The area is diverse, yet retains a distinct
Italian feel
Real Estate Guide › West
Briar Hill - Belgravia
- Average 2007 sale price:
- $461,950
- Property crime:
- low
- Crime against people:
- low
- Neighbourhood map:
- See map
This quiet part of town sits atop Eglinton West, close to the subway and near the 401. Its affordability and proximity to public transit makes it a popular choice for young families and new arrivals to Toronto. Although the area is now fairly diverse, it retains an Italian feel—for example, many homes sport basement kitchens. Eglinton provides some shopping, but to get most of what you need you’ll have to hop in the car. If you’re looking to tweak a house to your liking, the northwestern corner of the neighbourhood is littered with renovation and fixture stores.
HOUSING STOCK: In keeping with the style of traditional wartime housing, predominantly brick bungalows with private or mutual driveways line the majority of the residential streets. There are also some large, newer townhouse developments off Roselawn Avenue, and apartment buildings dot Marlee Avenue to the east.
BARGAIN ZONES: Prices tend become lower the closer you get to Eglinton. Addresses on Livingstone and Belgravia avenues are slightly cheaper than homes further north.
THE VERDICT: For a family that wants to stay in the city, this is a good area. Mayor Miller’s first-time buyer rebate for houses less than $400,000 is keeping an artificial ceiling on prices. Still, there are a lot of add-ons and renovations, which always bodes well for property values.
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Elte Some 200,000 square feet of furniture can be found at this high-end furniture emporium for the house proud. 80 Ronald Ave., 416-785-7885.
Le Firme This is the place to go for designer Italian fashions at wholesale prices. 2700 Dufferin St., Unit 64, 416-780-9950.
Luminart Chic lighting fixtures are showcased like works of art at this open-concept showroom. 81B Ronald Ave., 416-780-9775.
Sharon O’Dowd Home to a carefully chosen selection of antiques from Ontario, Quebec, England and France. 1200 Castlefield Ave., 416-322-0927.
Nearby Restaurants
Sky Ranch
Argentines are a gregarious bunch, and owners Christina and husband Enriqué Barenbaum are no exception. ... (0.27 km away)
Shanty’s Caribbean Takeout
“Don’t worry, be happy” urges a chalkboard inscription at this cheerful Caribbean takeout spot, decked ... (0.35 km away)
Strictly Ital
Photographs of Bob Marley and a feel-good reggae soundtrack lend a laid-back vibe to this ... (0.48 km away)
Pho Bolsa
Mirrored walls and a sparkling disco ball provide this intimate Vietnamese restaurant with a surreal ... (0.48 km away)
Pelican’s Delight
Lovers huddle under a palm tree watching a glorious sunset (in the large mural painted ... (0.49 km away)
Randy’s Take Out Services
This takeout Caribbean joint has nary a chair in sight, and it isn’t much to ... (0.83 km away)
Mainsha Restaurant
Lime- and lemon-hued walls provide the sole decorative touch at this plain-looking Caribbean restaurant—but you ... (0.84 km away)
Nearby Shopping and Services
Victorian Revival
This chock full warehouse puts authentic pre-1940 lighting fixtures in the spotlight. Stock is sourced ... (0.23 km away)
Sharon O'Dowd
Hand-picked Quebec and Ontario antiques, including chairs, sideboards and painted cupboards, are a forte here; ... (0.33 km away)
Le Firme
This store offers wholesale prices (30 to 80 per cent off) on top men’s and ... (0.38 km away)
Marigolds and Onions
Requests to cater sit-down dinners for 5,000 are met with ease by M&O, who have ... (0.38 km away)
Adanac Glass
With glass shower enclosures now as ubiquitous as sisal carpet, business is brisk at this ... (0.38 km away)
The Door Store
A door is a door is a door, right? If that’s your thinking, Sam Mirshak ... (0.47 km away)
Brack Electronics
With its showroom in the Castlefield Design District, Brack Electronics presents AV purchasing as an ... (0.55 km away)
Commuting
- 401 and 400:
- 5.7 km
- King and Bay:
- 8.0 km
- Gardiner and 427:
- 12.2 km
- Subways:
- Eglinton West Station 1.2 km
- Glencairn Station 1.4 km
- Lawrence West Station 2.1 km
Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.
