Introduction
Strathcona extends from Chinatown to the west to Clark Drive east, and Hastings Street to the north. The southern boundary stretches diagonally along the Great Northern Railway line. One of Vancouver’s oldest historic neighbourhoods, Strathcona is leafy, family-oriented enclave that, on a good day, feels like it isn’t part of the city at all.
Lifestyle
With its mix of long-time residents, young families and renters, Strathcona is a bedroom community near the centre of the big city. During the day, the tree-lined streets are quiet, with parents-with-strollers, cyclists and dog-walkers making up most of the traffic. The most popular activities are walking, hanging out at Union Market or the Wilder Snail, and maybe a visit to La Casa Gelato for some garlic gelato.
Dollars & Sense
Outside of a few small markets, Strathcona is not a shopping hub. What there is averagely priced—you’ll pay as much for a coffee at the Union Market (a local gathering place) as you would at a Starbucks. Rents are reasonable (by Vancouver standards), homes above average (over one million) in price.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Strathcona has so far resisted gentrification, although there are some condos going up nearby on Hastings Street. This could see more amenities along the Hastings corridor for Strathcona residents to access. Being near East Hastings, with its attendant social problems, means that for some, Strathcona is a little too close to poorest postal code in Canada. (There is also lots of low-income housing in and around the neighbourhood.)
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
One of the greatest things about the area is that the east-west Adanac bikeway runs through Strathcona. Bus routes along the north and south boundaries move people to and from downtown and East Vancouver. Gastown and Chinatown are walking distance. However, there is no nearby SkyTrain station so extended travel can be a bit difficult to easily arrange.
In the Area
Strathcona Park is a seasonal gathering place for picnickers, baseball teams and residents who want to contribute to the community gardens. There are a number of schools in the area as well. Strathcona’s central location means that Gastown, Chinatown, Railtown and Commercial Drive are just 10 minutes away by foot or bike.
Meet the Neighbours
The age-range in Strathcona is a wide one, with homeowners ranging from neighbourhood lifers to brand new families. Many of the homes also have separate suites, so there’s a lot of renters, including students, musicians and artists. Nearly 40 per cent or residents are between 40-64, and over 40 per cent speak a Chinese language.
The Vibe
Strathcona is the kind of neighbourhood where residents can (and do) hold a free annual grilled-cheese sandwich day. Row houses dominate this family-oriented, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhood, where everybody knows your name and people write messages on the street in chalk admonishing cyclists to slow down. There is little nightlife to speak of; this is a daytime community.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
La Casa Gelato
Probably Vancouver’s most famous gelato shop, La Casa Gelato proudly features “218 flavours on location at all times,” according to its website. Try something exotic - like garlic - or a more traditional flavour.
more infoLes amis du fromage
Les amis is a destination cheese-and-specialty-foods shop that supplies Vancouver restaurants and also draws local residents. With such a great variety of cheeses from all of the place, its a must try!
more infoYolk’s
What started as a humble food truck has expanded to a sit-down location in what was once the famed Brave Bull House of Steaks. Lineups for weekend brunch started yesterday.
Pat’s Pub
One of Vancouver’s oldest brew-pubs, Pat’s is situated in a “budget inn” on East Hastings. Don’t let that stop you - the menu’s priced well, the food is good, and the live entertainment is fun.
more infoUnion Food Market
Union Food Market can be considered a neighbourhood institution of sorts. On sunny days, locals like to hang out outside, sipping coffee and other great drinks, watching the cyclists go by.
more info