All About The Neighbourhood

McVicar & McVicar

Uptown Saint John isn’t just where they work—it’s who they are. All About the Neighbourhood is hosted by grandfather-grandson duo Bob and Jake McVicar, a hyper-local look at the people, stories, history, and change shaping uptown and Greater Saint John. From new developments and policy shifts to neighbourhood wins and real talk on what’s next, they bring grounded insight every episode. They’re real estate pros, yes—but first, they’re community builders with deep roots and a love for the city. Thinking of buying or selling uptown? You’ll know who to call.

Episodes

  1. Mar 6

    All About the Neighbourhood: The Hidden Magic Behind Uptown Saint John's Doors

    In this episode of All About the Neighbourhood, Bob and Jake McVicar open the doors to an 1890s home on Orange Street and unpack what it truly means to live, invest, and build a life Uptown.As a grandfather–grandson real estate team rooted in the community, Bob and Jake blend lived experience with market insight. They share stories of restoring century-old homes, raising families in historic spaces, and helping clients fall in love with properties that are anything but cookie-cutter.The conversation explores the architectural evolution of Uptown Saint John, from Victorian and Edwardian homes to 1920s builds and Craftsman details. Behind modest façades, they reveal what makes these homes unforgettable: soaring 11–12-foot ceilings, intricate crown mouldings, original fireplaces, and craftsmanship that simply isn’t replicated today.They also challenge the long-standing fixation on Germain Street as the “iconic” Uptown address, highlighting the many vibrant blocks and hidden gems that define the neighbourhood’s real character.Rewinding to the 1980s, Bob and Jake reflect on a very different Uptown — boarded-up storefronts, empty upper floors, and quiet streets. From there, they trace the decades of private investment, public revitalization, and grassroots belief that sparked the renaissance we see today.Along the way, they dive into:-Why old homes offer character you cannot manufacture-How lifestyle and affordability once pulled young professionals out of corporate cubicles and into Uptown living-The dramatic appreciation of property values — and what today’s buyers need to know-Why hyper-local knowledge is essential when purchasing 100+ year-old homes-Tight inventory, rising demand, and what it actually takes to secure a home in the neighbourhoodThe episode closes with a rapid-fire Q&A on what they love most about Uptown, what they hope never changes, and what excites them about what’s ahead, from new schools and infill housing to transformative developments like Fundy Quay and 99 King.If you care about heritage, growth, and the future of Saint John’s most storied streets, this one’s all about the neighbourhood.

    32 min

About

Uptown Saint John isn’t just where they work—it’s who they are. All About the Neighbourhood is hosted by grandfather-grandson duo Bob and Jake McVicar, a hyper-local look at the people, stories, history, and change shaping uptown and Greater Saint John. From new developments and policy shifts to neighbourhood wins and real talk on what’s next, they bring grounded insight every episode. They’re real estate pros, yes—but first, they’re community builders with deep roots and a love for the city. Thinking of buying or selling uptown? You’ll know who to call.