Real Estate Guide › East

Clairlea - Birchmount

Average 2008 sale price:

$327,663

Property crime:

high

Crime against people:

high

Neighbourhood map:

See map

This west Scarborough neighbourhood is expected to grow rapidly in the next four years, attracting families looking for bigger lots than in nearby East York and the Beach. The Warden corridor is undergoing a $300 million commercial and residential redevelopment that already includes 1,400 new homes, and there’s a new 20-acre park and community centre bordering the Warden Woods. The blocks around Eglinton offer all the big-box shopping and restos one may need, and many ethnic eateries.

HOUSING STOCK: Bungalows compose most of the residential options, though there are a few newer townhouse developments on infill lots.

BARGAIN ZONES: New homes in the Warden Woods subdivision, south of St. Clair Avenue, offer pre-construction deals

THE VERDICT: This is starter home territory—the retail isn’t top-notch, and you have to take a bus to the subway line, but there’s plenty of backyard space for housewarming barbecues.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Chung Moi Hakka Good Chinese cooking abounds at this cheap eat. Favourites include truly spicy chili chicken and crisp green beans in a satisfying sticky black bean sauce. 2412 Eglinton Ave. E., 416-755-5293.
Pho Saigon This fam-friendly Vietnamese spot serves up cheap and cheery comfort food, including more than 50 takes on the hearty rice noodle soup. 1921 Eglinton Ave. E., 416-759-5999.

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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