Strathcona, BC
Guide de location
Where everyone feels like family
About
The oldest residential neighbourhood in Vancouver, Strathcona’s boundaries are hotly contested. Some people say they include the Downtown Eastside, others say they absolutely don’t. But according to the city, the Downtown Eastside and False Creek Flats are both part of Strathcona. Wondering to yourself, “who cares if the Downtown Eastside is part of the ‘hood?” Turns out, a lot of people. Strathcona used to have a rough reputation, but in the last 5-10 years, it has turned that around. Now, it’s seen as a cool, diverse neighbourhood – and False Creek Flats has been named one of the best areas in the city, especially for young professionals and families. Still, whether or not you consider the Downtown Eastside part of Strathcona, the two areas are in close proximity, so residents will likely notice some level of crime, drug use and camping around Strathcona’s pretty, quiet, tree-lined streets.
Rental Options
The market, at a glance
Avg. rent by housing size
Bach/studio: $2,325
1-bedroom: $2,519
2-bedroom: $2,699
3-bedroom: $3,750
Avg. rent compared to other Canadian cities
Strathcona is 63% higher than the Canadian average
Strathcona Rental Market: There are almost three distinct housing markets in Strathcona. On the one side, you’ve got False Creeks Flats, which is all about high-end condos with tons of amenities. Then you’ve got the supportive housing and even some flop houses up around East Hastings. The vast majority of Strathcona, though, is in the middle. The advantage of this is that there’s something for everyone here. No matter whether you need someplace cheap or want the height of luxury, Strathcona homes for rent can serve your needs.
Apartment Hunting in Strathcona: When Strathcona apartments for rent, don’t let the numbers scare you. While prices appear high, the average is brought way up by the new high-end condos with luxury units being built to take in spectacular views. If these sound right up your alley, check out a unit in False Creek Flats. Going for a cheap rental? You should be able to find a studio or one-bedroom in the northern part of the area for a steal. Just make sure you feel safe and keep an eye out for things like pests and electrical problems. If you want something between luxury and dive, opt for the rest of the neighbourhood. You can find some older homes or floors of homes that’ll give you reasonably priced units. There are tons of two-bedroom and three-bedroom choices too. Plenty of space for a growing family!
Typical housing type: A huge range from supportive housing to high-end condos.
Life & Style
Strathcona’s undergone massive changes in the last few years. Before it was a rougher, more working-class neighbourhood. Now, it’s turning into the hot new area for young professionals and their families. There are all kinds of interesting cafes, galleries, and shops popping up in the neighbourhood. Prices are soaring too, for everything from a house to a cup of joe. To the north, life is less gentrified. East Hastings is still rough, but housing is also more affordable. Just be cautious up here, especially if you’re walking around at night alone. There remains quite a bit of drug use and crime.
Neighbourhood
There are a number of SkyTrain stations in and around the neighbourhood, as well as a smattering of green spaces. In the south part of Strathcona, there are several industrial spaces. There are also several gyms, the ISS Language and Career College of BC, and the Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Head west to Clark Drive for cafes and breweries. The northern part of the area has more schools, grocery stores, and other bastions of daily life. There’s also the Strathcona Community Centre. Depending on where you draw the lines of the neighbourhood, in the far north is the roughest part of the area, centred around East Hastings Street. There’s a movie theatre and a number of restaurants to the north too. The west side of Strathcona along Main Street is home to some of Chinatown. All around the area are major roadways, making it easy to move around the city.
Who lives here: The neighbourhood in one of the most diverse in all of Vancouver. There are people of all ages, backgrounds, sexualities, genders, and income levels. What Strathcona-ites do share is a welcoming quality. There’s a warmth to the locals here that you won’t find in places like Downtown. Residents tend to be artistic, open-minded, and caring. As the neighbourhood is becoming increasingly gentrified, there are more and more young professionals and families moving in.
Perfect for: Those who love chatting with just about everyone.
Not-so-perfect for: Anyone who doesn’t like the neighbourhood’s welcoming quality.
Land Mark
Chinatown
Telus World of Science
Strathcona murals
Strathcona Park
East Van Cross
Centre A
Trillium Park
MacLean Park
Nora Hendrix Place
Fun Fact
The Downtown Eastside has a rough reputation, but it’s not a reason to overlook Strathcona. The neighbourhood is large and has a lot to offer. Of course, make sure you’re comfortable with the area and always be safe. But give Strathcona a chance before crossing it off your potential neighbourhood list.