Neighbourhood Guides – Mount Pleasant

Overview

 

Mount Pleasant is one of several districts that make up East Vancouver (East Van). The divide between the East and West of the city has traditionally been seen as Main Street and although this line might be considered arbitrary, the respective communities to the East and West of the line have strong identities and differences. West Vancouver is stereotyped as being the more expensive side of the city but this view is gradually changing as Vancouver property prices have risen. A single family home in East Van can easily compete on price with many of those in West. The neighborhood of Mount Pleasant, like East Van in general, is seen as hip and trendy, West Vancouver is generally considered more “yuppie” in style and in attitude! Mount Pleasant real estate is considered cheaper than property in West Vancouver but this is rapidly changing. With the Vancouver real estate market extremely active and with prices rising year-on-year nearly all neighborhoods have seen significant increases in recent years. Mount Pleasant lies close to the downtown district of Vancouver and although it does remain cheaper for both family homes and condos, prices are rapidly rising and the neighborhood is likely to be one of the hottest property markets in Vancouver in the coming years. Apart from new property developments a wide range of unique bars, coffee houses and restaurants have opened in Mount Pleasant in recent years, indicating that the neighborhood is rapidly developing in popularity.

 

Transport

 

Transport links to the rest of the city and the wider region are excellent, with local SkyTrain access and also easy access to the Canada Line , both offering rapid commute times to the main business downtown district of Vancouver. The Canada line extends south Richmond and operates a branch to Vancouver International Airport, linking Mount Pleasant with the wider world! Bus services are also available which run throughout the Vancouver area and are operated by Translink.

 

Schools and Universities

 

Homes in Mount Pleasant fall under the Vancouver School Board which provides a full range of schools and educational programs. The Board provides educational services to a diverse, urban and large community and prides itself on addressing the educational needs of Vancouverites from many different backgrounds and for those with a wide range of education needs. As well as elementary and secondary schools a good selection of adult education programs are provided by the Board. University level education is available close by at the University of British Columbia and Simon Fraser University based in the Burnaby Mountain Conservation area is also easily accessible for those living in Mount Pleasant.

 

Recreation and Facilities

 

The commercial center of Mount Pleasant, Main Street, is also home to many individual and unique bars, cafes, restaurants and pubs. In terms of nightlife the hip and trendy reputation of East Van, in general, and Mount Pleasant, in particular, is well represented here! There are a number of live-music venues amongst the bars and cafes. The Omnimax theater at the Telus world of science is also close by and is described as the largest movie theater in Western Canada. Performing arts fans will love the Fox Caberet, on main street, and another movie theater, the Park Theater is located on Cambie. There are also plenty of nearby entertainment opportunities in the surrounding districts and the city as a whole. There are nine parks within the district and plenty of opportunities for recreation and exercise, with an excellent jogging trail in China Creek North Park. For more information on Mount Pleasant services and facilities the City of Vancouver website has a dedicated section.