HOME  |  February 9, 2010  |  Blogs: Daily Dish and Style

My Toronto Life: Sign In  |  Register   |  Contests  |  Subscribe

Toronto Life

Advertisement
Stately Tudors abound in <br />
Birchcliffe–Cliffside, with the occasional <br />
contemporary design thrown in<br />
Stately Tudors abound in
Birchcliffe–Cliffside, with the occasional
contemporary design thrown in

Real Estate GuideEast

Birchcliffe - Cliffside

Average 2008 sale price:
$434,614
Property crime:
high
Crime against people:
high
Neighbourhood map:
See map

The most coveted digs in the area are, of course, closest to the lake, where winding streets sprout stately mid-century homes, many with second-storey expanses of glass. Fallingbrook Drive slopes down eastward from Fallingbrook Road, with a thickly wooded ravine on the left. (Units in a new eco-friendly loft proposed for Fallingbrook Road recently sold for $300,000 all the way up to $1 million.) Those with kiddies, doggies or a simple hankering for fresh air appreciate the abundant parkland, which stretches west from the Scarborough Bluffs to Rosetta McClain Gardens. Smaller budgets opt for infill townhouses and condo developments at the northern end of the district. The shopping could be better—the main Kingston Road strip has more tattoo parlours than boutiques—but it’s a trade-off residents accept for the area’s space and privacy.

HOUSING STOCK: Buyers will discover a mixed bag of Tudor, Elizabethan and post-war standards.

BARGAIN ZONES: The farther north of Kingston and east of Kennedy you go, the friendlier the prices will be. There are plenty of 1930s and ’40s semis and detached houses, as well as a few smaller homes that used to be lakeside getaway cottages for affluent downtowners.

THE VERDICT: Just east of the Beach but without the bustle, this is one of Toronto’s most charming districts, with dramatic views of Lake Ontario and plenty of property for your dollar.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Birchcliff Village Farmers’ Market On summer and fall Fridays, farmers set up shop at the St. Nicholas Church garden. 1512 Kingston Rd.
Vincent’s Spot The veal Villeroy here is famous, the atmosphere is cozy, and the continental fare satisfies. 2496 Kingston Rd., 416-267-2778.

Nearby Shopping and Services

Housed in a converted 1900s bank, this sophisticated shop specializes in fresh floral design (its ... (0.67 km away)

Architectural salvage is all the rage, so it was only a matter of time before ... (1.19 km away)

Atmosphere and service are no-nonsense at this well-established baby gear depot, situated on ragged Kingston ... (1.59 km away)

Commuting
King and Bay:
11.0 km
401 and 400:
20.8 km
Gardiner and 427:
24.9 km
Subways:
Victoria Park Station 2.3 km
Warden Station 2.5 km
Main Street Station 3.5 km

Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.

Current Issue
Get more Toronto Life:

DAILY: For up-to-the-minute updates, follow us on Twitter or via RSS
WEEKLY: Find the latest it-spots, top wines and the hottest parties by signing up for our free weekly e-newsletters
MONTHLY: Don't miss a word.
Subscribe to our award-winning magazine today

E-mail your ideas and feedback to Toronto Life editors

Today in Toronto: February 9, 2010

 |  RSS

Special messages from our partners Toronto Life and Yellow Pages Wedding Guide 2010. Click here for Perfect Escapes Click here to view the full Private Schools Directory Click here to view the Home Renovation Guide Click to search careers on Toronto Life. Powered by Career Builder Canada

© 2010. All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part strictly prohibited. Toronto Life is a registered trademark of Toronto Life Publishing Company Limited