Education plays a major part of the real estate market here in the UBC area. The "UBC" in this very website domain of course represents the university grounds for those seeking post secondary education within the proximity of favorable homes in the region. However by no means is the community exclusive to undergrads and grad students. You see, the reason that so many families and expectant couples flock to the area is because of the higher level of education and school catchments that allow them access to some of the best programs in the entire Lower Mainland. It all starts with finding a home near a K-7 best suited for your child/children.
One look at the school catchment page in this website evidences the favorable elementary schools located in a wide variety of UBC area neighborhoods, allowing households better flexibility when it comes to matching the perfect home to the perfect school catchment, unlike the trappings of downtown Vancouver and other extremely high-densified locales in the Lower Mainland.
However the flip side of the coin is exposed when many prospective homeowners consult my services and inquire about the population growth of the UBC area. They wonder how it will impact class sizes and ultimately the quality of education that their children will receive. Fair question indeed. I'm happy to say that one literal cruise around the neighborhoods found here within my UBC real estate listings will answer that question. Our elementary schools have heard your concerns and have responded with immediate plans to expand and improve their facilities. Let's look at a couple of recent examples, complete with visuals.
Pictured: Queen Mary Elementary School
You may have noticed the futuristic looking bubble introducing this article. That is found right outside of Queen Mary Elementary school at this very moment (April 2014). The school and grounds are not only undergoing improvements to enhance the education its young students receive, but it is also undergoing construction for a seismic upgrade. Schools here take education AND safety very seriously, because you as parents do too.
Pictured: Our Lady of Perpetual Help expanding
Another obvious example seen by anyone driving along West 10th Avenue is the work being done to renowned private K-7 school Our Lady of Perpetual Help. OLPH is also in the middle of an expansion to improve facilities and to increase the number of classrooms which in turn reduces the classroom size (students per class) resulting in better education for all within its doors and hallways.
Yes, the UBC area is growing. But what's so great about our community is that while we welcome new households into our fold every month we maintain the tight knit charm of the community while ensuring that those that both reside and arrive within receive the best of all worlds, especially the children - they are in fact, the future.