Gastown, a neighborhood in Vancouver, is a historic and trendy spot located in the northwest section of the Downtown Eastside. Gastown is actually the original settlement that became the heart of Vancouver, so you can imagine the history that’s packed into this place. It’s even a national historic site! The name “Gastown” comes from a Yorkshire seaman named “Gassy” Jack Deighton, who arrived in 1867 and opened the area’s first saloon. Cool, right?
Today, Gastown is a hub for arts, fashion, and all-around good vibes. You’ll find tons of fantastic restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries here. It’s a neighbourhood that’s full of life.
In terms of real estate, Gastown is a highly desirable neighborhood in Vancouver. According to bode.ca1, a website that allows homeowners to sell their properties without a REALTOR®, the average home price in 2023 is $1 million2, a bit lower than the city average. Homes here are a bit smaller, with an average size of 1,400 square feet2. But the perks of living in Gastown make up for it. You’ll be close to downtown Vancouver and all the amenities it offers. Plus, public transit and bike lanes are easily accessible. The community here is diverse, inclusive, and rich in history and culture. It’s a place where you can enjoy a high quality of life and feel safe.
Gastown is a buzzing commercial hub that supports local entrepreneurs and attracts visitors from all over the city. The Gastown Business Improvement Society3 is a non-profit organization that organizes awesome events like festivals, markets, and concerts. They’re all about promoting the interests of over 400 businesses and property owners in Gastown.
Gastown is also a paradise for your taste buds. L’Abattoir4 is an award-winning restaurant that serves French-inspired West Coast cuisine. Their dishes are made with local and seasonal ingredients, like duck breast, lamb sirloin, and seafood tower. Oh, and their cocktails are out of this world! And for authentic Irish fare with a modern touch, check out The Irish Heather5. They’ve got classics like shepherd’s pie and fish and chips, plus a killer whiskey selection.
There are great options for education in Gastown. Lord Strathcona Elementary School6 is a public elementary school that focuses on multiculturalism, social justice, and environmental education. They even have a Mandarin bilingual program and an Aboriginal education program. If you prefer a Catholic school, St. Francis Xavier School7 is an excellent choice. They prioritize faith development, academic excellence, and personal growth. And don’t forget about Simon Fraser University’s8 downtown campus. They offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields of study.
So, if you’re looking for a historic and trendy community to live, work, or visit in Vancouver, Gastown is the place to be. You’ll soak up the rich history and culture, and meet some of the friendliest folks around. It’s truly Vancouver at its best.
(1) Bōde Canada | Buy or Sell your home with a realtor. https://bode.ca/
(2) Market Data | Understand the real estate market | Bode Canada. https://bode.ca/market-data
(3) Gastown BIA. https://gastown.org/about/gastown-bia/
(4) L’Abattoir. https://www.labattoir.ca/
(5) The Irish Heather. https://www.irishheather.com/inhousemenu
(6) Lord Strathcona Elementary School | Vancouver School Board. https://www.vsb.bc.ca/schools/lord-strathcona/Pages/default.aspx
(7) St. Francis Xavier School | Vancouver. https://sfxschool.ca/
(8) Simon Fraser University | Downtown Campus https://www.sfu.ca/