Fairview, BC
Guide de location
Everything looks better in Fairview
About
Literally named for its views, Fairview is still some of the best spots to watch the sunrise or the sunset in Vancouver. The area is considered strikingly beautiful, mostly because of its views of False Creek, and the backdrop of the mountains. But Fairview isn’t all beauty and no substance! It’s highly livable with reasonably priced housing options, plenty to look at, lots of amenities, and easy access to all parts of the city, including downtown. Fairview stretches from Cambie Street to Burrard, and from W 16th Ave to False Creek.
Rental Options
The Market
Avg. rent by housing size
Bach/studio: $N/A
1-bedroom: $2,174
2-bedroom: $2,850
3-bedroom: $4,833
Avg. rent compared to other Canadian cities
Fairview is 34% higher than the Canadian average
Fairview Rental Market: The housing market in Fairview is kind of like Goldilocks: There’s not much that’s too big or too small. Fairview apartments for rent aren’t especially affordable, but rents aren’t sky-high either. You can find a good variety of housing options, including townhouses, low-rise apartments, and chic new condos, but no single type of rental stands out. But just like Goldilocks, you can find a unit that fits you just right.
Apartment Hunting in Fairview: The trick to finding Fairview apartments for rent is knowing what you want. Looking for one-bedrooms and two-bedrooms with lots of amenities? Check out the latest condo buildings. Want more of a family home or a three-bedroom or larger? Go for a townhouse. Prioritizing cheap rent or affordable housing? The low-rises are your best bet. If you know what you want, and you have a decent budget, you’ll be able to find the right home for you in Fairview.
Typical housing type: A mix of townhouses, low-rises, and brand new condos.
Life & Style
Fairview hosts some of the top restaurants in town, a ton of galleries, and a lot of expensive purchases vying for your attention. But for locals, life is a little more down-to-earth. When not dedicating themselves to their work, which they take very seriously, they enjoy walking the seawall, shopping at the Granville Island market, or heading downtown for a show.
Neighbourhood
The biggest landmark in Fairview has to be Granville Island with its art studios, market, and water park. In the main part of the neighbourhood, there are several SkyTrain stations, as well as main thoroughfares like Highway 99 (Granville Street). For green space, head to Charleson Park along the seawall. There are a lot of cool food options, including the super geeky Storm Crow Alehouse in the western part of the neighbourhood. Close-by are many stores and restaurants dotted along Granville Street, Cambie, Broadway and W 6th Ave. On the east side, the big anchor is Vancouver General Hospital and City Hall. Along Cambie Street, you’ll find the big box stores, as well as grocery and drug stores.
Who lives here: Fairview’s residents are on the older side. There are a number of families, but most have little ones or kids who are already out of the house. That’s because, while the neighbourhood isn’t outrageously expensive when it comes to rentals, it’s still pretty affluent. A lot of locals work at one of the many near-by medical centres or have families with members needing to commute to different parts of the city. While individual incomes here are middle to upper-middle class, there’s a lot of money being splashed around in restaurants, galleries, and on Granville Island. That gives the feeling of wealth in the area. What does that mean for you? Well, even if you think you could never afford Fairview, take a look. You may find that the neighbourhood is more middle class than super rich.
Perfect for: Empty nesters and seniors with solid incomes.
Not-so-perfect for: Families with kids who need ample space to roam.
Land Mark
Granville Island
Granville Island Public Market
False Creek seawall
Mahoney & Sons
Arts Clubs Granville Island Stage
Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage
Ocean Concrete silos
Marion Scott Gallery
Douglas Reynolds Gallery
Lattimer Gallery
Fun Fact
Because of all the tourists who come to Fairview – specifically Granville Island and the seawall – it can get packed, especially in the summer. Driving here can be a chore, as the main arteries are often gridlocked and the side streets include dead-ends and single-lane traffic.