Overview & Character
Renfrew Heights rises gently above the flatter streets of surrounding East Vancouver, offering tree-lined residential calm that feels removed from urban intensity. This is the quieter version of East Van living—where well-maintained homes sit on generous lots, where neighbours take pride in gardens and yards, and where the pace of life follows family rhythms rather than commercial schedules.
The neighbourhood’s character is unmistakably residential. Unlike areas with busy commercial strips, Renfrew Heights presents street after street of single-family homes, many lovingly maintained by long-term residents. The elevated position provides the “heights” of the name, creating subtle topographical interest absent in flatter neighbourhoods.
What sets Renfrew Heights apart is its tranquility. For families seeking the safety and space that suburban areas offer, but wanting to remain in Vancouver, Renfrew Heights delivers a compromise that works: urban convenience without urban intensity.
Residential Character
Renfrew Heights’ purely residential nature shapes daily life:
Street Quality: Wide, tree-lined streets provide the calm that families with children appreciate. Traffic is primarily local, reducing noise and safety concerns.
Home Maintenance: Long-term residents have invested in their properties, creating a well-maintained appearance that differs from transitional neighbourhoods.
Lot Sizes: Many lots exceed the minimum, providing yards for gardens, play areas, and outdoor living that dense neighbourhoods cannot offer.
Mature Landscaping: Established trees and gardens create visual appeal and environmental benefits that new developments lack.
Real Estate Market Analysis
Current Market Conditions
Renfrew Heights offers solid family housing at accessible East Van prices.
Single-Family Homes: Properties on standard lots range from $1.2 to $1.6 million. Larger lots or significantly updated homes can reach $1.8 million.
Original Homes: Properties with deferred maintenance or dated finishes may sell below market, offering renovation opportunity.
Duplexes: Side-by-side and up-down configurations trade based on condition and rental income.
Development Sites: Lots meeting multiplex requirements attract builder interest.
Investment Potential
Renfrew Heights investment offers quiet-area fundamentals:
- Family Demand: Consistent need for family-appropriate housing
- Stable Values: Established neighbourhood with steady appreciation
- Development Opportunity: Accessible land costs
- Long-term Holds: Area rewards patient investment
Market Dynamics
Renfrew Heights values are influenced by:
- Family demand for quiet residential areas
- Relative affordability within Vancouver
- School catchment desirability
- New housing development activity
Community & Amenities
Parks & Green Space
- Renfrew Heights Park: Neighbourhood park with playground
- Slocan Park: Green space and sports fields
- Norquay Park: Additional park option
- Community Gardens: Various locations
- Tree-Lined Streets: The streets themselves serve as green amenity
Schools & Education
- Windermere Secondary: Area secondary school
- Renfrew Elementary: Nearby elementary
- General Gordon Elementary: Additional elementary option
- Norquay Elementary: School option
- After-School Programs: Various options available
Services & Shopping
- Kingsway: Commercial corridor accessible
- Rupert Station Area: Growing retail development
- Local Corner Stores: Basic convenience nearby
- Medical Services: Healthcare access
- Grocery Shopping: Multiple options within driving distance
Multiplex Development Opportunities
Considering a Multiplex in Renfrew Heights?
With Vancouver's new zoning regulations, your lot may qualify for multiplex development. Get a free assessment of your property's development potential.
Renfrew Heights presents accessible development opportunities.
Why Renfrew Heights Works
- Land Costs: Competitive pricing compared to premium areas
- Family Market: Strong demand for family-appropriate housing
- Lot Availability: Properties suitable for development
- Quiet Appeal: End users value peaceful character
Development Economics
Renfrew Heights multiplex development:
- Land (33’ lot): $1.1-1.4M
- Land (50’ lot): $1.5-1.9M
- Construction: $350-400/sf for quality finish
- End Units: $550K-850K for family units
- Rental Rates: $1,900-2,700 for quality units
Strategic Considerations
- Family Design: Focus on family-appropriate units
- Quiet Integration: Respect neighbourhood character
- Quality Execution: Build for owner-occupier appeal
- Parking: Essential in this car-oriented area
Living in Renfrew Heights
The Quiet Family Life
Renfrew Heights living offers:
- Tranquility: Peaceful residential streets
- Space: Larger lots and yards
- Safety: Low traffic, family-oriented community
- Established Character: Well-maintained homes and gardens
- Affordability: Value compared to many alternatives
Who Thrives Here
Renfrew Heights suits:
- Families seeking quiet residential environment
- Buyers who value peace over trendy amenities
- First-time families entering the market
- Investors seeking stable family rentals
- Anyone preferring suburban feel in the city
Neighbourhood Character
- Peaceful: Quiet streets with minimal traffic
- Stable: Long-term residents and families
- Well-Maintained: Pride of ownership evident
- Purely Residential: No commercial intrusion
- Family-Focused: Children and families present
Working With Greyden Douglas in Renfrew Heights
My approach to Renfrew Heights combines market knowledge with understanding of what families seeking tranquility need:
- Quiet Value: Finding properties in peaceful locations
- Family Assessment: Understanding what families require
- Development Analysis: Evaluating multiplex opportunities
- Long-term Perspective: Advising for stable investment
Whether seeking your family home, evaluating investment properties, or developing multiplex projects, I provide expertise suited to Renfrew Heights’ peaceful character.
Ready to Explore Renfrew Heights?
Whether you're buying, selling, or exploring multiplex opportunities in Renfrew Heights, I'm here to help. With nearly 20 years of Vancouver real estate experience, I'll guide you through every step.