Often associated with its neighbour to the south, Collingwood (a.k.a. Refrew Heights), Renfrew is a family-oriented community in East Vancouver immediately adjacent to the City of Burnaby.
Renfrew neighbourhood sprang up in the early 20th century, after a bus system and Canada's first electric streetcar line -- connecting Downtown Vancouver and New Westminster -- routed through the area.
In the mid-1980s, a new SkyTrain rapid-transit route spurred massive developments in Renfrew. Families from a variety of ethnic backgrounds moved into Renfrew's houses, townhouses and apartment complexes, helping to shape the multicultural community of today.
Renfrew real estate includes a variety of housing options. Many of Renfrew's homes average around the $730,000 mark, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the City of Vancouver. View Renfrew MLS® listings and upcoming open houses.
Renfrew Amenities
Renfrew Shopping
As residential development continues in the area, a number of big-box stores have sprouted up along Grandview Highway near the Renfrew and Rupert SkyTrain Stations, including Real Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire and Walmart.
Schools and Education in Renfrew
Primary schools
- Sir Matthew Begbie Elementary (homes for sale)
- Chief Maquinna Annex Elementary School
- Chief Maquinna Elementary School (homes for sale)
- Dr. A. R. Lord Elementary School (homes for sale)
- Garibaldi Annex (homes for sale)
- Thunderbird Elementary (homes for sale)
Secondary schools
Specialty schools
- Notre Dame Secondary (Catholic, co-ed, homes for sale)
- Our Lady of Sorrows School Catholic School (homes for sale)
Renfrew Cafés and Restaurants
Although it's not known as a culinary destination, Renfrew's large Chinese community means there are many mom-and-pop diners producing Asian cuisine. For fine dining, try Dario's at the Italian Cultural Centre.
Renfrew Sports and Recreation
Recreation-wise, Renfrew includes the popular Renfrew Park Community Centre and public pool, and Renfrew Ravine Park features walking trails, footbridges and a meditation labyrinth. The neighbourhood also hosts the popular Renfrew Ravine Moon Festival -- a lantern festival that takes place each September.
Renfrew Transportation
Renfrew boasts plenty of public transit, with major SkyTrain rapid-transit stations on both the Millennium and Expo Lines. The newer Millennium Line has added the Renfrew and Rupert stations to the area.
Renfrew Property Statistics
Home prices Houses $731,659* Townhouses $472,000** Condos $305,000** Rentals Average gross rent $811***
*Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, benchmark sale prices in Renfrew for February 2011 generated by the MLS®Link Housing Price Index (HPI) **Source: Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, average sale prices in Renfrew, Renfrew Heights, Collingwood for 12 months ended November 3, 2010 ***Source: 2006 census for Renfrew-Collingwood
Renfrew Demographics
Population* 48,885 *Source: 2006 census for Renfrew-Collingwood
Age* 65+ 13.8% 40 to 64 33.1% 20 to 39 31.2% 19 and under 21.9%
*Source: 2006 census for Renfrew-Collingwood
Occupancy* Fully owned 16,815
*Source: 2006 census for Renfrew-Collingwood
Dwellings* Single-detached house 25.6% Semi-detached house 0.4% Detached duplex 37.7% Row house 1.6% Apartment, under five stories 20.7% Apartment, five or more storeys 13.5% Rented dwellings 34.7%
*Source: 2006 census for Renfrew-Collingwood
Neighbourhoods surrounding Renfrew
- Burnaby
- Collingwood
- Hastings
- Grandview
- Kensington-Cedar Cottage
- Victoria
- Fraserview
- Killarney
