Dunbar or Southlands ? Which neighbourhood is better and why? 



When people move into a new area there must be a good reason why. I help clients not only choose best house for them to grow into but, a lifestyle because it matters as much what is outside of their doorstep.

People choose an area because they may have family or friends whom live close by, want to be within certain school catchment, close to work, close to airport if always in and out of the city, bike trails or walk to various amenities like corner store, coffee shop or horseback riding in case of Southlands.

The comparison below does not mean one area is better than other but, different and need to match your personality and lifestyle to enjoy where you live. Any other particular questions please feel free to contact me michael@michaeltudorie.com

Dunbar

is very old and establish neighbourhood. A lot of home were built in the late 20’s various home styles most with basement suites. There are generational families whom live in the area for years and have no reason to move everywhere else. Once establish roots in a community like Dunbar it’s is hard or almost impossible to uproot and move at least move to be closer to family in other parts of BC. People know each other well on the same block or within 2 km radius, kids go trick a treat, play and make friends easily or play street hockey or soccer in safe manner.

There are 4 parts of Dunbar and it make a difference if live in West Dunbar or East part of Dunbar, SW or SE. There are differences one could notice only if you live there either traffic, natural light, distance to Dunbar sushi, library, schools or staple barbershop. Once off the main arteries like Dunbar, W King Edward Ave or W 41st there is a sense of serenity to come home to. 



There are 4 parts of Dunbar and it make a difference if live in West Dunbar or East part of Dunbar, SW or SE. There are differences one could notice only if you live there either traffic, natural light, distance to Dunbar sushi, library, schools or staple barbershop. Once off the main arteries like Dunbar, W King Edward Ave or W 41st there is a sense of serenity to come home to.

New Dunbar is on continuous influx with people moving into the area as new immigrants or people coming back home after been away for school or job. New developments help locals stay within their neighbourhood and ‘rightsize’ to a condo or townhome. 

Southlands
Is a community on it’s own once you drive into the area inevitably feel like you been transported in time but not too far from urban living. There is a history of Southland which dates back 1860 when two Irish settlers choose Southlands as a way of life. The two were instrumental in establishing a connection route to the City which is now known as SW Marine Drive. What Southlands is known for? cannery, golf courses, horse riding club, heritage farm, access to boating and lots of trail for hiking and biking.

Most residents in Southlands likely have a garden and lots of space for barns and house animals if they choose to and/or farmhouse. If you prefer lots of room to spread out, outdoor living on patio’s or have a green thump this is the area for you which is not too far from City conveniences or good schools. If you move to the area promise to take care of willow or oak trees and many flowers. Psst there is is a nursery too within Southlands



It’s a way of life in Southlands hence many movies were filmed in the area which residents do not like to attract much attention to their oasis within the city. On any given Sunday could meet upwards of 20 horses riding on trails or local roads.

Do not be scared, this is not farm country nor it resemble Alberta countryside there are new proposed developments and many home could enjoy beautiful life as the two Irish brothers envisioned.  

Thoughts or feedback?