Fairview Neighbourhood Overview
All roads pass through Fairview. At least, all major roads into downtown Vancouver from the south: Fairview’s borders encompass the entrances to the Burrard Bridge in the west, the Cambie Bridge in the east, and the Granville Bridge in the heart of the neighbourhood.
For families or couples where one person works in downtown and another works anywhere south, Fairview is the ideal location. Access to downtown--by car, bus or bike--couldn’t be faster, and the main commuter roads to the south (Granville St. and Oak St.) are part of the neighbourhood, as are the east-west arterials of Broadway, 12th Avenue, and 16th Avenue. (Buses along Broadway will take you to UBC in about 20 minutes.)
Fairview is also home to two Canada Line stations: Olympic Village Station and Broadway - City Hall Station. The Canada Line is a rapid transit system connects downtown Vancouver to the Vancouver International Airport.
Fairview Boundaries
Fairview is situated just south of downtown and the Granville Bridge. Located between Burrard St. on the west and Cambie St. on the east, it’s bordered by False Creek to the north and 16th Avenue to the south.
What’s in a name? Fairview or South Granville or False Creek or…?
“Fairview” is the neighbourhood’s official name, the name used by the City of Vancouver, long term residents and real estate professionals. When you’re shopping for housing, Fairview is the name to use.
Fairview encompasses several small areas that have hyper-local names you may see on Craig’s List, MLS or other apartment/condo sites: Fairview Slopes (loosely defined as Broadway to 2nd Avenue), False Creek (on the water and near Granville Island), Burrard Slopes, and Fairview Heights.
Colloquially, you may hear Fairview referred to as South Granville. South Granville is the name of the shopping district (in Fairview) that runs along Granville St. from the Granville Bridge to 16th Avenue. It’s become so popular—and is being marketed so aggressively—that people sometimes refer to the entire neighbourhood as South Granville.
Fairview People
Offering a spectrum of housing options--from high-end "prestige" condos (mostly along False Creek) to modest, working-class apartments--Fairview attracts a diverse range of people from all walks of life.
Urban professionals and students are the largest demographic, with 42% of residents between 20 - 39 years old. Young families and seniors are also common, though, as in Yaletown and other apartment-heavy neighbourhoods, larger nuclear families--families with more than one child--are scarce.
Fairview Apartments and Real Estate
There are some multi-unit Victorians and a small number of duplexes, but apartments and condominiums are by far the most common housing options in Fairview. Newer 10-story+ condos and some taller apartment complexes dot the landscape, but most housing is a remnant of pre-1970s zoning that only allowed three-story buildings.
Like any area near downtown, Fairview’s housing prices and rents have been rising steadily in the last few years, though buying in Fairview is still less expensive than in areas farther west.
- To Rent: Bachelor Suite/1-Bedroom, $900-$2,000+. 2-Bedroom $1,800-$2,500+. Larger than 2-Bedroom, $2,500-$3,000+.
- To Buy: Bachelor Suite/1-Bedroom, $259,000-$700,000+. 2-Bedroom, $359,000- $1M. Larger than 2-Bedroom, $529,000-$1.7M+.
Fairview Restaurants and Shopping
Some of Vancouver’s best, most-acclaimed restaurants make their home in Fairview. For fine-dining, there is West, four-time winner of Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant of the Year Award, and the beloved Vij’s, proclaimed “among the finest Indian restaurants in the world,” by The New York Times. On Broadway, there is the ever-popular Cactus Club, the Southern-style BBQ Memphis Blues, and the Malaysian Banana Leaf. On Granville St., there’s the sushi-and-Korean Shabusen and the Pan Asian Red Door.
One of Vancouver's best urban shopping streets bisects Fairview: South Granville is famous for its “gallery row” of art galleries, its antique and modern furniture stores, and its bevy of home décor shops. South Granville also has a beguiling mix of high-end and low(er)-end fashion, perfect for any budget.
Fairvew Parks
Parks are scattered throughout Fairview, making it easy to find a spot to walk the dog, a place to play tennis or soccer, or a playground for the kids.
If you love city views, Charleson Park is a must-see. The view of downtown, especially at night with the sparkling city lights, is immediate and breathtaking.
Complete list of Fairview Neighbourhood Parks
Fairview Landmarks
Fairview’s most famous landmark is one of Vancouver’s top attractions: Granville Island. Once an industrial area, today’s Granville Island attracts 10 million visitors a year. Packed with shops, restaurants and gorgeous views, the island is home to the great Granville Island Public Market and the Arts Clubs Granville Island Stage, music and theatre festivals, Canada Day celebrations, and cultural events.
Fairview’s South Granville is home to the landmark Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage, the main stage for the renowned Arts Club Theatre Company, one of city's best live-theatre venues and a city heritage site.
Fairview Demographics
- Population: 29,295
- Average Household Income: $52, 458
- Average Household Size: 1.6
Fairview Schools
L'Ecole Bilingue Elementary School
Madrona School Society- Private
St. John's School - Private
Blessed Sacrament School - Private
