So you’ve decided Squamish might be the place for you. Smart move. I made the same call a few years ago — packed up from Southern Quebec, fell in love with the mountains and the ocean, and never looked back. But one of the first questions my wife and I had was: which neighbourhood is actually right for us?
Squamish has grown fast, and the neighbourhoods here are genuinely distinct from one another. The right area for a young family looks very different from the right area for a remote worker or a first-time buyer trying to get into the market. In this guide I’ll walk you through the main neighbourhoods, who they tend to suit, and what to expect from a real estate perspective in each one.
Garibaldi Highlands
If you’re moving to Squamish with a family, Garibaldi Highlands is probably the first neighbourhood people will mention to you — and for good reason. Sitting up on the bench above town, it’s one of the most established residential areas in Squamish, with tree-lined streets, good schools nearby, a strong sense of community and easy access to a ton of mountain bike trails.
Properties here are predominantly detached single-family homes on larger lots, which means more space, more privacy, and more yard for kids (and dogs). It tends to attract families and move-up buyers who want room to breathe. Prices reflect that — expect to be in the detached home range — but for the right buyer, the lifestyle is hard to beat.
Best for: Families, move-up buyers, people coming from suburban Vancouver looking for a similar feel with far better scenery.
👉 Browse detached homes in Squamish
Valleycliffe & Hospital Hill
Valleycliffe is one of Squamish’s older and more affordable neighbourhoods, sitting in the valley on the west side of town near the Mamquam River. It has a relaxed, lived-in feel and attracts a mix of long-time Squamish residents and buyers looking for more value than newer developments offer.
You’ll find a range of property types here — older detached homes, some character properties, and a growing number of updated townhomes. It’s a solid entry point into the Squamish market for buyers who want a detached home but are working with a tighter budget. The Chief looms right overhead, which means the views are absolutely stunning.
Best for: Value-focused buyers, tradespeople, buyers who want more home for their dollar and commuters to Vancouver
Downtown Squamish
Downtown Squamish has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once a quiet town centre has become a genuinely walkable hub with independent restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and the Squamish Estuary right at its doorstep.
Real estate here is predominantly condos and newer townhomes, making it the most accessible entry point into the market from a price perspective. It’s popular with young professionals, remote workers, and people who want to walk or bike to everything without getting in a car. The mix of new builds and infill development means there’s usually decent inventory, and it’s the area I’d be watching most closely for long-term upside.
Best for: First-time buyers, remote workers, young professionals, anyone who wants urban convenience with mountain access.
University Highlands
University Highlands is one of Squamish’s newer master-planned communities, built around Capilano University’s Squamish campus. It sits on the north end of town and offers a mix of townhomes and detached homes with mountain and valley views that are genuinely jaw-dropping.
This is one of Squamish’s more premium neighbourhoods — prices reflect the newer builds, the views, and the thoughtful community design. You’ll find a younger demographic here: families, university staff, and buyers who want something new without sacrificing outdoor access. Proximity to campus trails and the river corridor is a big draw.
Best for: Families wanting new construction, buyers prioritising views and modern finishes, Capilano University staff and students and those looking to have trails out their back door.
👉 Browse townhomes in Squamish
Brackendale
Drive about ten minutes north of downtown and you hit Brackendale — a small, distinctly rural community that feels worlds apart from the rest of Squamish. It’s famous for its bald eagle population (one of the largest winter concentrations in North America), the Squamish River, and a general sense of quiet that’s hard to find elsewhere on the corridor.
Properties in Brackendale tend to be larger lots — acreages, older character homes, and some newer builds. It’s not for everyone, but if you want space, privacy, and that true rural BC feeling while still being close to Squamish’s amenities, it’s worth a serious look. It’s also historically been one of the more affordable pockets of the market.
Best for: Buyers wanting rural living, hobby farm potential, privacy seekers, people coming from small towns who don’t want a condo lifestyle and commuters to Whistler.
Britannia Beach
Technically sitting south of Squamish proper on the Sea to Sky Highway, Britannia Beach is a tiny community that punches well above its weight for charm. It hugs Howe Sound and offers some of the most dramatic ocean-meets-mountain scenery you’ll find anywhere in BC.
It’s a small market — inventory is limited and properties don’t come up often — but when they do, they attract buyers who fall completely in love with the location and don’t mind the 15-minute commute into Squamish. A mix of older homes and newer builds, with some of the best waterfront access on the corridor. They also have easier rental rules, so Airbnb’s are a go.
Best for: Buyers looking for something truly special, waterfront enthusiasts, buyers who’ve explored the corridor and want something quieter.
Garibaldi Estates
Garibaldi Estates sits just east of downtown and is one of Squamish’s more densely populated neighbourhoods. It has a good mix of property types — detached homes, townhomes, and some older condo buildings — which makes it accessible across a range of budgets.
It’s well-located for commuters since it sits close to the highway, and it’s walking distance to schools, shops, and the Brennan Park Recreation Centre. A solid, practical choice that often gets overlooked in favour of flashier neighbourhoods but offers genuine value.
Best for: Families on a budget, commuters, buyers who want central access to everything.
Northyards
Northyards is one of Squamish’s most exciting emerging areas — a former industrial site that’s being transformed into a mixed-use waterfront community. Development is still ongoing, which means buying here now is a bet on what the neighbourhood will look like in five to ten years rather than what it is today.
That said, the bones are exceptional: Howe Sound waterfront, estuary access, and downtown Squamish walkability. For buyers who want to get into an up-and-coming area early, this is one to watch closely.
Best for: Investors, buyers comfortable with an evolving neighbourhood, people who want waterfront at a relatively accessible price point.
So, Which Neighbourhood is Right for You?
Honestly? That depends on things I’d want to sit down and talk through with you — your budget, your lifestyle, whether you’re planning to stay long-term or use it as a stepping stone, whether you have kids or dogs or a boat, and what your commute situation looks like.
I moved to Squamish because this place gets under your skin in a way that’s hard to explain until you’ve spent a winter here. I’ve helped buyers find homes in almost every neighbourhood on this list, and I know the nuances that don’t show up on a listing page.
If you’re thinking about making the move, I’d love to chat.
📞 604-916-6001 ✉️ art@artpowerrealty.com 🔍 Search all Squamish listings
Art Power is a Realtor® with Stilhavn Real Estate Services, based in Squamish, BC. He specialises in residential real estate throughout the Sea to Sky Corridor.