Kensington–Cedar Cottage
Neighbourhood
Snapshot
Tree‑lined streets, vibrant multicultural eats, and front‑porch conversations define this East Van pocket. From Saturday laps around Trout Lake to late‑night dosa runs, Kensington–Cedar Cottage balances laid‑back living with city connections.
Population
Median Age
Walk Score
Transit Score
Eat, Drink & Explore
Savio Volpe – Rustic Italian fare · Do Chay – Innovative Vietnamese vegan · House of Dosas – 24‑hour South Indian staple
Spade Coffee & Wine – Espresso meets evening pours · Bandidas Taqueria – Margaritas & craft beer · Platform 7 Coffee – Micro‑roaster vibes
Trout Lake / John Hendry Park – Swim & farmers market · Commercial Drive – Eclectic shops & culture · The Drive Skateboard Plaza – Local skate scene
Overview
Kensington–Cedar Cottage real estate has transformed from a patchwork of early 20th century market gardens into one of East Vancouver’s most layered neighbourhoods. With roughly 53,300 residents, it is the city’s second‑largest local area by population, yet still feels neighbourly thanks to tree‑lined streets and a steady hum of coffee‑shop chatter. Whether you are eyeing classic Vancouver Specials or the new coach‑house builds, homes for sale in Kensington–Cedar Cottage serve up character, affordability, and quick access to the Millennium and Expo SkyTrain lines. This guide unpacks where to live, play, and invest—so you can decide if living in Kensington–Cedar Cottage is your next move.
Location & Boundaries
Stretching from East 16th Avenue south to East 41st Avenue, and from Glen Drive east to Knight Street, Kensington–Cedar Cottage sits squarely between the bustle of Commercial Drive and the residential calm of Fraser Street. The neighbourhood’s gentle elevation gains deliver peek‑a‑boo views of the North Shore Mountains, while arterial roads like Kingsway keep downtown only a 15‑minute drive away. Glen Park marks the western edge, whereas the tree‑canopied streets around Trout Lake anchor the north‑east corner.
Housing & Pricing
Architecture is as eclectic as the community. You will find 1900s wood‑frame character houses, post‑war bungalows ripe for laneway additions, and a modest but growing cluster of low‑rise condos along Kingsway. Detached lots average 33 × 122 ft, creating back‑lane opportunities for mortgage‑helper suites. Townhome inventory has climbed 18 % in the past five years, appealing to upsizing Condo Drive residents. Rental vacancy hovers around 0.9 %, so investors value steady demand.
Transit & Accessibility
Car‑free commutes are realistic here. The neighbourhood scores a 71 Transit Score thanks to two SkyTrain stations—Commercial–Broadway and Nanaimo—plus frequent buses along King Edward and Knight. Cyclists appreciate the 37th Avenue Ridgeway bikeway, linking Trout Lake to Queen Elizabeth Park. Meanwhile, Walk Score’s 79 rating means daily errands rarely require four wheels.
Parks & Recreation
Ask any local about the best parks in Kensington–Cedar Cottage and Trout Lake tops the list. Officially John Hendry Park, this 27‑hectare oasis offers a year‑round off‑leash dog area, beachy swimming pier, and one of Vancouver’s most beloved farmers markets. Smaller green pockets—Kingcrest, Brewers, and Sunnyside Parks—add playgrounds and community gardens, while Trout Lake Community Centre keeps residents active with an NHL‑sized rink and dance studios.
Schools & Amenities
The catchment includes six public elementary schools plus historic Gladstone Secondary, known city‑wide for its mini‑school programs. For private options, Vancouver College and Stratford Hall are a short drive away. Daily conveniences cluster along Kingsway: grocers T&T and Famous Foods, the Cedar Cottage branch library, and an ever‑rotating carousel of craft‑focused boutiques. Health professionals benefit from proximity to both Mount Saint Joseph and Vancouver General hospitals.
Kensington–Cedar Cottage Real Estate Market Trends & Data
The benchmark price for a detached house in Kensington–Cedar Cottage sat at $1,230,400 (REBGV 2025‑07), marking a 4.2 % climb year‑over‑year despite higher borrowing costs.
Condos remain the affordability gateway: Kensington–Cedar Cottage condo prices 2025 averaged $703,500 (REBGV 2025‑07), with two‑bedroom units spending just 11 days on market, half the city‑wide median.
Inventory has tightened to 2.3 months of supply, nudging the neighbourhood further into seller‑friendly territory. That pressure is balanced by new rezoning along Kingsway, which is expected to add 1,200 rental and condo units by 2028.
Key Takeaways
- Balanced urban‑suburban vibe with strong community ties.
- Competitive entry prices compared with Mount Pleasant and Grandview‑Woodland.
- Transit, bikeways, and a high Walk Score widen buyer appeal.
- Future density along Kingsway may moderate price growth while adding amenities.
Need personalised real-estate advice for Kensington–Cedar Cottage? Reach out any time.
This guide is for educational purposes only. Statistics, prices, and scores are believed accurate at time of writing but may change without notice. Nothing here is legal or financial advice—always verify information and consult qualified professionals before acting.
Overview
Kensington–Cedar Cottage real estate has transformed from a patchwork of early 20th century market gardens into one of East Vancouver’s most layered neighbourhoods. With roughly 53,300 residents, it is the city’s second‑largest local area by population, yet still feels neighbourly thanks to tree‑lined streets and a steady hum of coffee‑shop chatter. Whether you are eyeing classic Vancouver Specials or the new coach‑house builds, homes for sale in Kensington–Cedar Cottage serve up character, affordability, and quick access to the Millennium and Expo SkyTrain lines. This guide unpacks where to live, play, and invest—so you can decide if living in Kensington–Cedar Cottage is your next move.
Location & Boundaries
Stretching from East 16th Avenue south to East 41st Avenue, and from Glen Drive east to Knight Street, Kensington–Cedar Cottage sits squarely between the bustle of Commercial Drive and the residential calm of Fraser Street. The neighbourhood’s gentle elevation gains deliver peek‑a‑boo views of the North Shore Mountains, while arterial roads like Kingsway keep downtown only a 15‑minute drive away. Glen Park marks the western edge, whereas the tree‑canopied streets around Trout Lake anchor the north‑east corner.
Housing & Pricing
Architecture is as eclectic as the community. You will find 1900s wood‑frame character houses, post‑war bungalows ripe for laneway additions, and a modest but growing cluster of low‑rise condos along Kingsway. Detached lots average 33 × 122 ft, creating back‑lane opportunities for mortgage‑helper suites. Townhome inventory has climbed 18 % in the past five years, appealing to upsizing Condo Drive residents. Rental vacancy hovers around 0.9 %, so investors value steady demand.
Transit & Accessibility
Car‑free commutes are realistic here. The neighbourhood scores a 71 Transit Score thanks to two SkyTrain stations—Commercial–Broadway and Nanaimo—plus frequent buses along King Edward and Knight. Cyclists appreciate the 37th Avenue Ridgeway bikeway, linking Trout Lake to Queen Elizabeth Park. Meanwhile, Walk Score’s 79 rating means daily errands rarely require four wheels.
Parks & Recreation
Ask any local about the best parks in Kensington–Cedar Cottage and Trout Lake tops the list. Officially John Hendry Park, this 27‑hectare oasis offers a year‑round off‑leash dog area, beachy swimming pier, and one of Vancouver’s most beloved farmers markets. Smaller green pockets—Kingcrest, Brewers, and Sunnyside Parks—add playgrounds and community gardens, while Trout Lake Community Centre keeps residents active with an NHL‑sized rink and dance studios.
Schools & Amenities
The catchment includes six public elementary schools plus historic Gladstone Secondary, known city‑wide for its mini‑school programs. For private options, Vancouver College and Stratford Hall are a short drive away. Daily conveniences cluster along Kingsway: grocers T&T and Famous Foods, the Cedar Cottage branch library, and an ever‑rotating carousel of craft‑focused boutiques. Health professionals benefit from proximity to both Mount Saint Joseph and Vancouver General hospitals.
Kensington–Cedar Cottage Real Estate Market Trends & Data
The benchmark price for a detached house in Kensington–Cedar Cottage sat at $1,230,400 (REBGV 2025‑07), marking a 4.2 % climb year‑over‑year despite higher borrowing costs.
Condos remain the affordability gateway: Kensington–Cedar Cottage condo prices 2025 averaged $703,500 (REBGV 2025‑07), with two‑bedroom units spending just 11 days on market, half the city‑wide median.
Inventory has tightened to 2.3 months of supply, nudging the neighbourhood further into seller‑friendly territory. That pressure is balanced by new rezoning along Kingsway, which is expected to add 1,200 rental and condo units by 2028.
Key Takeaways
- Balanced urban‑suburban vibe with strong community ties.
- Competitive entry prices compared with Mount Pleasant and Grandview‑Woodland.
- Transit, bikeways, and a high Walk Score widen buyer appeal.
- Future density along Kingsway may moderate price growth while adding amenities.
Need personalised real-estate advice for Kensington–Cedar Cottage? Reach out any time.
This guide is for educational purposes only. Statistics, prices, and scores are believed accurate at time of writing but may change without notice. Nothing here is legal or financial advice—always verify information and consult qualified professionals before acting.
Vancouver Neighbourhoods to Explore
Find the vibe that feels like home.
