It’s the kind of place where you can walk your kids to school in the morning, hop on the Spirit Trail for a run, and be downtown for dinner in minutes.
For homebuyers, Queensbury offers diversity. You’ll find wartime bungalows ready for renovation, modern single-family homes with income suites, and newer townhome developments like “Green on Queensbury” that attract young professionals.
As a local North Vancouver real estate expert, I see Queensbury as a high-opportunity area. It bridges the gap between the historic Moodyville redevelopment and the established Grand Boulevard corridor. If you want accessibility without the density of a high-rise district, this is where you look.
Where Is Queensbury?
What are the boundaries of Queensbury?
Queensbury is located in the City of North Vancouver. Its boundaries are generally defined as:
- North: Keith Road (separating it from the Boulevard area).
- South: The industrial/waterfront area near 3rd Street and the Spirit Trail (bordering Lower Lonsdale and Moodyville).
- West: St. Andrews Avenue (bordering Lower Lonsdale).
- East: Roughly Shavington Street or the edge of Grand Boulevard Park.
Which neighbourhoods are nearby?
Buyers often compare Queensbury to:
- Lower Lonsdale: For those who want more density and condo living.
- Grand Boulevard: For those seeking larger heritage lots.
- Moodyville: For newer townhomes and sustainable developments.
How accessible is the location?
Queensbury provides excellent connectivity. You have direct access to the Second Narrows Bridge via Keith Road or East 3rd Street, making the commute to Burnaby or Vancouver efficient. The SeaBus at Lonsdale Quay is a short bus ride or a 20-minute walk away.
Queensbury Real Estate Overview
What types of homes will you find here?
The housing stock in Queensbury is shifting. Historically, this area was defined by post-war bungalows and smaller character homes. Today, the landscape includes:
- Single-Family Detached: Many original homes on 50-foot lots. Some are renovated, while others are being replaced by custom-built homes, often featuring laneway houses or legal suites to offset mortgage costs.
- Townhomes: Developments like “Green on Queensbury” and “Evolv35” (Passive House townhomes) have introduced modern, energy-efficient family housing to the area.
- Low-Rise Condos: Limited supply compared to Lower Lonsdale, but newer builds offer amenities like gyms and guest suites.
Who is the typical buyer in Queensbury?
- Young Families: Drawn by the walkability to schools like Queensbury Elementary and parks like Moodyville Park.
- Upsizers: Moving from condos in Lower Lonsdale to townhomes or detached houses in Queensbury for more space.
- Investors: Attracted by the strong rental demand due to proximity to the SeaBus and rapid transit corridors.
Home Prices & Market Snapshot
What does it cost to buy in Queensbury?
- Detached Homes: Typically range from $1.8 million for entry-level/lot value to over $2.8 million for new builds with suites.
- Townhomes: Generally trade between $1.3 million and $1.6 million, depending on square footage and age.
- Condos: Prices usually start around $800,000 for newer 2-bedroom units.
Note: Market values fluctuate. Contact a local expert for the most current sold data.
How fast is the market moving?
Queensbury often sees a “balanced to seller’s” market. Because inventory is lower here than in the massive condo towers of Lower Lonsdale, good listings—especially townhomes and well-priced detached houses—move quickly.
Is this area holding its value?
Yes. The significant investment in the surrounding infrastructure (Moodyville redevelopment, Spirit Trail expansion, and brewery district growth) supports long-term appreciation. Buying here means buying into an improving asset class.
Schools Serving Queensbury
Which public schools do children attend?
Queensbury falls under School District 44 (North Vancouver).
- Elementary (K-7): Most students attend Queensbury Elementary (2020 Moody Ave). It is a well-regarded school with strong community involvement and a “Safe Route to School” program encouraging walking. Ridgeway Elementary and Brooksbank Elementary also serve nearby catchments.
- Secondary (8-12): The catchment high school is typically Sutherland Secondary, known for its strong athletics and academic programs.
Are there private school options?
Yes. St. Thomas Aquinas Regional Secondary is nearby on Keith Road. North Star Montessori provides alternative education options within a short driving distance.
Why do schools matter here?
Even if you don’t have children, buying in a strong school catchment like Queensbury Elementary protects your resale value. Families are the primary buyer demographic for detached homes and townhomes in this zone.
Lifestyle & Daily Living
What is the vibe of the neighbourhood?
Queensbury feels established and friendly. It is quieter than Lonsdale Avenue but not isolated. You see neighbours chatting on front porches, kids riding bikes on the quieter streets, and active residents heading down to the Spirit Trail.
Is it noisy?
Ideally, you want to be a block or two away from Keith Road or East 3rd Street to avoid commuter noise. The inner streets of Queensbury are peaceful.
Is it walkable?
Queensbury receives a high Walk Score. You can accomplish most daily errands on foot, especially with the commercial hub on Queensbury Avenue and the shops of Lonsdale nearby.
Amenities & Local Attractions
Where can you find parks and green space?
- Moodyville Park: Recently revitalized, this park features a pump track, playground, and connection to the Spirit Trail.
- Grand Boulevard Park: A massive linear park perfect for dog walking and jogging.
- Queensbury Park: A smaller local green space.
- The Spirit Trail: This multi-use path connects you west to the Shipyards and east to Park & Tilford.
What about shopping and dining?
You don’t need to go far.
- Queensbury Avenue Hub: This micro-commercial strip features local favourites like Andrews on 8th (coffee shop) and Sansho Sushi.
- Lower Lonsdale (LoLo): A 10-15 minute walk brings you to the Lonsdale Quay Market, Joey Shipyards, Tap & Barrel, and the Brewery District.
- Park & Tilford: A short drive east offers a Save-On-Foods, Cineplex Odeon, and various retail stores.
Transportation & Commuting
How long is the commute downtown?
- Driving: Access to the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge (Second Narrows) is immediate via East 3rd. In light traffic, you are in Vancouver in 15 minutes.
- Transit: The SeaBus connects Lonsdale Quay to Waterfront Station in 12 minutes. Buses like the 228, 229, and 230 service the area, and the R2 RapidBus runs along 3rd Street, providing fast East-West connectivity.
Is it bike-friendly?
Extremely. The Spirit Trail is a dedicated bike lane that runs along the waterfront. North Vancouver City is aggressively expanding its “AAA” (All Ages and Abilities) bike network, making Queensbury a cyclist’s haven.
Is Queensbury a Good Investment?
What drives demand here?
Scarcity. There is a limited supply of single-family land in the City of North Vancouver. As the core densifies, the land value in near-core neighbourhoods like Queensbury rises.
Is there rental potential?
Yes. Legal suites in detached homes rent quickly to professionals working in North Van or commuting downtown. The area is also popular for families renting townhomes while they save to buy.
What about future growth?
The “East 3rd Street Corridor” is an identified rapid-transit priority route. Future improvements to Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) will only increase accessibility and property values.
Unsure about your real estate agency or real estate consultant?
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Who Should Buy in Queensbury?
Is it right for first-time buyers?
If you are looking for a condo or smaller townhome, yes. Detached homes are likely out of range for most first-time buyers unless you have significant equity.
Is it good for families?
Absolutely. The combination of Queensbury Elementary, safe parks, and quiet streets makes it a top choice for raising children.
Is it good for investors?
Yes. The mix of high land value and strong rental rates makes it a solid “buy and hold” location.
Pros & Cons of Buying in Queensbury
What are the advantages?
- Location: Walkable to Lower Lonsdale but quieter.
- Community: Strong school catchments and family focus.
- Nature Access: Direct connection to Spirit Trail and Moodyville Park.
- Housing Mix: Diverse options from condos to houses.
- Commuting: easy bridge and SeaBus access.
What are the trade-offs?
- Price: It is not a “budget” neighbourhood; prices reflect the high desirability.
- Traffic: Keith Road and 3rd Street can get busy during rush hour.
- Inventory: Good listings sell fast; you face competition.
Frequently Asked Questionss
Is Queensbury a safe neighbourhood?
Yes. Queensbury is considered safe and family-oriented. Like any urban area, petty theft (like unlocked cars) can happen, but violent crime is low.
How far is Queensbury from Lonsdale Quay?
It is approximately 1.5 to 2 kilometres, depending on your starting point. This is a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute bus ride.
Are there views in Queensbury?
Some properties on the higher slopes (closer to Keith Road) offer views of the Burrard Inlet and downtown Vancouver skyline, though not as dramatic as Upper Lonsdale.
Is Queensbury better than Lynn Valley?
It depends on your lifestyle. Queensbury is more urban and walkable to downtown amenities. Lynn Valley is more forested, suburban, and closer to mountain trails.
What is the “Green on Queensbury” development?
It is a prominent development involving the restoration of Moodyville Park and the construction of townhomes and condos, earning LEED Gold certification standards.
Can I build a laneway house in Queensbury?
Many lots in the City of North Vancouver are zoned to allow laneway houses (Coach Houses). You must check the specific zoning (typically RS-1 or RS-2) for the individual lot.
How are the schools ranked?
Queensbury Elementary generally performs well and is praised for its inclusive environment and strong parent advisory council (PAC).
Is there a community centre nearby?
Residents typically use the John Braithwaite Community Centre in Lower Lonsdale or the Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre (currently undergoing redevelopment).
Does the SeaBus run late?
The SeaBus runs every 15 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night, with the last sailing typically departing around 1:22 AM.
Why use a local realtor for Queensbury?
Local agents know which streets get bridge noise, which lots have development potential, and often hear about listings before they hit the MLS.
Homes for Sale in Queensbury
Are you ready to make a move? The real estate market in North Vancouver moves fast, and Queensbury is no exception. Whether you are selling your current home or hunting for that perfect character bungalow, you need a strategy.
I’m Jim Pilkington, and I’ve lived on the North Shore my entire life. I don’t just sell homes here; I know the shortcuts, the school catchments, and the hidden gems that don’t show up on a map. I update my listings hourly to ensure you never miss an opportunity.
If you want to know what your home is worth today, or if you want to be the first to know about a new listing in Queensbury, let’s chat.
Contact me directly at 604-785-5188.
I offer free moving services when you buy or sell with me—just one less thing for you to worry about. Let’s get you home.
