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The Danforth is rapidly diversifying with
vibrant sushi restaurants and South Asian
groceries

Real Estate Guide › East

Danforth Village

Average 2008 sale price:

$457,336

Property crime:

low

Crime against people:

low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

For the urban anthropologist, this slice of the Danforth makes for a vibrant study. Heading east, the Greek butchers and souvlaki joints near Pape slowly give way to samosa shops and North African restaurants, with the odd Thai, Mexican or sushi place thrown into the mix. The large, diverse Muslim community surrounding the Madina Masjid near Donlands is helping fundraise for the mosque’s $4 million renovation, which should be finished sometime next spring. At the popular toddler drop-in centre on Kimbourne Avenue, they often sing “Frère Jacques” in at least three languages. And the food-conscientious can get their locavore fix at the weekly farmers’ markets on Tuesdays and Thursdays (at the East York Civic Centre and East Lynn Park, respectively). For the most part, prices held steady over the past tumultuous year, with multiple offers made on houses in move-in condition.

HOUSING STOCK: Small semis run in the high $300,000s, while solid brick Edwardians on the western edge of the neighbourhood range from $400,000 to as high as $800,000. (That’s still a deal compared to nearby Playter Estates.)

BARGAIN ZONES: Milverton Avenue, on the northern edge of the neighbourhood, offers deals.

THE VERDICT: It’s one of the last remaining pockets of affordability in the city, and attracts families and young professionals.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Carter’s Ice Cream When this petite-size parlour opened up last May, locals lined up out the door for complimentary scoops of Kawartha Dairy’s finest. 3 Woodmount Ave., 416-429-1550.
Seb’s Cappuccino At this old-school café (pool table, elderly Italian men playing cards, and soccer on the TV), they don’t do skinny or mocha frappa anything—just deftly prepared coffee. A super-smooth, medium-size latte is just $2.50. 1928 Danforth Ave., 416-425-9833.