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Real Estate Guide › Central
Bathurst Manor
- Average 2007 sale price:
- $602,000
- Property crime:
- very high
- Crime against people:
- average
- Neighbourhood map:
- See map
This quiet North York neighbourhood used to be a well-kept secret. Homeowners loved the generous lots and quiet, leafy-green streets, and snapped up post-war bungalows at bargain prices. However, in recent years Bathurst Manor has achieved up-and-comer status, and while bungalows used to hover around $350,000, they now start at $480,000. The majority of residents are middle class with an ethnic hodgepodge of Jewish, Italian, Russian and Filipino families. Area landmarks include synagogues, strip malls and the sprawling 338-acre G. Ross Lord Park.
HOUSING STOCK: The classic Bathurst Manor residence is a bungalow or a sidesplit (from $520,000) set on a wide lot on a quiet street. The majority of homes date back to the 1950s, but developer interest has resulted in the occasional mansion. Some ’70s-era high-rises dot the landscape, though they tend to be rental units rather than condos.
BARGAIN ZONES: The key is to look for an unrenovated bungalow, then put in some sweat equity. These untouched gems used to be found on most streets, but are increasingly rare. Fixes can be as simple as kitchen and bathroom upgrades, but for the more ambitious, there’s plenty of room for additional living space, as the majority of residences sit on generous lots.
THE VERDICT: House prices are still a steal in comparison to other central areas—particularly given the number of potential tear-downs. There’s plenty of green space and easy access to both the Allen and Highway 401. However, shopping is sparse and one of the principal strip malls—Wilmington Plaza, at the centre of the neighbourhood—is long overdue for a facelift and an injection of new stores, with developers and residents still arguing about what form the overhaul will take.
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Bagel Plus This spot offers kosher carbs galore: challah, rugalach, danishes, rye loaves and, of course, freshly baked bagels with cream cheese. 634 Sheppard Ave. W., 416-635-9988.
King David Pizza Overstuffed pitas (made to order), kosher pizza and flaky potato-filled bourekas are the main draws at this mini-chain. 219 Wilmington Ave., 416-636-3456.
The Koffler Centre of the Arts The cultural hub of Toronto’s Jewish community is home to an art gallery, the Leah Posluns Theatre and visual arts studios. 4588 Bathurst St., 416-636-1880.
Nearby Shopping and Services
Telephone Depot
A wide selection of corded and cordless phones, faxes and answering machines—both refurbished and new ... (0.77 km away)
Discounter's Pool & Spa Warehouse
Owning a pool can be an expensive proposition, this chain of supply stores might help ... (0.77 km away)
Commuting
- 401 and 400:
- 7.9 km
- King and Bay:
- 15.1 km
- Gardiner and 427:
- 19.0 km
- Subways:
- Downsview Station 2.5 km
- Finch Station 3.6 km
- North York Centre Station 3.6 km
Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.
