General Overview

Oakridge, named for Oak Street and the ridge of land rising to the north of the area, is one of 23 communities in Vancouver. It stretches from 41st Avenue to 57th Avenue, and from Granville to Ontario Street. These boundaries are defined by the city for planning and administrative purposes and may not reflect smaller historical neighbourhoods.

To residents, Oakridge is a quiet, mature suburban community. For many Vancouverites, Oakridge is the home of the Oakridge Shopping Centre, a mecca for shoppers since its opening in the 1950s.

During the 1950s, land was subdivided and sold primarily as single family lots. Active construction continued through the early 1960s with a large number of young families moving into the community. Schools and hospitals were also constructed to meet the increasing demand for services. Facilities such as the Jewish Community Centre and Home for the Aged were built later to serve the growing community.

Most of Oakridge residents live in single-detached houses - the majority of which were built after 1960. As a "new" suburb, lots are wider (66 feet or larger) than in areas subdivided before WWI. A number of the early bungalows built during the 50s have been replaced recently with larger two-storey houses.

In sharp contrast with Oakridge's single-family character there are a few garden apartments, strata-title townhouse developments, and the Langara Gardens development (at Cambie and 57th Avenue) with its mix of townhouses, high-rises and commercial facilities. In the future, if the number of area residents over age 65 continues to increase, a wider variety of housing options -- from affordable nonprofit units to apartment-style condominiums -- may be required to meet the needs of residents who wish to remain in the Oakridge area.

People of Oakridge
The total number of people in Oakridge decreased 5.2% between 1971 and 1991, in contrast to a city-wide growth of 8.4%. Along with this decline, the composition of the community has changed. Generally, Oakridge's population is older than that of most other communities. Seniors aged 65 and over made up 25% of the community's population; compared with the citywide average of 14%. Changes in the community's composition affect the demand for housing, health care and community facilities such as schools, recreation centres and parks.

Parks
Most Oakridge residents are within a comfortable walk (800 metres) of one of four community parks. Oakridge has 1.21 hectares of park land per 1,000 persons as compared to the city average of 1.12. Field sports such as rugby, field hockey, football and softball predominate in Columbia, Montgomery and Tisdall parks while Cambie Park offers residents a pleasantly landscaped setting for a rest or chat.

The Langara Golf Course, a citywide facility with a jogging trail around its perimeter, also provides open space. To the north, VanDusen Gardens and Queen Elizabeth Park provide excellent recreation opportunities for Oakridge residents.

Schools
There are three elementary schools (kindergarten to grade 7). Churchill Secondary School French immersion and International Baccalaureate programs.

Related Links:
Oakridge City Profile
http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/community_profiles/oakridge/

Vancouver School Board
http://www.vsb.bc.ca

Real Estate Agents working in Oakridge

Request a Realtor
Let us help you find a Realtor that specializes in your area.