Real Estate Guide › Central

Bayview Woods - Steeles

Average 2008 sale price:

$576,122

Property crime:

average

Crime against people:

very low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

Drive the entire length of Bayview, from Rosedale to Steeles, and you’ll get a good glimpse of the city’s sprawling wealth. Even at its more modest northern tip, the avenue feels privileged—graced with lush green space, winding roads and a stunning ravine system suitable for walking, jogging and cycling. Tightly clustered ranches are plentiful, but west of the ravine (where the Don River originates), more opulent, desirable homes are nestled into the landscape. Aside from the natural beauty that bisects the area, the neighbourhood doesn’t have much binding it together—shopping is sparse and amenities are few, but the schools are strong. And the thriving community of Bayview Village to the south more than compensates for the lack of community coherence.

HOUSING STOCK: Expect a lot of modest bungalows, occasionally gussied up with added verandas, porches and eccentric façades. West of the ravine, residences grow considerably, with many still preserving typical modernist touches—flat roofs, attached garages, picture windows—of their 1960s and 1970s construction.

BARGAIN ZONES: Clanmans Street and Paul Mark Way are dotted with townhomes that back on to the ravine and go for about $500,000 to $600,000. Homes that back on to Cummer Avenue near the Bayview Shopping Centre are also good, reasonable deals.

THE VERDICT: Some of the best housing values in the GTA can be found here. Comparable homes in, say, Leaside would be twice the price. More urbane buyers will long for more shopping and entertainment within walking distance, but nature lovers will appreciate the proximity of trails that lead to duck ponds, beaver dams and an abundance of plant life.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Asian Legend This popular chain serves up solid northern Chinese cuisine with an emphasis on dim sum. 125 Ravel Rd., 416-756-9388.
Bestview Park Fitness Trail A popular meeting place for both strolling nature lovers and sweating fitness buffs. Bestview Dr. and Steeles Ave.
Congee Wong Long lineups are commonplace at this Chinese favourite, which has an entire menu devoted to the eponymous rice porridge. 10 Ravel Rd., 416-493-8222.