Garibaldi Highlands is one of Squamish's best-known established residential neighbourhoods. Characterized largely by detached homes, generous lots, mature landscaping and winding streets, the Highlands has a distinctly residential feel while keeping the outdoors incredibly close. Official community information notes its predominance of single-family homes on larger lots and easy access to parks and mountain-bike trails. Invest Squamish

Homes range from original properties to extensively renovated residences and substantial luxury homes. Garibaldi Highlands Elementary serves the neighbourhood, while shopping and restaurants in Garibaldi Estates are just down the hill. Invest Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

If you're looking for an established Squamish neighbourhood where the streets, lots and homes don't all feel the same, the Highlands should absolutely be on your list. There can be significant differences from one street to another — that's where local knowledge really matters.

At the north end of Squamish, Brackendale combines a relaxed, slightly more rural feeling with convenient access to the rest of town.

The Squamish River runs alongside the community, and Brackendale is home to the well-known Eagle Run viewing area. Housing is varied, with established and newer detached homes, duplexes and townhome communities. Brackendale Elementary and Don Ross Middle School are also located in this part of Squamish. Invest Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

Brackendale has a personality all its own. Buyers are often drawn here when they want a little more breathing room, an established community and easy access to the river and outdoors.

Located at the south end of Squamish, Valleycliffe sits beneath some of the area's most dramatic mountain scenery, near the Stawamus River and the Chief.

It's an established community with access to parks, trails, hiking and climbing, and its south-Squamish location is particularly convenient for people regularly travelling toward Vancouver. Valleycliffe Elementary is located in the neighbourhood, along with local services and shops. Invest Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

Valleycliffe can offer a really interesting mix of established homes, renovated properties and newer housing. And waking up underneath the Chief is something that's hard to duplicate anywhere else.

For buyers who want to be closer to cafés, restaurants, shops and services, Downtown offers a very different lifestyle from Squamish's more traditional residential neighbourhoods.

Cleveland Avenue forms the commercial heart of Downtown, while continued residential development has brought a growing selection of condos and townhomes to the area. The waterfront and estuary also put nature surprisingly close to an urban neighbourhood. Invest Squamish

The District notes that the Estuary Trails can be accessed from Vancouver Street and Second Avenue and offer views toward the Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls. District of Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

If being able to walk out your door for coffee, dinner or errands matters to you, Downtown deserves a serious look. It's also one of the areas where Squamish's evolution is especially visible.

Sitting below Garibaldi Highlands, Garibaldi Estates offers a mix of residential streets, condos, townhomes and nearby commercial amenities.

Its central location makes everyday life particularly convenient, with shopping and restaurants close by and access to other parts of Squamish in either direction. Official neighbourhood information describes the Estates as a mix of established residential neighbourhoods, townhouse and condo developments and commercial businesses. Invest Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

I often suggest buyers look here when convenience is high on their wish list. There's a wide variety of housing, so it's an area worth exploring even if you're not completely sure what type of home you want yet.

Northyards has evolved significantly, with townhome development adding newer housing choices to this centrally located part of Squamish.

It's close to the Business Park and Brennan Park Recreation Centre, and its location makes it easy to connect with other parts of town. Invest Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

Northyards can be a great option for buyers who like newer townhome living but don't necessarily want to be Downtown. Its central location is one of its biggest advantages.

Located above the valley alongside Garibaldi Highlands, University Heights offers a newer style of Squamish living.

Its elevated setting is one of the big attractions, with official neighbourhood information highlighting views across the ocean, mountains and valley floor. Invest Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

For buyers looking for newer construction, contemporary homes and views, this is an area I would make sure you see in person. Photos don't always communicate just how impressive the setting can be.

Hospital Hill is a smaller residential area overlooking Highway 99 and Downtown Squamish.

The neighbourhood contains a range of home sizes and offers excellent access to Smoke Bluffs, an area well known for hiking and climbing. Invest Squamish

JILL'S LOCAL TAKE

Hospital Hill is easy to overlook if you don't know Squamish well. That's exactly why I'd include it in this guide — there are some unique properties and locations here that buyers may not discover from a basic MLS search.