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Blake–Jones is slowly catching up to its
more gentrified neighbours, with rising
house prices to match
Real Estate Guide › East
Blake - Jones
- Median 2007 sale price:
- $437,500
- Property crime:
- average
- Crime against people:
- average
- Neighbourhood map:
- See map
There are some serious structural problems that hold this area back from blossoming in the same way as its surrounding neighbourhoods have. The east end of Blake–Jones is eaten up by the TTC’s massive Greenwood Subway Yard, while access to the south is largely blocked by CN rail lines. The southwest corner of the neighbourhood is dominated by the Blake–Boultbee housing projects, and the only real retail area the district can claim is a less-than-prosperous section of the Danforth. Most streets are narrow and crammed with parked cars, but gentrification is slowly beginning to take hold, and house prices are rising thanks to some total gut-and-renos.
HOUSING STOCK: Streets are mostly lined with mid-century semis lacking in charm (aluminum siding prevails), as well as a few of the majestic single-family homes typical of nearby Riverdale.
BARGAIN ZONES: The area is mostly a diamond in the rough, hence the three-bedroom townhomes that can be purchased for slightly over $300,000. However, given the rundown appearance of the Blake area, interested buyers will need deep pockets, patience and lots of imagination.
THE VERDICT: The neighbourhood is destined to spruce up, with the surrounding areas already gentrified. In the meantime, you can’t beat the quick jaunt to the Danforth, where dollar stores and dive bars are gradually being replaced by yuppie-approved amenities.
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Magic Oven The enormous menu at this rapidly expanding health-conscious gourmet pizza chain appeals to vegans, celiacs and carnivores alike. 798 Danforth Ave., 416-868-6836.
The Only Café A long-standing neighbourhood fave, the relaxed retro bar appeals with its fantastic beer menu (more than 100 bottles, 16 varieties of draft) and new rear patio for long summer nights. 972 Danforth Ave., 416-463-7843.
Red Tent Sisters The east end’s answer to Come as You Are, this retail and workshop space is dedicated to women’s sexuality and reproductive health. 810 Danforth Ave., 416-463-8368.
Nearby Restaurants
Faros By Night
The kitchen churns out chicken souvlaki like a machine, as well as other grilled meats ... (0.61 km away)
Danforth Dragon
The usual bits of cultural kitsch adorn the walls, but this homely Chinese outlet sets ... (0.62 km away)
The Original Collegiate Lunch
The “original” in this diner’s name probably refers to the now-kitschy decor and atmosphere that ... (0.63 km away)
Sakawaya
Prepared by years of experience at Nami and Take Sushi, Yoshi Tsuji took over this ... (0.63 km away)
Patris Restaurant
The interior of this family-friendly place has a vaguely nautical air (pine wood, posters of ... (0.64 km away)
Peach Garden Express
Despite its location within a strip mall and an aura of fast-food joint, this noodle ... (0.64 km away)
Dukem
The heady scent of incense slaps diners about the face as they enter the red ... (0.65 km away)
Nearby Shopping and Services
Olive and Olive Oil
While the range of products is decidedly narrow in this aptly named shop, everything is ... (0.57 km away)
Riverdale Fitness
In business since 1949, and at one time called Alfie’s Gym, Riverdale Fitness was completely ... (0.64 km away)
Home Depot
The king of the big boxes, Home Depot is an icon of suburbia. Which is ... (0.66 km away)
The Home Depot
The king of the big boxes, this store is an icon of suburbia. But Home ... (0.66 km away)
Commuting
- King and Bay:
- 4.5 km
- 401 and 400:
- 15.3 km
- Gardiner and 427:
- 18.3 km
- Subways:
- Donlands Station 0.7 km
- Pape Station 0.8 km
- Greenwood Station 0.9 km
Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.
Today in Toronto
December 2, 2008
Cinematheque Ontario
Screening tonight at Jackman Hall is Canadian master Denys Arcand’s Réjeanne Padovani
Art Bar Poetry Series
Brandon-based poet, feminist and teacher Di Brandt reads with performance poet Nordine Beason and the ...








