Metrotown
Dense, walkable, attached to Metropolis mall. Excellent for seniors who want everything within walking distance and frequent transit.
NEIGHBOURHOOD GUIDE
Downsizing in Burnaby
Central location, excellent transit, and a wide range of senior living options.
Why Seniors Choose Burnaby
Burnaby is often the sweet spot for BC seniors who want to stay in the Lower Mainland. It's more affordable than Vancouver, has excellent SkyTrain access, multiple hospitals, and some of the best independent and assisted living communities in the province. For families whose parents want to stay close without the premium of the West Side, Burnaby is hard to beat.
3
SkyTrain lines serve Burnaby
2
Major hospitals (Burnaby Hospital, Royal Columbian nearby)
25+
Senior living communities citywide
$700K+
Typical 1-bed condo starting price
Best Areas Within Burnaby
Brentwood
Newer transit-oriented development along Lougheed Hwy. Modern condos, good walkability, strong community amenities.
Burnaby Heights
Charming walkable strip along Hastings St with shops, cafes, and smaller condo buildings. Great for seniors who like a village feel.
Lougheed
More affordable, growing senior housing stock, strong access to health services, direct SkyTrain to downtown and Coquitlam.
Burnaby Senior Services & Access
What hospitals and health services are in Burnaby?
Burnaby Hospital is a full-service hospital in the Willingdon Heights area. Royal Columbian Hospital in nearby New Westminster is a major trauma and cardiac center serving Burnaby. Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health both serve Burnaby, so your parent's home authority depends on their postal code.
What senior centres and community resources exist?
Burnaby has several active senior-focused community centres, including Bonsor Recreation Complex and the Confederation Seniors Centre. The city's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department runs strong senior programming: fitness classes, lunch programs, art, cards, and more.
How is transit access for seniors?
Burnaby is served by three SkyTrain lines (Expo, Millennium, Evergreen) and dense TransLink bus service. Metrotown, Brentwood, Lougheed, and Edmonds are all high-frequency transit hubs. A HandyDART accessible transit service is available for seniors with mobility limitations. Many seniors find they can stop driving comfortably once they settle in a transit-accessible Burnaby condo.
What's the typical downsizing price point?
As of early 2026, 1-bedroom Burnaby condos typically start around $700,000, with 2-bedroom units starting around $850,000. Rental options (and SAFER-subsidized rentals) are available throughout the city. Independent living starts around $3,200/month and assisted living starts around $4,000–$5,000/month for private-pay facilities.
Typical Downsizing Options in Burnaby
| Type | Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-bed condo (purchase) | $400–$700 strata | Plus mortgage/property tax if applicable |
| 1-bed rental (SAFER-eligible) | $1,900–$2,400 | SAFER subsidy can offset $300–$500 |
| Independent living | $3,200–$5,500 | Meals, activities, housekeeping included |
| Assisted living (private) | $4,000–$7,500 | Personal care included |
| Assisted living (subsidized) | $1,164–$2,674+ | Wait list required (avg 290 days BC-wide) |
Thinking About Downsizing in Burnaby?
We know this area intimately — we've helped dozens of families downsize here. Let's talk about what's right for your parent.
Let's Make a Plan