Green Space
Smythe Park
175 Scarlett Rd., north of St. Clair Forming part of the Black Creek ravine, this 15.3-hectare park contrasts dramatically with the nearby autobody shops, and is a big selling point for house-hunters. Three baseball diamonds, a splash pad and an outdoor pool will keep the kids amused.

Community Hangout
Jane/Dundas Library
620 Jane St., 416-364-0400 This tiny branch is also one of the city’s most modern libraries—the place was renovated in 2006 and reopened in 2008, with a striking, modular, glass-box exterior. Inside, the large children’s section in the basement is a prime attraction for local families.

Sports
Lambton Golf and Country Club
100 Scarlett Rd., 416-767-2175 On the banks of the Humber lies one of Toronto’s most serene courses, founded in 1902 (back when this area was practically cottage country). In addition to its golf and tennis programs, the Lambton also hosts weddings and corporate events.

What’s Selling

99 Foxwell St. Detached, three bedrooms, two baths Listed for $524,900 Sold for $480,000

31 Corbett Ave. Detached, three bedrooms, two baths Listed for $469,900 Sold for $458,000

17 Cayuga Ave. Detached, two bedrooms, one bath Listed for $269,000 Sold for $270,000

RESTAURANT
Vincent’s Spot
2496 Kingston Rd., 416-267-2778 Their sautéed veal Villeroy—slathered in white wine cream sauce and mushrooms—is locally famous, the atmosphere is cozy, and the continental fare satisfies. If the veal doesn’t fill you up, get an order of frog legs grenobloise on the side.

HOME DECOR
The Salvage Shop 1492 Kingston Rd., 416-469-2557 Bearing a sign that looks like a ransom note, this antique and knick-knack store is stuffed with classic kitsch (vintage Pepsi signs, Philco radios, cinema-style popcorn makers) and reclaimed household essentials (doors, windows, light fixtures).

TAKEOUT
Jatujak: Thai Style Street Food
1466 Kingston Rd., 416-698-1466 This spot is named for a popular weekend market in Bangkok, hometown of chef Aon Sakoonpham. Her menu complements the usual curries with home-recipe specialties like khao soi and lemongrass chicken wings.

The buyer: Dianne Chadwick, Health care professional The street: Kalmar Avenue The Price: $460,000

When Dianne returned to Toronto after 10 years in Georgia, she rented near her childhood home in the Beach while plotting her next move. As a manager at the University Health Network, Chadwick could afford a condo but couldn’t bear the idea of paying maintenance fees. Instead, in April 2014, she bid $30,000 under asking on a fully renovated bungalow in Birch Cliff. She has about 900 square feet of living space, plus a basement unit that she rents for $750 a month. “I’ve got the same space I would have in a two-bedroom condo,” she says, “but without the fees and with a tenant.” Dianne’s discovered a close-knit community, too. “Everyone networks around here. They all help each other out.”

What’s Selling

108 Harding Blvd. Detached, three bedrooms, two baths Listed for $449,000 Sold for $422,200

1262 Kingston Rd. Detached, four bedrooms, one bath Listed for $449,900 Sold for $447,000

23 Birchmount Rd. Detached, five bedrooms, three baths Listed for $999,900 Sold for $975,000

Green Space
Corktown Common
Lawren Harris Square and Bayview Ave. The most eye-catching development yet in West Don Lands, Corktown Common is both practical—it doubles as a berm that will protect downtown in a flood—and poetic. Paths meander between frog-filled marshes, wildflower groves and picnic-perfect swaths of grass.

Urban Playground
Underpass Park 33 St. Lawrence St. This imaginative public space—tucked under the Eastern Avenue, Adelaide Street and Richmond Street overpasses just west of the DVP—turns a cold, dark, claustrophobic tract of land into an unexpectedly lively playground. The one-hectare area features a skate park, a basketball court and futuristic climbing structures.

Pampering
Body Blitz
497 King St. E. 416-364-0400 A trip to Body Blitz’s therapeutic waters is like a baptism, with a variety of soaks, steams and shvitzes to divest you of skin-related sins. First, you bathe in a warm Dead Sea salt pool to relax muscles. That’s followed by a series of ice-cold baths, aromatherapy sweat sessions and a plunge in the hot Epsom salt pool.

What’s Selling

Canary District Condo, two bedrooms, two baths Listed for $418,900 Occupancy date April 2016

Canary Park Townhome, two bedrooms, three baths Listed for $731,900 Occupancy date April 2016

River City Condo, two bedrooms, two baths Listed for $504,900 Occupancy date March–July 2015