Burnaby

Here’s what’s fascinating about Burnaby: it’s the perfect example of a city that grew up in Vancouver’s shadow but never quite figured out if it wanted to be urban or suburban. With nearly 250,000 residents packed into just 90 square kilometers, you’d think it would feel cramped, but somehow it doesn’t.

The numbers tell an interesting story. Almost half the residents hold bachelor’s degrees or higher, yet the median household income sits at $83,000 — respectable but not spectacular for Metro Vancouver. The housing mix reveals the city’s identity crisis: only 19% single-family homes, with the rest split between apartments, townhouses, and duplexes. It’s density without the urban premium.

Burnaby’s climate zone 8b status means residents can grow heat-loving plants that struggle elsewhere in BC, and the zone has actually improved by half a notch over recent decades. That’s the kind of detail that matters when you’re selling lifestyle to potential homebuyers.

The commute reality is stark: average travel time hits 31 minutes, though some lucky residents manage under 15. Professional services dominate employment at 12.4%, followed by retail and healthcare. The unemployment rate of 9.6% raises eyebrows, especially in a region known for opportunity.

What makes Burnaby unique isn’t any single standout feature — it’s the reliable middle ground. Close enough to Vancouver for career access, far enough for breathing room, diverse enough to feel cosmopolitan, suburban enough for families. It’s the sensible choice that doesn’t make anyone’s heart race.

Our maximum LTV in Burnaby is 0% — we don’t lend here, focusing instead on communities where other MICs fear to tread.