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.
Nearby Restaurants
The Black Hoof
A year after his Dundas West temple to charcuterie became an instant hit, chef Grant ... (0.18 km away)
Saving Grace
Its idiosyncrasies are many: capricious hours, frustrating brunch queues and seemingly garage sale tableware. It ... (0.25 km away)
New Lakeview Lunch
Offering a long menu of no-frills dishes, this slightly shabby, retro diner comes complete with ... (0.41 km away)
Sushi Haru
This Japanese restaurant in Little Italy offers a range of characteristic sushi and sashimi, maki, ... (0.42 km away)
Urban Thai (Thai)
This handsome and elegant restaurant seems to attract couples and young professionals, who casually enjoy ... (0.44 km away)
Golden Wheat (Cafe)
From the picturesque flower-fringed, wrought iron front patio to the pastel green and pomegranate walls ... (0.45 km away)
Café Braziliano
Bustling with young families and Little Portugal locals, this simple and unassuming neighbourhood restaurant features ... (0.45 km away)
Nearby Shopping and Services
Ella's Uncle
Black and white linoleum floors, chalkboards, six counter stools and the smell of baking banana ... (0.21 km away)
Grace Meat Market
Not only has the Bielak clan owned and operated Grace Meat Market for the past ... (0.43 km away)
Pink Twig Floral Boutique
This chic atelier is part floral boutique, part decor shop. With buckets of blooming flowers ... (0.49 km away)
Odile Chocolat
After working out of the kitchen at Célestin for four years, chocolatier Odile Chatelain has ... (0.51 km away)
I Deal Coffee
The second location, on Ossington, isn’t as hard to find as the Kensington Market café ... (0.51 km away)
Cindiloowho
Originally known as a country-style decor shop, Cindiloowho is now attracting just as much attention ... (0.55 km away)
Jaidens Petals
Originally known as a country-style decor shop, Cindiloowho is now attracting just as much attention ... (0.55 km away)
Commuting
- King and Bay:
- 2.9 km
- 401 and 400:
- 11.0 km
- Gardiner and 427:
- 11.5 km
- Subways:
- Christie Station 1.4 km
- Ossington Station 1.5 km
- Bathurst Station 1.7 km
Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.
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