Real Estate Guide › Central

Niagara

Average 2007 sale price:

$553,500

Property crime:

very high

Crime against people:

very high

Neighbourhood map:

See map

At the forefront of the city’s condo boom, Niagara’s formerly industrial areas began to undergo relentless intensification about five years ago, which largely obliterated the single-family dwellings that existed. Contemporary condo developments now dominate, with the occasional more aesthetically pleasing warehouse conversion. The towers vary widely in charm, however, and the townhouses can be bland, cramped affairs. The Bathurst Quay area is wildly underserved (especially by food and retail outlets), but the rest of the neighbourhood feasts on a veritable smorgasbord of cultural opportunities. Nowhere is the diversity better seen than on a tiny stretch of Niagara just south of King. A single block holds a Buddhist temple, the trendy Niagara Street Café, the Old York Bar and Grill (a local hang) and a sizable co-op. There’s a park (Stanley) in the middle of the neighbourhood, but also a large city works depot filled with beep-beeping trucks.

HOUSING STOCK: A few worker’s cottages and the occasional bay-and-gable remain, along with a couple of converted industrial buildings—though these are rapidly disappearing. Rows of undistinguished modern townhouses cover many side streets, and condos are quickly enveloping King West and lower Bathurst. Even as far south as Bathurst Quay, several co-ops and the glam Tip Top Tailors redevelopment are being joined by yet more condominiums, especially on the site of the old Molson Brewery. Prices range from $404,900 for a two-bedroom-plus-den in the new 550 Wellington West condo-hotel complex to $750,000 for a large four-bedroom semi.

BARGAIN ZONES: Older condos on the 700 and 800 blocks of King, between Bathurst and Niagara, tend to be more affordable.

THE VERDICT: If condos suit your fancy, you can’t do much better in terms of architectural diversity and cultural attractions. The art galleries that dot Tecumseth are some of the most adventurous in the city; the culinary choices tucked nearby are getting better; and ever-growing Liberty Village provides even more delights. With its own farmers’ market on Sundays and new retail spots sprouting up every day, the latter has become a self-contained miniature hamlet.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Atelier Thuet The chef’s long-anticipated Liberty Village outpost is both restaurant and gourmet food store, selling Thuet’s signature array of rare breads, cheeses and charcuterie. 171 East Liberty St., 416-603-2777.
Diaz Contemporary This gallery shows disarming, eccentric work by contemporary artists. 100 Niagara St., 416-361-2972.
Niagara Street Café The charming bistro offers a seasonal meat-focused menu that will delight nose-to-tail eaters. 169 Niagara St., 416-703-4222.
Ydessa Hendeles Art Foundation The doyenne of the art world has periodic shows that spotlight her astonishing collection of paintings, sculpture and found art. 778 King St. W., 416-413-9400.