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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.