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 11^th 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.11^th 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 14^th 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. 15^th 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.

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Since the completion of the Canada Line, South Cambie has flourished.  Home to City Hall and Vancouver General Hospital, and mere minutes from the downtown core, the neighbourhood has returned to the central location it once was.  Cambie Village now boasts practically any convenience you can think of, and the real estate surfacing in the area reflects this renaissance.

Who Lives There

The South Cambie population is primarily middle class, half of whom hold a degree and almost a quarter earning six figure salaries.  In addition, 49% of South Cambie residents own their home.  This is not to say that the area is particularly wealthy, however – the average household income is in between that of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.  In addition, 30% of residents are between the ages of 20 and 34, and their occupations span a broad spectrum, from social sciences, education, and government, to applied sciences, to the arts.  These statistics reflect the energetic, well-rounded young community.

Things to Do

Queen Elizabeth Park, at 33^rd and Cambie, boasts the most incredible views in the city.  Visit Seasons in the Park at the top of the hill to take advantage of this panorama while enjoying some fine cuisine.  Up here one can also visit the stunning Quarry Gardens and Bloedel Floral Conservatory.  There is also a lawn bowling green and a pitch ‘n’ putt course where one can also try disc golf.  The park is so beautiful, however, that walking through it can be an activity in itself. 

The Cambie Village is home to Whole Foods, Canadian Tire, Best Buy and Choices Market, among other conveniences.  Residents rarely need to leave the neighbourhood for everyday necessities.  Oakridge shopping centre on Cambie and 41^st is a short drive away, and can also be accessed by the Canada Line.   The Park Theatre plays great films, while Kino Flemenco Café and Tapas Bar on Cambie and 18^th offers food and dancing nightly, and is one of several small eateries in the area.  For other restaurants and nightlife, hit up Broadway or head to Yaletown or downtown – the Canada Line will get you there in one or two stops. 

Real Estate

Although it is one of the oldest settled areas of Vancouver, South Cambie is growing, and with the completion of several new developments, it has attracted another wave of professionals and young families who are looking to put down roots.  Detached houses in this area are beautiful, and properties such as The Olive epitomize urban living.  These condos have all the amenities of downtown real estate with the comforts of a neighbourhood just outside the city’s centre.  Housing prices range from upwards of $1million for detached homes to half that for apartments, which is about on par with standard Vancouver real estate.  While the Canada Line was under construction, South Cambie suffered, but upon its completion the area has been revamped and the South Cambie real estate market reflects this.

Schools and Safety

South Cambie is a pleasant, family-oriented community.  Edith Cavell Elementary serves South Cambie residents, and nearby high schools include Sir Charles Tupper Secondary (public) and St. Patrick Regional Secondary (private).  Langara College is conveniently located about 10 minutes away by car or the Canada Line, and buses to UBC or SFU can be easily caught from Broadway.

Transportation

Like its neighbour Yaletown, False Creek North was once primarily industrial, until the industry was moved out in preparation for Expo ’86.  As Yaletown rapidly developed, properties began to be constructed eastward, and at present the last available strip of land is being built up, which will continue the waterfront properties from Yaletown all the way to the Telus World of Science.  The International Village and Chinatown are also growing rapidly, creating a thriving, multicultural community in False Creek North.

Who Lives There

False Creek North incorporates an interesting mix of people.  The population spans a spectrum from a large expatriate community, most of who have lived in the area longer than Canadian-born residents, to recent residents inhabiting some of the newer properties in this changing neighbourhood.  Pin-pointing education level, annual income, and household size is difficult because the spectrum is so broad:  the waterfront along False Creek, the International Village, and Chinatown all have different demographics.  False Creek North is consolidating, however, and the years to come will create a strong, solid community.

Things to Do

The Telus World of Science, created for Expo ’86, can be a great stop on a rainy day for people of all ages.  Tinseltown movie theatre is situated in the International Village.  Chinatown is always a great place to view heritage buildings, hunt for bargains and sample Asian fare, and the Chinese night market – taking place every weekend during the summer – promises a fun experience whether you purchase anything or not. 

Rogers Arena (formerly GM Place) and the soon to be renovated BC place call this neighbourhood home, making concerts, hockey games, football games, and other major events easily accessible.

Chambar Restaurant on Beatty St. boasts one of the best menus in the city and has a fantastic atmosphere.  The Keefer Bar features “Apothecary Cocktails,” designed to soothe certain ailments and made with ingredients from the local Chinese market.  Asian tapas are also available here, served in a lounge space of sleek design.  Fortune Sound Club in Chinatown has the best sound system in the city, and one of the best atmospheres.  Closer to the water, visit the Plaza of Nations for concerts, shows, or a night out at Gossip Nightclub or the Edgewater Casino. 

The seawall can now be run, cycled, walked, or rollerbladed all the way to Spanish Banks in one direction and around Stanley Park or Canada Place in the other.  Cooper’s Park is an off-leash sanctuary for dogs, and Andy Livingstone Park is a large urban oasis with a skateboard park, playground, and tennis courts.  Dr. Sun-Sat Yen Classical Chinese Garden in Chinatown is a must to visit, even at night, when there are classical concerts during the summer and a lantern festival on the winter solstice.

Real Estate

Like the demographic, real estate in False Creek North spans a broad range.  Many of the buildings in Chinatown are heritage buildings, and there are also some run down properties in the area.  Some heritage buildings have been refurbished beautifully, however, and False Creek North is also home to some of the newest and most exciting Vancouver real estate.  False Creek North real estate prices reflect this disparity, but across the board real estate in this area is one of the best investments in Vancouver, as it has perhaps the most room for growth in all of downtown.

Along the waterfront, Concord Pacific has plans to fully develop the last remaining large parcel of land – and waterfront property – in downtown Vancouver by 2020.  The Tinseltown and Chinatown areas are also poised for expansion and improvement.  The Keefer Boutique Residence in Chinatown embodies the future of False Creek North.  From the bar downstairs to the penthouse, which includes a glass bottomed roof-top swimming pool, this innovative property – offering short or long-term stay in one of four luxurious suites – exemplifies the trend toward sophistication in the neighbourhood. 

Schools and Safety

At present, Lord Strathcona Elementary School is the only public school in the area, but Elsie Roy Elementary serves nearby Yaletown, and the nearest high school is Templeton Secondary. 

False Creek North is lately becoming more community oriented than it has been in the past, but is not the safest neighbourhood in Vancouver.  

Transportation

Once an industrial centre, Yaletown has developed into one of the city’s trendiest and most thriving communities.  Named after the gold rush town of Yale whose residents moved into that part of Vancouver once the Canadian Pacific Railway extended from their home to the city, Yaletown became run down by the late 20^th Century.  After Expo ’86, however, the potential for development in the area became clear, and it was purchased by a Honk Kong investor.  Almost a quarter-century later, one can easily see how that investment has paid off.  Hamilton and Mainland Streets have maintained their historical charm, with refurbished heritage buildings – most of which were once warehouses – converted into lofts, offices, restaurants and shops.  New properties have grown up around this central area, and Yaletown now consist of apartment buildings housing modern condos with fantastic views and amenities.

Who Lives There

The Yaletown population has grown considerably in the last decade, and consists primarily of young professionals in their late 20s to late 30s.  Although there are significantly fewer children in Yaletown than Metro Vancouver as a whole, many young families choose to stay in the area until the time comes to purchase a larger home.  Artists and sales and service people also populate the neighbourhood.  While Yaletown became renowned for multimedia offices during the dot com boom, it now houses a broader array of businesses and its population reflects this. 

Things to Do

Mainland, Hamilton and Homer Streets are replete with hair and nail salons, boutique clothing and gift stores, lifestyle and home furnishing stores, restaurants, and lounges.  Check out Blo Blow Dry Bar or Bombay Brows for some pampering, or Atomic Model for a selection of original clothing.  Fine Finds also features clothing and accessories by local and international designers, and a selection of gifts that rivals that of Beauty Mark down the street.  For vintage finds, stop by Retro Rock Vintage Clothing on Davie and Seymour, arguably one of the best vintage stores within the downtown area.  Urban Fare, Choices Market and Nester’s Market serve the community with a large variety of grocery options, from gourmet to organic to locally grown products.

Yaletown residents are known to keep fit, and Exhale Yoga Pilates Dance Studio at Cambie and Nelson offers a wide variety of classes.  Running, walking, cycling or rollerblading the seawall is another favourite local pastime, and it now runs all the way to Spanish Banks in one direction and Stanley Park and Canada Place in the other.  David Lam Park features free tennis courts and is one of several, including an off leash dog park.  The Roundhouse Community Centre offers activities and programs for all ages, and the Yaletown Marina provides moorage for boating enthusiasts.

Restaurants abound in this part of town.  Try Brix, Glowbal or Blue Water for fine dining, or Cactus Club or Rodney’s Oyster Bar for more casual fare.  Phat and Bojangles create great sandwiches, and Provence at the marina, although open all day, boasts some of the best brunch in Vancouver.  Yaletown’s most recent addition, 100 Days in the Opus Hotel, is a concept restaurant modeled after the pop-up restaurant trend that began in New York City, and combines art and food in one experience.  Bar None is open late for those wishing to check out the club scene.

Real Estate

Yaletown showcases some of the best properties Vancouver real estate has to offer.  The new developments promise elegant, modern design, fantastic amenities, and great views.  Yaletown condos are on average relatively small, however, and prices can be higher than most other Vancouver real estate of similar proportions.  Properties such as the Grace on Richards St. embody the style and sophistication of Yaletown real estate, boasting an indoor/outdoor pool, biometric fingerprint security, and suites featuring granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and limestone tile floors. 

Schools and Safety

Elsie Roy Elementary School has a beautiful location across from False Creek, next to David Lam Park.  Dorothy Lam Centre is also located here, and offers childcare and programs for children.   King George Secondary in the West End is the closest secondary school.  CSLI (Canadian as a Second Language Institute) has a campus on the corner of Cambie and Nelson, and the Vancouver English Centre is one block away on Smithe.

Yaletown is usually busy whatever the time of day, and the streets are well lit with many businesses open late.  The neighbourhood can be considered quite safe, but one should exercise caution along the unlit seawall after dark.

Transportation

Yaletown is easily accessible from any part of town.  The recent addition of the Canada Line facilitates commutes north to the downtown core (one stop) and Waterfront Station, or south to South Cambie, Oakridge, Richmond, and the Vancouver International Airport.  The Aquabus ferries have two stops in Yaletown, one at the Yaletown Marina and one at David Lam Park.  The Aquabus offers an efficient and stress-free way to travel around False Creek.

Point Grey, located between Kitsilano and UBC, boasts some of the most prestigious Vancouver real estate.  Bordered on the North side by the spectacular Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach, it is no surprise that this neighbourhood is one of the most sought after in Vancouver, British Columbia, and even Canada.  From the high vantage point many of the Point Grey homes provide, the view of the Pacific Ocean, North Shore Mountains, and downtown Vancouver are unparalleled.

Who Lives There

The average education level and income in Point Grey are much higher than those of Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.  Residents include professionals, University of British Columbia faculty, city dignitaries, and families.  Due to the area’s proximity to UBC, students also reside in the area, most in rental suites in detached houses or apartments in Point Grey Village.  Point Grey is an established, affluent and family oriented community.

Things to Do

Spanish Banks features the longest strip of sandy beach in Vancouver, where one can barbeque, cycle, skimboard, play volleyball, or simply enjoy the magnificent views.  Spanish Banks leads into Locarno Beach and then Jericho, both of which are just as inviting.  Jericho Park (next to Jericho Beach) is home to the Jericho Sailing Centre, Club Locarno, the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, the Jericho Tennis Club, and the West Point Grey Community Centre.  Members of and visitors to these establishments can dine, swim, kayak, sail, paddle board, wind surf, row, play tennis, badminton, and numerous other activities.  Point Grey offers a plethora of indoor and outdoor activities to suit any interest.  The annual Vancouver International Folk Festival is also held at Jericho Park.

Point Grey village on 10^th Avenue is home to shops, eateries and services.  Provence Restaurant offers fine Mediterranean cuisine, and The Cellar Jazz Club on Broadway and Alma is a good late night spot.  For more lounges and restaurants, one should venture further east along Broadway or 4^th Avenue.

Real Estate

Those in search of a stunning Vancouver home need look no further than Point Grey.  Those looking for waterfront property can expect housing prices in the millions, but will find large, established, detached houses with panoramic views.  Away from the water homes are primarily detached, and while prices still average seven figures for many of these, there are smaller homes and some condos that are more affordable.  Most Point Grey residents own their homes, as it is a great neighbourhood in which to settle down.

Schools and Safety

Elementary schools in the area include, Queen Mary, Jules Quesnel, Lord Kitchener, and Queen Elizabeth.  Lord Byng Secondary, Point Grey Secondary, West Point Grey Academy (Private, Pre-Kindergarten – 12) and West Point Grey School of Music are all in the neighbourhood as well.  Various pre-kindergarten schools are available, and the University of British Columbia borders Point Grey – walking distance from some residences.

Point Grey is one of the safest communities in Vancouver, but as most of the area is residential, residents should exercise the usual caution, especially at night when the streets are relatively deserted.  Some areas are patrolled by security, however, and in general Point Grey is a wonderful place for families.

Transportation

During the 1970s, Kitsilano, affectionately known to locals as “Kits,” was renowned as a thriving hippie destination.  The community has retained much of that down-to-earth mentality, and Kitsilano remains defined by beautiful beaches, organic markets, yoga studios, casual boutiques, and unique eateries. 

Who Lives There

On average, Kitsilano residents are between the ages of 20 and 34, and either single or common-law couples (37% are families).  The level of education here is higher than Vancouver and Metro Vancouver, with 87% of all residents possessing some form of post-secondary education.  Even though the majority of residents hold sales and service positions, more residents hold jobs requiring post-secondary education than in Metro Vancouver as a whole.  The average household income in Kitsilano is also slightly higher than that of Vancouver.  In general, Kitsilano caters to students, young couples and families who do not yet need to move further away from the city in order to purchase a larger home, but still enjoy the community feel of living in a friendly neighbourhood with countless conveniences at their fingertips.

Things to Do

Vancouver was recently counted among National Geographic’s top 10 beach cities in the world, and Kits Beach contributed to this honour.  In a central location with views of the city, North Shore Mountains, and fabulous sunsets over the Pacific, Kits Beach has something for everyone.  From volleyball courts to the Boathouse Restaurant to Kits pool, the longest outdoor pool in Canada, there is no shortage of things to do.

4^th Avenue boasts cafés such as Sophie’s Cosmic Café, Great restaurants such as Yuji’s (some of Vancouver’s best sushi), boutiques and board stores.  Organic markets and fresh bakeries also call 4^th avenue home, and check out Gravity Pope and Livestock for great selections on shoes. 

Local Public Eatery is located right across from Kits Beach, and up the street Karv offers similar fare with a casual vibe that invites you to stay all day.  The Taco Shack on Cornwall Ave. features some of the best, and most authentic, Tacos in the city.  DB Bistro Moderne on Broadway offers amazing brunch on the weekends, and Lumiere next door is one of Vancouver’s most popular fine dining restaurants.  Nightlife is limited to lounges such as Fiction, which features live DJs, and places such as Lola Cabaret, a club that is usually packed with students.  If you are not a student, it is best to take advantage of Kitsilano’s many restaurants and lounges, a lot of which are open late.

Real Estate

Most properties in kits are low-rise condo complexes and some detached houses.  Homes tend to be less modern and more spacious than in some of the more recently developed areas of Vancouver.  Real estate prices are slightly lower than the Vancouver average, but higher than that of Metro Vancouver.  Many residents rent, but buyers can expect terrific views, nearby amenities, and large suites.  Real Estate in Kitsilano can be a solid investment and a good jumping off point for first-time home buyers looking to purchase within the city.

Schools and Safety

There are several elementary schools in the area, including Bayview Elementary, Henry Hudson Elementary, Tennyson Elementary, and Gordon Elementary, and one public secondary school, Kitsilano Secondary.  Nearby private schools include, St. John’s (K-12), St. John’s International (8-12), and Fraser Academy (1-12, designed for children with learning disabilities).  The University of British Columbia is about 15 minutes by bus. 

Kitsilano is a fairly safe area, although residents should exercise the usual caution at night on beaches, in parks, and along poorly lit streets.  Residents are friendly and community-oriented, thus Kits remains one of the safer places to live in downtown Vancouver. 

Transportation