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Real Estate Guide › East

Danforth Village - East York

Average 2008 sale price:

$403,051

Property crime:

low

Crime against people:

low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

Aside from the odd top-up (prefab second-storey additions to bungalows), not much has changed here since the early part of the 20th century, long before East York’s days as “Canada’s only borough” ended by amalgamation in 1998. The neighbourhood offers street after street of housing, and not much else—both retail and green space (aside from popular Dieppe Park) are lacking. That said, the south end is only a couple of blocks from shops and restaurants on the Danforth, and R. H. McGregor Elementary School, with an on-site daycare and a good French immersion program to draw in families with school-age kids.

HOUSING STOCK: Post-war bungalows with 30-foot frontage are predominant in the north end, with pre-war two-storey semis on tighter lots more common farther south.

BARGAIN ZONES: Not surprisingly, prices are highest in the southwest corner of the neighbourhood, which is closer to downtown and the Danforth. Look for fixer-uppers under $350,000 near Toronto East General Hospital or along main drags like Woodbine and Mortimer.

THE VERDICT: With relatively affordable housing, young families dig the suburban vibe and easy access to the downtown core—there are five subway stations between Woodbine and Pape.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Dieppe Park The largest park in the area features illuminated baseball and soccer fields, an outdoor rink, a ship-shaped playground and a small water park that’s packed with squealing little ones in summer. 455 Cosburn Ave.
S. Walter Stewart Library The newly renovated, saucer-shaped library exudes serenity with 13 A. Y. Jackson paintings in its collection, not to mention nearly 100,000 books. 170 Memorial Park Ave., 416-396-3975.
Toronto East York Farmers Market Every Tuesday from May through November, the fresh-obsessed descend on the front lawn of the old East York Civic Centre for Ontario-grown produce. 850 Coxwell Ave., 416-392-2664.