Real Estate Guide › Central

Bathurst Manor

Average 2008 sale price:

$451,274

Property crime:

very high

Crime against people:

average

Neighbourhood map:

See map

This quiet North York neighbourhood used to be a well-kept secret. Homeowners loved the generous lots and quiet, leafy-green streets, and snapped up post-war bungalows at bargain prices. However, in recent years Bathurst Manor has achieved up-and-comer status, and while bungalows used to hover around $350,000, they now start at $480,000. The majority of residents are middle class, with a hodgepodge of Italian, Russian, Polish and Filipino families. Area landmarks include synagogues, strip malls and the sprawling 338-acre G. Ross Lord Park.

HOUSING STOCK: The classic Bathurst Manor residence is a bungalow or a sidesplit (from $520,000) set on a wide lot on a quiet street, but there are small multi-family dwellings as well. While the majority of homes date back to the 1950s, many properties are being renovated and modernized, and developer interest has resulted in the occasional mansion. Some ’70s-era high-rises dot the landscape, though they tend to be rental units rather than condos.

BARGAIN ZONES: The key is to look for an unrenovated bungalow, then put in some sweat equity. These untouched gems used to be found on most streets, but they are increasingly rare. Fixes can be as simple as kitchen and bathroom upgrades, but for the more ambitious, there’s plenty of room for additional living space, as the majority of residences sit on generous lots.

THE VERDICT: House prices are still a steal in comparison to other central areas—particularly given the number of potential tear-downs. There’s plenty of green space and easy access to both the Allen and Highway 401. However, shopping is sparse and one of the principal strip malls—Wilmington Plaza, at the centre of the neighbourhood—is long overdue for a facelift and an injection of new stores. An overhaul is in the planning stages.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Bagel Plus This bakery offers kosher carbs galore: challah, rugalach, danishes, rye loaves and, of course, freshly baked bagels with cream cheese. 634 Sheppard Ave. W., 416-635-9988.
King David Pizza and Boureka Kosher comfort food at its best. Fresh pitas are filled to order, falafel is authentic and bourekas are flaky heaven. 219 Wilmington Ave., 416-636-3456.
The Koffler Centre of the Arts The cultural hub of Toronto’s Jewish community is home to an art gallery, the Leah Posluns Theatre and visual arts studios. 4588 Bathurst St., 416-636-1880.

Today in Toronto: February 9, 2010

• Hub 14: The postage stamp measurements of the Hub 14 space will ensure close encounters with the performers taking part in the new series Under a Paper Moon
• More things to do tonight
• Something to do this weekend

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