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The epicentre of TIFF for its bars and
restos, Yorkville is not suited to wallflowers

Real Estate Guide › Central

Yorkville

Average 2008 sale price:

$813,533

Property crime:

average

Crime against people:

very low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

The decadence of the ’80s transformed this former hippie haven (remember the Riverboat?) into the posh area of today. Incorporated in 1853, it was the first village annexed by the City of Toronto (in 1883), and its original coat of arms graces the historic fire hall at 34 Yorkville. From brand-name boutiques lining Bloor (Gucci, Prada) to the gourmet mecca south of Summerhill (the Five Thieves and flagship LCBO), platinum cards get a workout at both ends of the ’hood. And while its days as ground zero for TIFF are numbered, the luxe hotels will always draw A-list celebs and affluent tourists. Condominiums seem to multiply by mitosis and extend all the way to beautiful Ramsden Park, where they give way to lovingly restored homes on leafy side streets.

HOUSING STOCK: New condos on Yorkville and Bay offer some of the priciest real estate in the city—remaining suites at the future Four Seasons complex (to be completed in 2012) start at $1.5 million. Houses are largely Victorian, attached and range from tiny worker’s cottages on Macpherson to Hazelton’s heritage homes.

BARGAIN ZONES: “Bargain” is a relative term here. On Macpherson, a tiny two-bedroom semi with a small yard and no parking will sell in the $600,000s. However, at a few older condo buildings on Yonge Street, a large but somewhat standard resale two-bedroom unit can fetch as much as $500,000.

THE VERDICT: Empty nesters are flooding the area as they downsize from larger digs in Rosedale and Forest Hill. Its proximity to downtown and shopping is a magnet for DINKs.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Crêpes à GoGo Landing a seat at this Parisian-style crêperie is about as easy as finding free parking outside. 18 Yorkville Ave., 416-922-6765.
Jong Young Food & Flower Market They haven’t sold fruit in years, but their exquisite, well-priced flora have a loyal following. 128 Avenue Rd., 416-922-4421.
One The patio at here is perfect for celebrity spotting. 116 Yorkville Ave., 416-961-9600.
Pusateri’s A one-stop shop for gourmets. There’s also valet parking for drivers scared of the Green P. 57 Yorkville Ave., 416-785-9100.

Today in Toronto: February 9, 2010

• Hub 14: The postage stamp measurements of the Hub 14 space will ensure close encounters with the performers taking part in the new series Under a Paper Moon
• More things to do tonight
• Something to do this weekend

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