What to Expect Moving to The Crescents in Prince George BC: Housing, Schools & Community Vibe

If you’re thinking of moving to Prince George and have heard of The Crescents, you’re not alone. It’s one of the city’s most iconic, centrally located, and sought-after neighborhoods.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what living in The Crescents actually looks like—from housing types and heritage appeal to school catchments, local traffic, and whether it’s truly a fit for your family or lifestyle.

1. The Vibe: Historic Charm Meets Professional Community

• The Crescents was first developed in 1913 and still carries that old-world, small-town charm—but in the middle of the city.
  
  
• Think big front porches, mature trees, and unique early 20th-century architecture. You won’t find a “cookie cutter” subdivision here.
  
  
• The community is made up of:
  
  
• Healthcare workers (due to proximity to UHNBC)
  
  
• Retirees who’ve lived here for decades
  
  
• Young families moving in for the schools and parks
  
  

Local insight: 74% of residents actively support heritage preservation, so this neighborhood will keep its character for years to come.

Deep Dive

If you’re drawn to neighborhoods with real character—where every home tells a story and the streets feel like a time capsule—you’ll love the vibe in The Crescents. Originally developed in 1913, this area is one of Prince George’s most established residential pockets. It’s known for its rich heritage architecture, with homes that reflect early 20th-century building styles like Dutch Colonial and Prairie-style designs. You won’t find a row of cookie-cutter builds here. Many of the homes were constructed using magazine-clipped plans back in the day, which has created a diverse and highly individualized streetscape. This architectural uniqueness is a major draw for both homeowners and investors who appreciate the value of timeless design.

What really sets The Crescents apart is how much the community itself values that heritage. More than 74% of residents support official heritage preservation measures, and the city has included several properties on the official Prince George Heritage Register. There’s a strong sense of pride in maintaining not just the look, but the identity of the neighborhood. It’s one of those rare places where community character isn’t just respected—it’s actively protected.

The people who live here reflect that same mix of history and purpose. The Crescents is home to a well-established, professional demographic. You’ll find healthcare workers from the University Hospital of Northern BC, university faculty, and a growing number of young families choosing the area for its walkability, schools, and parks. It’s also a neighborhood with deep roots—many retirees and long-time residents have called The Crescents home for decades. This creates a stable, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a close-knit village than a central city neighborhood.

It’s also worth mentioning that many of the homes come with built-in potential. Legal basement suites and duplex-style layouts are fairly common, making them ideal for multi-generational living or generating rental income. Whether you’re a working professional, a downsizing retiree, or an investor looking for a character home near key institutions, The Crescents offers versatility along with charm.

There’s a certain pace to life here that’s hard to find in newer neighborhoods. People wave from their porches, kids bike to school, and it’s not uncommon to see longtime neighbors catching up over the fence. It’s quiet without being sleepy, central without being chaotic, and charming without being pretentious. If you’re relocating from a bigger city and want to land somewhere that feels grounded, welcoming, and authentically local, The Crescents offers exactly that—a lifestyle with soul, not just square footage.

2. Location: Why It’s One of the Most Walkable Spots in Prince George

• The Crescents is minutes from downtown—like, actual walkable minutes.
  
  
• You can walk to:
  
  
• École Duchess Park Secondary (Grades 8–12, French Immersion)
  
  
• Harwin Elementry (K–7)
  
• University Hospital of Northern BC
  
  
• The Farmers’ Market, coffee shops, parks, dog parks, and more
  
  

Planning bonus: The City has prioritized traffic calming, bike routes, and pedestrian safety in this area, making it especially appealing for families and seniors.

Deep Dive

What truly sets The Crescents apart from other Prince George neighborhoods is its unbeatable centrality. You’re minutes from downtown, steps from major institutions, and surrounded by the kind of amenities most people have to drive for. This is one of the few genuinely walkable pockets in the city—where you can live your daily life on foot or by bike without sacrificing convenience or safety.

For families, Harwin Elementary School is the local public school catchment. It's easily walkable from most parts of The Crescents, making morning drop-offs and after-school pickups a breeze. This is a huge bonus for working parents or anyone who wants to raise kids in a community where schools are truly embedded in the neighborhood. On the faith-based side, St. Mary’s Parish is just a few blocks away. It’s a well-known local Catholic church and school offering another walkable educational option for those seeking religious instruction or connection to a parish community.

The neighborhood’s layout is built for ease of movement. Whether you're grabbing a coffee, heading to a doctor’s appointment, or visiting the Farmers’ Market on a Saturday morning, everything is just a few blocks away. Commuters working at the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) especially benefit from this walkability—many simply stroll to work from home. You’re also close to the downtown strip, where you’ll find local restaurants, shops, parks, and community events that give Prince George its personality.

Beyond day-to-day convenience, The City of Prince George has committed major capital improvements to make The Crescents even more accessible. Dedicated bike lanes, pedestrian infrastructure, crosswalk safety upgrades, and proposed stairway projects are all part of a long-term plan to make the area more connected and family-safe. Routes like 9th and 10th Avenues have been integrated into the city’s official bikeway system, giving cyclists safer passage through the neighborhood and downtown.

As with any central location, there are trade-offs. Traffic during peak hours—especially around hospital shift changes—can cause congestion, and on-street parking is a known challenge in certain areas. However, the city has made traffic calming a priority, implementing solutions like vertical deflections, narrowed roads, and revised intersection designs to keep things moving safely and efficiently.

Bottom line: if you’re looking for a neighborhood that lets you live, work, and raise a family without being car-dependent, The Crescents stands out as one of the best-located and most walkable communities in all of Prince George.

3. Is It Family-Friendly? 100%.

Here’s why The Crescents works well for families:

• Access to top-rated schools and French immersion
  
  
• Walking distance to playgrounds, bike parks, dog parks
  
  
• A tight-knit, long-established community where neighbors still say hello
  
  
• Safe streets, and a lower property crime rate than many nearby areas
  
  

This is a “know your neighbour” type of place. For families relocating from larger cities, it offers peace of mind and a grounded lifestyle.

Deep Dive

If you’re relocating to Prince George and wondering whether The Crescents is a good place to raise a family, the answer is a resounding yes. This neighborhood has built its reputation on being one of the most family-compatible areas in the city—and not just because of proximity to schools or parks. There’s a deep sense of community here. It’s the kind of place where your kids can ride bikes on the sidewalk, where neighbours know each other by name, and where families stay for the long haul.

Let’s start with schools. As mentioned earlier, Harwin Elementary School is within walking distance for most residents, which makes daily routines easier for parents and creates that strong neighborhood-school connection that many families look for. If you’re seeking a faith-based education, St. Mary’s Parish also offers a walkable option for Catholic families. For older students, École Duchess Park Secondary, just across from the neighborhood’s edge, offers French Immersion and is one of the more academically focused high schools in the city.

Beyond the school system, the neighborhood is surrounded by kid-friendly amenities. Duchess Park is a huge draw for families—it’s got everything from a large playground and bike park to open green space and a nearby dog park. You’ll also find Watrous Park, which is quieter and often used by seniors and families alike for casual walks, lawn bowling, or just relaxing on a sunny day. Whether it’s after-school playtime or weekend hangouts, there’s no shortage of outdoor spaces to burn off energy.

Safety is another big factor. Compared to other central neighborhoods, The Crescents boasts lower-than-average property crime—only 19 incidents over a recent 72-day period, which is significantly lower than areas like Downtown or the West Bowl. Plus, the city has introduced and proposed multiple pedestrian improvements, like crosswalk lights near parks and traffic calming strategies, to make it safer for kids and families walking or biking around the area.

What really sets The Crescents apart is the balance between independence and community support. It’s close enough to downtown that teenagers can walk to local cafés or the library, yet quiet enough that parents feel comfortable giving their kids more freedom. Families often stick around for years—or even generations—because the neighborhood just works. It’s familiar. It’s friendly. And it feels like home.

So, if you’re looking for more than just a house—for a lifestyle that’s rooted in community, walkability, and access to everyday essentials—The Crescents absolutely delivers for families of all kinds.

4. The Housing Mix: Old Bones, New Potential

What you’ll find:

• Heritage homes with serious character (many over 2,000 sq ft)
  
  
• A growing number of duplexes and suites (great for multigenerational living or income potential)
  
  
• Dedicated seniors’ housing (like Alward Place)
  
  
• Median list price as of September 2025: $460,500
  (That’s above average for Prince George—but well worth it for the location.)
  
  

Many of the older homes come with suites or unfinished basements, offering future value-adds for investors or extended families.

Deep Dive

If you’re the kind of buyer who appreciates homes with character and soul—or an investor looking for flexibility and value—The Crescents offers one of the most unique housing landscapes in Prince George. This is not your standard subdivision. The neighborhood is known for its collection of early 20th-century heritage homes, each with its own personality and story. These homes often feature original architectural details, large covered porches, hardwood floors, and layouts that you just don’t see in new builds. While some properties may need cosmetic updates or modernized systems, the structural integrity and long-term value of these homes are strong—especially when paired with their unbeatable location.

The median list price as of September 2025 is $460,500, which is slightly above the city’s average—but you’re not just buying square footage here. You’re investing in centrality, history, and long-term market stability. The average home size in the area sits around 2,242 square feet, giving you more room than typical city properties, and often including bonus features like legal basement suites or attic lofts. That added space can be used for multigenerational living, as a mortgage helper, or even converted into a rental suite if you’re looking to offset your monthly costs.

Another strong benefit is diversity in housing types. While the neighborhood is anchored by single-family heritage homes, you’ll also find newer infill properties, duplexes, and purpose-built multifamily units designed to meet the needs of healthcare professionals and seniors alike. This diversity makes the area appealing to a wide variety of buyers—from first-time homeowners to downsizers, to those relocating for work who need flexible housing options near the hospital or downtown core.

If you’re an investor, The Crescents has very real upside potential. Updated character homes with basement suites or separate entrances rent well to hospital staff, students, and professionals, especially given the area’s walkability. Demand remains strong due to the neighborhood’s proximity to the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) and downtown employment centers, which adds a layer of built-in stability that you won’t find in more speculative areas of the city.

That said, it’s worth noting that because many homes here are older, some may require renovation or modernization—particularly when it comes to electrical, insulation, or plumbing systems. But the upside is clear: buyers who are willing to invest in updates often see a significant return, both financially and in terms of lifestyle. Plus, the City of Prince George and local planning departments have expressed strong support for preserving the historic nature of the neighborhood, meaning you can invest with confidence knowing that The Crescents will maintain its unique charm well into the future.

In short, the housing stock in The Crescents is anything but generic. Whether you're a growing family looking for space and community, a downsizer seeking walkability and charm, or an investor with a long-term lens—this neighborhood offers a rare blend of location, architecture, and flexibility that stands the test of time.

5. Things to Be Aware Of (That You Might Not Hear Elsewhere)

• Parking can be tight. This is an older neighborhood, and streets get full, especially near schools and hospitals.
  
  
• Traffic is heavier than other residential areas due to centrality—but the City is actively investing in calming measures.
  
  
• Some properties may need updates, but these homes are built solid and hold their value exceptionally well.

Deep Dive

No neighborhood is perfect—and while The Crescents has a ton going for it, it’s important to have a clear understanding of a few key realities before you buy here. As a local realtor who works in this market day in and day out, I believe transparency is everything. So let’s talk about a few things you might not see in the brochures or highlight reels.

First up: parking and traffic. Because The Crescents is a central, heritage-rich neighborhood, many of the homes were built before cars were a big consideration. That means you’ll find narrower streets, smaller driveways, and limited on-street parking. If you live close to UHNBC or near École Duchess Park Secondary, you’ll definitely notice heavier traffic at peak hours—especially during hospital shift changes or school pick-up and drop-off windows. It's not chaotic, but it’s consistent enough that you’ll want to factor it in if you’re someone who values a super quiet, low-traffic lifestyle.

The City of Prince George is taking this seriously, though. Multiple traffic calming strategies are already underway or in planning stages—think speed humps, signage, narrowed roadways, and new pedestrian crossings. These aren’t just theoretical fixes; they’re part of a broader municipal plan to enhance safety and slow down through-traffic across the neighborhood. So while the problem exists, it's actively being addressed.

Next, let’s talk about the age of the homes. One of the things that makes The Crescents so charming—its century-old homes—can also be a point of caution. Many properties were built in the early to mid-1900s, which means some will require updating, particularly behind the walls. You might run into knob-and-tube wiring, older plumbing, or insulation that no longer meets today’s standards. Some homes have already been updated, but others may be in need of more than just cosmetic touch-ups. If you’re not afraid of a little renovation or you’re working with a solid contractor, these can be incredible opportunities to build equity and personalize your space. But buyers should go in with eyes open and budget for a proper inspection—and possibly some upgrades.

Another thing that sometimes comes up is zoning and development control. Because the neighborhood borders institutional land (like the hospital and schools), and has heritage value to protect, there are firm restrictions on what types of new development can occur. This is actually a good thing for homeowners who value consistency and stability in the area, but it can create challenges if you're hoping to do a major addition, laneway home, or large-scale redevelopment. You’ll need to work closely with the city and follow clear planning guidelines. For most homeowners, that’s just part of the deal when you’re buying in a legacy neighborhood.

And finally, while The Crescents enjoys a lower-than-average crime rate, there’s still a normal mix of property-related issues like petty theft or occasional graffiti—nothing out of the ordinary for a central neighborhood, but worth mentioning. The community is proactive, and residents care deeply about the neighborhood’s appearance and safety. In fact, one of the top concerns reported in local surveys wasn’t crime—it was maintaining aesthetic standards and preventing homes from falling into disrepair. That says a lot about the pride people take in living here.

In short, The Crescents is a special place—but it’s not without its quirks. If you’re someone who values walkability, heritage charm, and long-term livability—and you're okay with a few logistical trade-offs—it’s a neighborhood that will reward you tenfold.

6. Final Word: Is The Crescents Right for You?

Choose The Crescents if you’re:

✅ Looking for a walkable lifestyle
✅ Prioritizing school access and safety
✅ Seeking a strong sense of community
✅ Drawn to heritage architecture and long-term value
✅ A healthcare worker or professional who wants to be near UHNBC

Not ideal if you're looking for brand-new builds, big yards, or low-density suburban quiet—though there are some quieter pockets throughout.

This is a liveable, lovable neighborhood with real soul.

Deep Dive

One of the most underrated strengths of The Crescents is how well it’s positioned for the future. While some neighborhoods in Prince George are still figuring out their identity—bouncing between rezoning plans, infill debates, and inconsistent development—The Crescents is clear about what it is, and more importantly, what it wants to remain: a heritage-rich, walkable, community-first neighborhood that evolves thoughtfully without losing its soul.

City planners and residents alike have taken a careful, preservation-forward approach to growth here. You won’t see rows of townhomes suddenly replacing character homes, or big-box development creeping in. What you will find are intentional, small-scale additions that support the community’s changing needs—like senior living residences, legal secondary suites, and purpose-built rental properties designed for healthcare professionals and retirees. These developments are carefully vetted to align with the neighborhood’s charm, scale, and demographic makeup. In other words, growth is happening—but it’s smart, not sprawling.

A great example of this is the city’s recent push to improve active transportation infrastructure across The Crescents. Investments in bike routes, enhanced pedestrian walkways, better lighting, and safe crossings are all part of a forward-looking plan that prioritizes people over vehicles. This not only adds to the neighborhood’s livability, but future-proofs it for evolving buyer demands—particularly among younger families and professionals who increasingly want neighborhoods where they can walk or cycle to work, school, or amenities.

The housing stock itself is also part of that future-ready appeal. Many of the homes in The Crescents come with flexible configurations—think legal suites, spacious unfinished basements, or layouts that easily accommodate home offices, in-law spaces, or income-generating rentals. In today’s market, that versatility is gold. Whether you’re planning for aging parents, growing kids, or rising interest rates, these homes give you options that new subdivisions often don’t.

And let’s not overlook stability. The Crescents has one of the lowest turnover rates in the city. People buy here and stay—because once you’re in, there’s not much reason to leave. That kind of consistency isn’t just comforting—it’s a sign of long-term demand, which makes this neighborhood a strong performer from an investment standpoint, even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon. Homes here tend to hold value well, and with ongoing civic investment in infrastructure and planning, that trend is likely to continue.

Even from a policy standpoint, The Crescents is set up to succeed. With continued support for mixed-use zoning (within reason), heritage tax incentives, and ongoing consultation between the City and neighborhood associations, it’s one of the few areas in Prince George where future development is actually designed to enhance what’s already great—not replace it.

So, if you’re looking to plant roots in a neighborhood where you know your investment will be protected, your lifestyle will be supported, and your surroundings won’t change overnight, The Crescents offers rare peace of mind. It’s not just a great place to live today—it’s built to be just as livable ten, twenty, or thirty years from now.

Want help finding a home in The Crescents or relocating to Prince George?
Let’s chat. I’ll walk you through the best options, school catchments, hidden-gem homes, and how to make the process stress-free from day one.