Real Estate Guide › Central

Mount Pleasant East

Average 2008 sale price:

$649,787

Property crime:

average

Crime against people:

very low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

Since the Mount Pleasant Cemetery was carved out of farmland in 1876, the idyllic parkland, offering more than 500 tree species and varieties, has become the city’s most desirable resting place, with glitzy residents like the Eaton and Massey families. This midtown neighbourhood has become as posh as the graveyard to its south. Mothers fill their stroller baskets with baguettes or antique finds from Mount Pleasant’s shops, while Bayview’s casual sidewalk pubs and restaurants cater to laid-back locals. Good schools (like private Sunnybrook School and Maurice Cody Public School) are drawing young, double-income families to live among long-time residents. Two-storey semis (expect to pay about $600,000) and detached 1920s brick homes cram against new mansions (up to $1.8 million) and a few townhouses.

HOUSING STOCK: Detached post-war houses with three to four bedrooms dominate, as do neat gardens—a signal of solid upkeep. Curb appeal improves moving west, closer to Yonge; quieter streets like Hadley and Harwood are prized over busier Davisville, Millwood and Hillsdale.

BARGAIN ZONES: A few retrofit ’90s condos along Eglinton and semis on busy Bayview (a three-bedroom sold for $435,000 last year) are cheapest. More elusive are homes in need of major work—on Davisville, a three-bedroom semi lived in by the original owner for 70 years was recently listed at $399,900.

THE VERDICT: Thirty-something couples are moving into their first family home. The short hike to the Yonge subway line, convenient shopping and cycling trails like the Kay Gardiner Beltline are persuading some to ditch the second car for a hefty mortgage.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
The Bead Goes On… In business for 26 years, owner Cyndy Calder stuffs this tiny store with costume and designer vintage jewelry like a pair of lovely Chanel clip-on earrings. 256 Soudan Ave., 416-481-7622.
Chai on Bayview Diners can create their own Asian-fusion combo (homemade dumplings are a must) and rub elbows with Leaside and Mount Pleasant locals at this crammed lunch spot. 1575 Bayview Ave., 416-932-0294.
Mogette Bistro Lorraine chef Philippe Coeurdassier and Daniel Muia, who worked under Didier Leroy at The Fifth, knock out well-executed French classics like sumptuous escargots bordelaise and crispy steak frites. 581 Mount Pleasant Rd., 647-350-5772.
Pimentón Grab-and-go gourmets can box up prepared green salad, roasted potatoes with mint and maple rosemary salmon, and dinner is served. The tasty Spanish and Mediterranean take-away also preps picnic baskets. In-store cooking classes reveal the secrets to paella perfection. 681 Mount Pleasant Rd., 647-343-4870.