Cabbagetown's name derives from the Irish immigrants who moved to the neighbourhood beginning in the late 1840s, said to have been so poor that they grew cabbage in their front yards.The neighbourhood was originally known as Don Vale and it largely features semi-detached Victorian houses. Cabbagetown was gentrified by affluent professionals, beginning in the 1970s. The neighbourhood is home to many artists, musicians, journalists and writers. Other residents include professors, doctors and social workers, many affiliated with the nearby University of Toronto. A portion of the high rise-heavy St. James Town community is located in this neighbourhood.