Subdivision Spotlight: Van Bow

Van Bow is one of Prince George’s most conveniently located neighbourhoods. If you love being minutes from downtown, across the street from shopping, and in an established community with mature homes and investment potential, this area deserves a closer look. Van Bow sits in a very central part of Prince George, just west of downtown and across from the large Parkwood Place shopping district. It’s considered an older, established neighbourhood with extremely convenient access to services. Because of this central location, it has always been attractive to renters, first-time buyers, and investors.

This is considered one of the older residential neighbourhoods in Prince George, with much of its development occurring during the 1950s through the 1970s, when the city expanded outward from the downtown core. Because of its proximity to downtown and major commercial areas, the neighbourhood gradually evolved into a mix of residential homes, rental properties, and multi-family housing. The neighbourhood developed during a period when Prince George was expanding rapidly due to forestry, rail, and industrial growth, which drove housing demand close to the city centre.

Van Bow housing is a mixed bag, which actually makes it interesting from a real-estate perspective. The homes are mostly 1950s–1970s single-family houses that are made up of rancher, bungalow, and split level style. The average house has 2-4 bedrooms on a modest lot and many have basement suites or secondary suites. There are also townhomes and small apartment buildings.

About 80% of properties are rentals and 20% owner-occupied, making it a strong area for investors. Because of this mix, Van Bow tends to attract investors, first-time buyers, students, and people wanting to live close to downtown. This is where Van Bow really shines. It’s one of the most walkable areas in Prince George for shopping. Right across the street you’ll find Parkwood Place Mall, which includes: Buy Low Foods, London Drugs, Second Cup, Cineplex movie theatre and more. Minutes away is the public library, more shopping, restaurants, the hospital, medical buildings and more.

It’s not flashy or brand-new, but it’s practical, convenient, and full of opportunity, especially for buyers who like value and investors who like steady rental demand.