garden sounds from your South Slope backyard. Coffee shops along Hastings Street serve locals heading to SkyTrain stations, while Burnaby Mountain residents enjoy peaceful drives down Centennial Way. Lunch might be Korean barbecue in Crystal Mall's food court, Italian at Villa Caro on Lougheed Highway, or sushi near Production Way station. Evenings find families at Central Park's playgrounds, professionals jogging Deer Lake's boardwalk, and couples dining at White Spot's original location on Kingsway. Weekend rhythms include farmers markets at Civic Square, cultural events at Shadbolt Centre, and hiking the Trans Canada Trail through Brunette River conservation area.

Homes and Real Estate in Burnaby

Burnaby's housing reflects its evolution from suburban bedroom community to major urban centre. Glass towers define Metrotown and Brentwood skylines, offering 500-1,500 sq ft condos ($600K-1.5M) with building amenities like fitness centres, rooftop gardens, and concierge services. Townhome developments in Edmonds and along Marine Way provide 1,200-1,800 sq ft ($1.4M-2M) with private garages and small yards. Detached homes vary dramatically: modest 1950s-70s ranchers on 6,000+ sq ft lots in Willingdon Heights ($1.5M-2M), executive properties in Deer Lake area ($2.5M-4M+), and heritage character homes in Capitol Hill ($1.8M-2.8M). Strata fees range $300-800+ monthly depending on building age, amenities, and maintenance reserves. Parking stalls often sell separately ($25K-60K) in newer developments. Property taxes average 0.28% of assessed value, among Metro Vancouver's most competitive rates.

Location & Commutes

Burnaby's central location and excellent transit make it Metro Vancouver's transportation hub. Two SkyTrain lines serve nine stations: Expo Line (Metrotown, Royal Oak, Edmonds, 22nd Street, New Westminster) and Millennium Line (Brentwood, Holdom, Sperling-Burnaby Lake, Production Way-University). Downtown Vancouver commutes average 20-30 minutes, UBC 40 minutes via transfer at Broadway-City Hall, and YVR airport 45 minutes. Major highways include Highway 1 (Trans-Canada), Lougheed Highway connecting to Coquitlam, and Kingsway diagonal route to Vancouver. Rush hour congestion affects Highway 1 and Lougheed, but SkyTrain frequency increases during peak times. Cycling infrastructure includes Central Valley Greenway (New Westminster to Vancouver), Burnaby Heights bikeway, and mountain bike trails on Burnaby Mountain. Transit-oriented development near stations means most residents can walk to rapid transit.

Food, Culture & Festivals

Burnaby's multicultural identity shines through its dining scene. Crystal Mall houses Metro Vancouver's largest concentration of Asian restaurants, from Cantonese dim sum to Vietnamese pho. Kingsway corridor features family-run establishments: Italian delicatessens, Middle Eastern bakeries, and Indian curry houses. Heights restaurants along Hastings Street blend casual and upscale: White Spot's original location, local craft breweries, and farm-to-table bistros. The annual Festival of Learning at SFU, Summer in the City concerts at Deer Lake, and multicultural celebrations at Swangard Stadium reflect the community's diversity. Burnaby Village Museum hosts heritage Christmas events, while Shadbolt Centre programs year-round theatre, dance, and visual arts. Monthly farmers markets at Civic Square feature local vendors, while ethnic grocery stores along North Road serve specific communities with authentic ingredients.

Outdoor Activities and Parks

With 150+ parks, Burnaby balances urban density with green space access. Central Park's 90 hectares feature old-growth forest, tennis courts, pitch-and-putt golf, outdoor swimming pool, and Swangard Stadium for track events. Deer Lake Park combines recreation with culture: walking trails, boat rentals, Burnaby Art Gallery, and Festival Lawn concerts. Burnaby Lake Regional Park offers 8km of level trails around the lake, perfect for cycling, walking, and wildlife viewing including great blue herons and beavers. Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area provides hiking trails with spectacular city and mountain views, plus SFU campus facilities. Confederation Park features model railway, aquatic centre, sports fields, and off-leash dog areas. Ron McLean Aquatic Centre, Eileen Dailly Pool, and neighbourhood pools serve swimmers year-round. Winter activities include skating at Bill Copeland Sports Centre and tobogganing on Burnaby Mountain slopes.

Schools and Education

Burnaby School District 41 consistently ranks among BC's top districts, serving 24,000+ students across 8 secondary and 41 elementary schools. Notable secondary schools include Burnaby South (IB programmes), Burnaby North (French immersion), Alpha Secondary (diverse programmes), and Byrnes (fine arts focus). Elementary catchments vary by neighbourhood: Maywood Community School (environmental focus), Montecito Elementary (dual-track French immersion), and Stride Avenue Community School (innovative learning). The district offers specialized programmes including Mandarin bilingual, French immersion starting kindergarten, and strong special needs support. Simon Fraser University's Burnaby campus serves 35,000+ students in business, sciences, and liberal arts. BCIT's main campus provides technical training and applied degrees. Private school options include St. Thomas More Collegiate, Immaculate Conception Elementary, and Islamic School of BC. Adult education centres support continuing learning and ESL programmes.

Buying a Home in Burnaby

Burnaby's competitive market requires preparation and local expertise. Properties average 45-60 days on market, with well-priced condos near SkyTrain selling fastest. Budget for strata fees, property transfer tax (1% up to $200K, then 2% to $2M, 3% above), and potential special assessments in older buildings. Consider building age: 1980s-90s buildings may face envelope repairs, while newer construction includes modern amenities but higher strata fees. Proximity to SkyTrain significantly affects resale value and rental potential. School catchments influence family buyers, particularly for French immersion programmes. Underground parking adds value year-round, while ground-level units may face noise concerns. Work with agents familiar with strata bylaws regarding rentals, pets, and renovations. Get professional building inspections and review strata council minutes for planned expenditures. Pre-approval letters strengthen offers in competitive situations, and backup offers often succeed when primary deals fall through.

Compare Burnaby to Nearby Communities

Burnaby's central location and balance of urban amenities with natural spaces create unique advantages, though neighbouring communities offer different lifestyle trade-offs worth considering for your specific priorities and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Burnaby, British Columbia