New Westminster – Downtown

Downtown New Westminster is more than 150 years old. Much of its historical character has been retained in the facades of heritage buildings along Columbia and Front streets. But it has been infused with new energy from new developments that have attracted young professionals who value the neighbourhood’s charm and its easy access to Vancouver. In fact, Downtown New Westminster is one of the hottest neighbourhoods in Metro Vancouver for its unique character, walkability and proximity to transit.

Neighbourhood amenities

Downtown New Westminster runs along Columbia and Front streets. It was once known as the Golden Mile for its abundance of shops and restaurants that attracted visitors from all over the Lower Mainland. Even though those visitors are now more inclined to go to suburban shopping malls, the commercial strip of Downtown New Westminster still features a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars. These include Old Crow Coffee, Judge Begbies, Rain City Juicery, Re-Up BBQ and El Santo. Larger commercial developments like the Shops at New Westminster Station and Columbia Square Plaza offer staples like groceries and banking.
Downtown New Westminster is also next to the city’s historic waterfront, which has transformed from heavy industry to a linear promenade of parks, gardens, condos. They enjoy a front row seat view to the tugs, barges  and even seals that float up and down the Fraser River.

 Schools

• Qayqayt Elementary (K – 7 and Early French Immersion K – 5)
• Glenbrook Middle (6-8 and French Immersion 6-8)
• Fraser River Middle (6-8 and French Immersion 6-8)
• New Westminster Secondary (8-12 and Late French Immersion  9-12)
• Douglas College (Post-Secondary)
• Sprott Shaw Community College (Post-Secondary)

Transit

Downtown New Westminster is walking friendly. There are two Skytrain Stations located at the east and west end of Downtown so a train is only minutes away. There is a bus loop located by New Westminster Station that services routes to Lougheed Town Centre, Brentwood Town Centre, Metrotown, Surrey Central, White Rock, and surrounding areas that may not be accessible by Skytrain.

Downtown New Westminster real estate

This neighbourhood is mostly comprised of condos and apartments for sale. There have been over 1000 condo transactions in the past five years and is a fast growing market in the area. Townhomes are available but are limited in sales.