Fairview encompasses South Granville and False Creek South. This well-established neighbourhood features beautiful town homes, stunning views, award-winning restaurants, and high-end boutiques. Fairview is one of Vancouver’s oldest-settled neighbourhoods, and while residential areas are quiet, the main streets remain lively, thus it appeals to various demographics. Fairview provides a feeling of security and community in a neighbourhood that seems further away from downtown Vancouver than it is.
Who Lives There
Residents of this affluent neighbourhood are mostly employed in education, health, natural and applied sciences, law and business. The higher than average annual household income reflects this demographic. The population is young relative to neighbouring Shaughnessey and nearby Point Grey, however, and although the community is family oriented, household sizes are smaller than average.
Things to Do
The Stanley Theatre, South Granville’s self-proclaimed “beating heart” reopened in 1997 and was an indication of the return of a prospering neighbourhood. Shows now play here year round.
South Granville is home to some of the finest stores and boutiques in Vancouver. Restoration Hardware is among several high-end home furnishing stores in the Granville and Broadway area, and below Broadway there are numerous art galleries. Boboli on Granville and 11th features clothing and accessories from top designers the world over, and is one of several good clothing stores in the neighbourhood.
Restaurants abound in Fairview. Broadway between Cambie St. and Burrard St. is comprised of primarily ethnic fare, chain restaurants, and sports bars. For finer dining there is no shortage of high end restaurants in Fairview. Monk McQueens boasts a gorgeous location on the water in False Creek South, and delicious seafood. Vij’s on W.11th at Granville fuses authentic Indian cuisine with West Coast ingredients, and is some of the most renowned in Canada. Next door Vij’s Rangoli serves lunch and prepared meals to take home. Meinhardt’s on Granville and 14th is one of the city’s premier gourmet markets. Café Barney across the street serves incredible brunch, and is a good late night spot as well. The Granville Bridge provides easy access to Vancouver’s entertainment district.
Granville Island remains one of Vancouver’s most popular tourist destinations. Here, one can shop at the market for fresh, local food, visit the Kid’s Market, tour the Granville Island brewery, or take advantage of the many local artisans showcasing their wares. Restaurants such as Bridges and The Sandbar always have a great atmosphere and food to match (Bridges leans towards more pub fare). The Arts Club Theatre plays live theatre throughout the year, and the Arts Club Lounge features live music or comedy nightly, making it a great pre or post-dinner spot. Granville Island hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the annual Pancake Breakfast on Canada Day.
There are a few marinas along False Creek South where moorage is available, and the seawall now runs all the way past Science World to Stanley Park or Canada Place. Charleson Park along the seawall is gorgeous, and has a children’s centre. The False Creek Community Centre next to Granville Island has tennis courts and offers various programs and activities for people of all ages. The Vancouver Lawn Tennis & Badminton Club is located at Granville Park on W. 15th and Fir St.
Real Estate
Fairview real estate prices are slightly above the Vancouver average, although they have been increasing at a slower rate than the rest of Vancouver. This could be attributed to the low number of new developments in the area. Portico at South Granville was completed in the last decade, but is no longer as sought-after a 
residence as it once was, as there are newer properties in other areas of town. The Olympic Village is sleek and modern, and has completed that area of False Creek nicely. Controversy still surrounds the ownership of the Olympic Village properties, however; they are currently owned by the city and have been slated for purchase by non-profit companies for low-income housing. This proposal makes the most sense, yet purchasers are encountering a lot of red tape. Although some Fairview residences are older, most are spacious with great views of the city.
Schools and Safety
Fairview is a safe neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. Lord Tennyson Elementary and L’Ecole Bilingue Elementary serve the area, along with Prince of Wales Secondary School. There are also several private schools nearby, including St. George’s (boarding school for boys, grades 1-12), York House (day school for girls, grades 1-12) and Little Flower Academy (Catholic high school for girls). The renowned Emily Carr University of Art & Design is located on Granville Island.
Transportation
Granville and Broadway is a junction for many bus routes, and from here one can head downtown easily, or catch the 99 B-Line headed east or west. This express bus connects easily to the Canada Line on Cambie St. Traffic can get congested near the Broadway and Granville intersection, but otherwise drivers do not have much to worry about. Meter parking is available along Granville St. and Broadway, and there is ample parking in residential areas, most of it permit or two-hour. The Aquabus and False Creek Ferries ferry passengers around False Creek, and stop at Granville Island, Stamps Landing, and Spyglass Place. Walking around Fairview is pleasant, especially on South Granville and Granville Island, and a cycle lane is in place along W. 7th Ave.
For information on Vancouver real estate listings, please contact experienced Vancouver realtor Jules Seaman.
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