A catch all moniker for Chinatown, Gastown, Railtown, Japantown and Strathcona, Vancouver’s downtown eastside is a bit of a mixed bag. Each of those neighbourhoods have their own unique attributes, and are all individually rich in history, culture and architecture. It includes anything west of Clark Dr, north of Prior St and east of Cambie St. Everything you will need is within walking distance, or if you need to get anywhere else in the city, there are buses and Skytrain nearby. 

Want to watch a concert or a game? Both BC Place and Rogers Arena are right there by Expo Blvd. Craving some dim sum? There are plenty of Asian restaurants in Chinatown to choose from. If you want something to take home, there are many bakeries for snacks and baked goods. Recently, there are a couple of great Asian fusion spots that popped up for those who are a bit more adventurous. Looking for something to do on the weekend? You can take a stroll through the Sun Yat Sen Garden, Trillium Park, or spend some time at the International Village Mall in Gastown. It is also a short walk away to Science World, False Creek and Coopers’ Park where you allow your dogs to have time off leash. When the sun sets, the tree lights in Gastown come to life, infusing the area with a calm and serene ambience.

The convenience in downtown eastside is what most people really appreciate about the area. There is Costco, T&T Supermarket, London Drugs, Nester’s Market and No Frills for your grocery needs, lots of trendy and hip restaurants to try out, and local pubs to relax at after work. Fujiya is a great Japanese grocery store that is a short walk away. You can fulfill all your baking and cooking needs at the Gourmet Warehouse which is also a short distance away. 

In the last two decades, there has been gentrification going on in downtown eastside as older buildings are being redeveloped into newer ones, and with more community housing built for those in need. As of right now, condos in the area are still relatively cheaper than most other parts of Vancouver, making this a really good choice for those who are looking for long-term wealth.