Metrotown vs Brentwood: Two Burnaby Neighbourhoods, Two Distinct Lifestyles


Exploring Burnaby’s most talked-about communities through a local lens

Burnaby is evolving fast — and nowhere is that more visible than in Metrotown and Brentwood. Both are SkyTrain-connected and full of energy, yet they offer two very different lifestyles.

If you’ve been exploring where to live — or simply love seeing how Burnaby’s communities grow — here’s a look at what makes each area unique.

Metrotown: The Heartbeat of Burnaby

Metrotown is where convenience meets constant motion. You can grab a latte, hop on the SkyTrain, and find almost any restaurant, shop, or service within a few blocks.

It’s Burnaby’s unofficial downtown — lively, practical, and wonderfully diverse. Families stroll through Central Park, students head to BCIT or SFU, and professionals squeeze in errands before their commute home.

The vibe: energetic and efficient — a city within a city.

Why people love it: everything you need is close, walkable, and easy.

🌿 Brentwood: Modern and Community-Minded

A few SkyTrain stops away, Brentwood moves at a different rhythm — sleek towers, wide walkways, and curated dining around The Amazing Brentwood and Concord Brentwood.

Having raised my family here for over two decades, I’ve watched my children grow up — from their early school days at Brentwood Park Elementary to university — a reminder of how both our family and this neighbourhood have evolved together.

Brentwood feels designed for balance: cafés and gyms downstairs, SkyTrain next door, and new plazas that bring people together. It attracts those who appreciate modern comfort, design, and a sense of belonging.

The vibe: polished, urban, and forward-looking.


🏙️ Two Neighbourhoods, Two Rhythms

Both communities are vibrant and connected — yet they move differently.

Metrotown: fast-paced, practical, always in motion.

Brentwood: modern, structured, and steadily growing.

Metrotown suits those who thrive on activity and convenience.
Brentwood suits those who prefer fresh spaces and a sense of community momentum.

Neither is better — just different ways to live the Burnaby lifestyle.

🤍 The Bottom Line

Metrotown and Brentwood together tell Burnaby’s story of change.
Metrotown brings energy and access; Brentwood brings design and direction.

Whether you’re exploring future possibilities or simply curious about how Burnaby continues to grow, both neighbourhoods are worth a walk-through. You’ll feel the difference right away.