Real Estate Guide › West

Corso Italia - Davenport

Average 2007 sale price:

$512,000

Property crime:

low

Crime against people:

low

See map

These days, it should be called Ruas Português, or even Brasileiro: as is the wont of the GTA’s ever-marching parade of immigrants, the nabe’s long-time inhabitants have moved up and out, making space for a new influx. That’s been a bit of a downer for the area’s commercial strip on St. Clair, which hasn’t yet received a proper infusion of shops and restaurants catering to the locals. With luck, the new streetcar right-of-way lane will help attract crowds; for now, Dupont’s Galleria and the Dufferin Mall aren’t too far away. Many houses were built in the first half of the 20th century, and are now accessorized with wrought iron flourishes and tidy gardens. Considering the neighbourhood’s history, it’s unsurprising that many of the nearby schools are Catholic, including the girls-only Loretto College high school.

HOUSING STOCK: Some of the simple detached and semi-detached brick houses feature the typical gable, bay window and porch. Many residences have undergone extensive internal renos.

BARGAIN ZONES: Prices start around $300,000 for a detached home, and increase as you move south and east. The odd sub-$300,000 semi-detached unit exists on the western edge, specifically on McRoberts Avenue, a quiet street that borders peaceful Prospect Cemetery.

THE VERDICT: Houses can still be bought on the cheap here, in comparison with the rest of the city. With the St. Clair Avenue West Transit Improvement Project underway, dedicated streetcar lanes will hopefully ease traffic congestion and encourage foot traffic. If the proposed Eglinton Crosstown light rail plan becomes reality, Corso Italia will become that much more desirable—prices are already creeping toward the million-dollar mark at the Oakwood–Davenport edge.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Grace Textiles At this nearly 40-year-old institution, you can browse inexpensive linens while sipping a cup of store-brewed espresso. 1279 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-654-8837.
Marcello’s A friendly, no-frills resto, Marcello’s makes some of the best wood-fired pizzas in the city. 1163 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-656-6159.
Ti Carlos Bar Swig frothy brews while watching the beautiful game—just make sure to cheer for the right side. 1384 St. Clair Ave. W., 416-653-2093.