Where to Buy Now: East End Danforth, because million-dollar homes, modest semis and co-ops commingle close to the Beach
The urban mix is the appeal of East End Danforth—a neighbourhood that has proximity to the boardwalk; manicured houses flying Beach flags; family-friendly Norwood Park; a southern fringe of stately detached Edwardians; co-op housing; semis in the $400,000 to $500,000 range closer to Woodbine; and new luxury townhouses. The sold-out townhouse complex Upper Beach Manors (above), near Main and Gerrard, invigorated real-estate activity in the area and inspired a doppelgänger, the new Upper Beach Townes, a collection of 32 houses split into two-level condos.
Woodbine Ave. to Victoria Park Ave., Doncaster Ave. to Kingston Rd.
2009: $429,026
2010: $470,180
2011: $499,022
*2011 averages reflect most recent data from January to August
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, near Main and Gerrard, invigorated real-estate activity in the area and inspired a doppelgänger, the new Upper Beach Townes, a collection of 32 houses split into two-level condos.
Woodbine Ave. to Victoria Park Ave., Doncaster Ave. to Kingston Rd.
2009: $429,026
2010: $470,180
2011: $499,022
*2011 averages reflect most recent data from January to August
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I have lived in this area for over 15 years and seen nothing but improvement. As other areas in the city become unaffordable young couples are buying these homes and fixing them up and raising families. You get great value for your dollar in this neighbourhood and there are some great shops moving in as well.
I live in east york with my husband and three kids. We love the diversity in our neighbourhood, the close proximity to great schools, parks and public transportation. We also enjoy the fact that it’s not as congested and crowded as some of the more trendier neighbourhoods in Toronto. There is great value for homes in east Danforth and it’s great to see that more and more people are realizing that.
This article encompasses a few distinct neighbourhoods whose affordability, level of gentrification, subway access and housing characteristics are highly variable. In some areas, the neighbouring residential areas are more expensive than the level of retail development on Danforth (or lack thereof) would suggest; and in others, particularly the areas that hug Victoria Park, housing is very well-priced. The east end of the Danforth is a bit of an enigma – it has some of the most affordable housing in the city; it also has some of the most overpriced.
This is a wonderful neighbourhood that has been overlooked, though this is changing. I would extend the border north to Mortimer, at least around Woodbine — there are lots of safe, lovely tree-lined streets that are just perfect for families, without the congestion you can get closer to the Danforth (but still within a short walk).
Looking forward to even more positive change to come!
I am not surprised by this area making the list. I have been telling people for years that Danforth east of Donlands has been one of Toronto’s best kept secrets. It’s close to downtown, has great public transit, easy access to the DVP and plenty or routes heading east. And the best part is that it isn’t nearly as congested as the rest of the city. Oh, and has some great schools. I could go on.
And, hello, there’s a GO station–downtown in 10 minutes, for about only $.80 more than a subway ride. Bam :-)