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Real Estate Guide › Central

Newtonbrook East–Newtonbrook West

Average 2008 sale price:

$410,268

Property crime:

very high

Crime against people:

average

Neighbourhood map:

See map

The kind of suburb now called 20th-century traditional, Newtonbrook East is almost half a century old and conveniently connected to amenities and transportation. The area predominantly features detached homes, with a smattering of apartment buildings. Of historical note, Lester B. Pearson was born in the area in 1897, during Newtonbrook’s former life as a farming community, named (in 1863) for Sir Isaac Newton. The area is becoming increasingly diverse, with growing numbers of Chinese and Iranian residents. A neighbourhood on its way up, Newtonbrook West presents a picture of health. Dallas Road has some strikingly ambitious properties, and the cul-de-sacs off Drewry Avenue have expansive and imaginatively landscaped spaces.

HOUSING STOCK: On both sides of Yonge, post-war bungalows and split-levels on generously sized lots sit alongside late-20th-century rebuilds. Larger two-storey brick homes and split-levels nestle in the leafy Bayview and Steeles area on the east side. There are also clusters of condos scattered throughout and newer townhomes on the west side of the area.

BARGAIN ZONES: Prices drop off slightly the farther west you go, moving away from Yonge toward Bathurst, where a lot of building is underway. To the east, the Willowdale corridor has lots ripe for redevelopment, as does the area south of Finch.

THE VERDICT: This region is excellent for long-term investment, since interest in the area is picking up quickly and will eventually match the demand for the coveted Earl Haig school district to the south of Finch.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Centerpoint Mall Centerpoint features such mall stalwarts as the Bay and Canadian Tire (handy for home renos). 6464 Yonge St., 416-223-9560.
Tanoor This sprawling hodgepodge of a restaurant—faux stained glass, tapestry-draped walls and picnic-style tables—is delightfully unpretentious, as is the homestyle Iranian fare. 6347 Yonge St., 416-225-2949.
Tov-Li Pizza and Falafel The northern outpost of this kosher eatery offers good, cheap Middle Eastern fare. 5982 Bathurst St., 416-650-9800.
Zaffron In an unusual pairing, an Italian and an Iranian chef work the kitchen here. The smart money goes east; the Iranian dishes on the menu (flatbreads, kebabs) are popular with the growing Persian population at Yonge and Finch. 6200 Yonge St., 416-223-7070.