Although it is often associated with Dunbar to the north, Southlands, south of South West Marine Drive, is a distinct neighbourhood located in the low-lying flatland next to the Fraser River. Known for its rural farmland, equestrian clubs and multimillion-dollar mansions, Southlands real estate provides exclusive country living just 15 minutes by car from the City of Vancouver's downtown core.
Since most of Southlands' houses sit on expansive properties that have been protected from development, the area is a haven for horse lovers. Around 300 horses graze on more than 100 of Southlands' properties, dominated by the multi-acre Southlands Riding Club.
Southlands is also home to the Musqueam Native Reserve, a First Nations band who have occupied the area for thousands of years.
With a main offering of mansions, many of them featuring indoor and outdoor swimming pools, prices for homes in Southlands average about $1,770,996. However, some newer condo developments along the river have opened the area's real estate market to a slightly younger demographic.
Southlands Amenities
Southlands Shopping
Mainly consisting of rural farmland, the nearest retail shops in Southlands are in the adjacent neighbourhoods of Dunbar, Kerrisdale and Marpole. However, the Southlands Farm Market, which runs weekly from June to the end of October, sells fresh, local produce and handmade gourmet treats.
Schools and Education in Southlands
Primary schools
Southlands Cafés and Restaurants
The cafés and restaurants closest to Southlands are located in nearby Marpole, Dunbar and Kerrisdale.
Southlands Sports and Recreation
Horseback riding is the sport of choice in Southlands. The Southlands Riding Club, considered one of the finest equestrian clubs in the country, hosts high-level horse shows and competitions throughout the year. There are also several golf courses in the area, including the Musqueam Golf & Learning Academy, Point Grey Golf & Country Club and the public McCleery Golf Course.
Southlands Transportation
Public transit does not reach Southlands. Most residents in the area drive their own vehicles. Horseback, however, is not an uncommon mode of transportation within the neighbourhood itself.
Southlands Property Statistics
Home prices Homes $1,770,996* Townhouses $982,000** Apartments $530,000** Rentals Average gross rent $1,549***
*Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, benchmark sale prices in Southlands for February 2011 generated by the MLSLink Housing Price Index (HPI) **Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, average sale prices in Dunbar, Mackenzie Heights, Southlands for 12 months ended November 3, 2010 ***Source: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Dunbar-census-data.pdf
Southlands Demographics
Population* 21,745 *Source: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Dunbar-census-data.pdf
Age* 65+ 14.5% 40 to 64 39.9% 20 to 39 20.3% 19 and under 25.3%
*Source: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Dunbar-census-data.pdf
Occupancy* Fully owned 7,520
*Source: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Dunbar-census-data.pdf
Dwellings* Single-detached house 70.7% Semi-detached house 0.2% Detached duplex 22.7% Row house 1.1% Apartment, under five stories 5.3% Apartment, five or more stories 0.1% Rented dwellings 19.0%
*Source: http://vancouver.ca/files/cov/Dunbar-census-data.pdf
Neighbourhoods surrounding Southlands
Why I Love This Neighbourhood Born and raised in one of the first houses to be built in the Dunbar-Southlands area, this area was my backyard for over 25 years. I watched as the farmland and forests were transformed into the neighbourhoods that maintained the feel of the country just minutes from downtown. Submitted by Taryn Brown, Taryn Brown Real Estate Marketing Group
