Once the provincial capital of british Columbia, New Westminster (known by locals as New West) has had its ups and downs over the years. By the 1980s it had degenerated into one of the Lower Mainland`s most crime-ridden areas. However, New West has undergone some drastic revitalization since then, and with the housing boom across the Fraser Valley, new high-rise condos have sprung up all over downtown New West. Now populated by a mix of low income, middle income, and upper-middle income people, New Westminster is rapidly becoming the must-live destination for young singles, couples, and families.
New West is a very diverse area. It has its own distinct downtown core which is mainly commercial with high-rises. It also has a lot of low-rise apartment blocks surrounding the downtown core, and after these, a lot of older single-family homes. Many of the structures in New West are either historic, or heritage-inspired. A lot of smaller buildings and single famil homes actually pre-date the 20th century, and the area has the feeling of a traditional Western European city. The influx of young families is attributed to the abundance of new developments, as well as older and more affordable housing options. This in turn has brought new retailers, and the streets are lined with funky boutiques and eateries. The city is also conveniently located along the skytrain line, and offers rapid transit into Vancouver, Burnaby, Surrey, and Coquitlam. Many buses also connect the area, making New Westminster a popular place for people who want to live away from Vancouver, but commute regularly to downtown.
You will love living in New Westminster if you`re looking for:
- A young, vibrant neighbourhood with heritage roots
- more affordable housing than can be found in Vancouver
- Convenient, rapid transportation to downtown Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, and Coquitlam.