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Berkley Street’s proud gabled houses sport<br />
the area’s few professionally landscaped<br />plots
Berkley Street’s proud gabled houses sport
the area’s few professionally landscaped
plots

Real Estate GuideCentral

Moss Park

Average 2008 sale price:
$357,347
Property crime:
high
Crime against people:
high
Neighbourhood map:
See map

Home to picturesque Allan Gardens and its lovely conservatories, Moss Park has potential, but it’s hampered by crime. Local aid agencies are working to turn the area around, but progress has been slow. Among the grittier streets, there are such gleaming stretches as Berkeley Street—where a row of proud gabled houses sports the area’s few professionally landscaped plots—as well as Enoch Turner Schoolhouse, George Brown College and Inglenook High, the oldest continuously operating high school in Toronto. According to 2006 census numbers, there are fewer children, youth and seniors here than in the average Toronto neighbourhood, which could be ideal if you’re 25 to 64 with no kids. There are many little hidden streets, such as Trinity (north of Eastern), with its mix of old and new townhouses, and Wilkins Avenue, with only 20 houses and a residents-only parking lot.

HOUSING STOCK: Residential architecture varies enormously. Smallish townhouses are prominent, mixing with condo and loft developments such as King’s Court on King Street East. A trio of 16-storey boomerang-shaped residential towers, each containing about 300 subsidized units, dominates the area. The Toronto Community Housing Corporation operates the towers, as well as the Pembroke Mews—a graceful seven-storey apartment building.

BARGAIN ZONES: Look for more accessible options on Seaton, north of Dundas, where reno fodder coexists with Edwardian lovelies that have already been spruced up.

THE VERDICT: The neighbourhood’s negative associations (crime and drugs) produce deals you’re not likely to find elsewhere. Not as much of a leap of faith as Regent Park (page 37), Moss Park is a sure bet for greater than average appreciation, in both senses of the word.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
The Aga Shop This is the place to be if you’ve got a ton of money—say, $13,000 to $30,000—to drop on one of the most coveted kitchen appliances (four ovens in one!) in the world. 154 King St. E., 416-943-0242.
Kultura In a lavishly restored Georgian building, this chic wine bar (there are some 50 wines on the list) serves upscale tapas—mushroom orecchiette with pinot noir–pear chutney, for example—to King East’s condo crowd. 169 King St. E., 416-363-9000.
The Patrician Grill One of the best diners in the city, the Patrician is a hangout for many of the George Brown culinary students across the street. 219 King St. E., 416-366-4841.

Nearby Restaurants

This cozy and colourful café—with its saffron walls and violet tablecloths—serves a small but interesting ... (0.06 km away)

This tiny café has the cozy, rich feel of a Victorian study, with an edgy, ... (0.17 km away)

Sometimes a buzzy neighbourhood spot is destined for greater things, and that’s our prediction for ... (0.26 km away)

The hip industrial feel of this old brewery building juxtaposes playfully with traditional Thai tchotchkes—brightly ... (0.34 km away)

King East’s condo dwellers are lucky to have this intimate little bistro. With its accessibly ... (0.37 km away)

This tiny diner serves some of the city’s only Mennonite fare—from the Mennonite ham and ... (0.37 km away)

This scrubby, unassuming bar—with its well-worn wooden chairs and walls plastered with sporting paraphernalia—is tucked ... (0.37 km away)

Nearby Shopping and Services

In business since 1984, Urban Source covers the gamut, from chic cocktail parties and small ... (0.11 km away)

A favourite of brides on a budget, this shop has a reputation for creative designs ... (0.12 km away)

With its pink neon sign and screaming teal blue exterior, it’s hard to miss this ... (0.15 km away)

Built in 1871, Berkeley Church did religious duties for nearly a century (it was a ... (0.15 km away)

Given its trendy and cool loft-like decor (mirrored walls, exposed ductwork and brick), it’s no ... (0.17 km away)

A 2006 fire forced this decor stalwart to move down the street from its long-time ... (0.20 km away)

When sunlight shimmers on the hardwood floor, this 103-year-old rug shop seems more like a ... (0.27 km away)

Commuting
King and Bay:
1.5 km
401 and 400:
14.1 km
Gardiner and 427:
15.6 km
Subways:
Dundas Station 1.3 km
Queen Station 1.3 km
King Station 1.4 km

Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.

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