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Signature tall, thin Victorians are in hot
demand in this sought-after leafy
(and lefty) area

Real Estate Guide › Central

Trinity - Bellwoods

Average 2008 sale price:

$562,318

Property crime:

very high

Crime against people:

very high

Neighbourhood map:

See map

It’s the ’hood with the highest concentration of asymmetrical haircuts and skinny jeans in the city. And with the explosion of bars and restaurants on Ossington, the impossibly hip factor has reached new, often unaffordable heights. Artistic downtowners can be found walking their dogs in the neighbourhood’s namesake park, a grand and gated 37-acre oasis. While there are still relatively large Brazilian, Portuguese and Italian communities closer to Dundas and College, it’s the park and Queen West that typify the area. Plenty of art galleries, bookstores, bars and boutiques draw a huge amount of foot traffic—and effortlessly stylish cyclists on parade—each weekend.

HOUSING STOCK: Peaceful streets are filled with a mix of Victorian, Edwardian and the occasional stretch of row houses or worker’s cottages. Homes average between 1,500 and 2,200 square feet, and there are plenty of fixer-uppers. “Most of the time when you’re buying in that area, you can anticipate a bit of a project,” says one agent. Homes on Bellwoods, Crawford, Grace and Concord command the highest prices.

BARGAIN ZONES: Euclid, Manning and Markham addresses near College are more attainable. The farther from the park, the better the deals.

THE VERDICT: This is the spot for young professionals who want a cool postal code, proximity to everything, and a park as their backyard.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Heel Boy This independent shoe store, a mainstay of West Queen West, sells every brand from Dolce Vita to Sam Edelman and Toms. 682 Queen St. W., 416-362-4335.
The Monkey’s Paw A used bookstore that’s really a little house of wonders for bibliophiles; check out its collection of rare and out-of-print books. 1229 Dundas St. W., 416-531-2123.
Pizzeria Libretto It’s the hottest restaurant on a street thanks to its perfect thin-crust pies and no shortage of buzz. Expect lineups. 221 Ossington Ave., 416-532-8000.
Sweet Lulu This hip eatery serves up umami-rich Asian noodles in huge portions. Go hungry. 859 Queen St. W., 416-203-2228.