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Rising prices in neighbouring Parkdale have
buoyed interest in Little Portugal’s Victorian
semis

Real Estate Guide › Central

Little Portugal

Average 2008 sale price:

$443,331

Property crime:

very high

Crime against people:

very high

Neighbourhood map:

See map

This area has undergone rapid gentrification in the last few years. Dundas is now home to new galleries—The Department, Jessica Bradley Art + Projects—and organic groceries, two sure signs of the ’hood getting some long-deserved spit and polish. This was all kicked into high gear by the Drake and the Gladstone, and with large condo tower projects under construction along the Queen West corridor, change in the area is moving beyond the borders of Beaconsfield Village. While Portuguese immigrants are still a strong presence, traditional familia are increasingly decamping for the suburbs. And that means an influx of young parents itching to rip out their homes’ mid-century wrought iron accents and carting their kids to gymnastics class at Mary McCormick Community Centre.

HOUSING STOCK: Two- and three-storey Victorian semis, Edwardian and infill houses range in size from 1,000 to 2,000 square feet. Post-war and working-class homes can be found in the sought-after area of the Brockton Triangle (bordered by Lansdowne, Dufferin and College.

BARGAIN ZONES: The smaller side streets west of Dufferin and south of College offer the best prices, but expect to invest in a large-scale renovation (from $50,000 to $100,000 to bring a house up to date).

THE VERDICT: First-time homebuyers are flocking to the area and pushing up prices. Creative types with strollers are abundant, as is the global charm: cheap Vietnamese eateries, Brazilian soccer bars with spirited regulars, and Portuguese bakeries.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Pantry This quaint grab-and-go gourmet food shop makes terrific seasonal salads and killer espressos. 974 College St., 416-364-2495.
Gladstone Hotel A catalyst for the area’s cachet, the renovated former railway hotel attracts everyone from club kids who come for drinks to serious literati who come for book launches (and booze). Brunch and karaoke nights are also popular. 1214 Queen St. W., 416-531-4653.
Naco Gallery Café is still a well-kept secret among locals since it opened in April. Not only is it a great place for a strong morning brew, it also serves tasty Mexican cuisine. 1665 Dundas St. W., 647-347-6499.