Real Estate Guide › East

Kennedy Park

Average 2008 sale price:

$231,675

Property crime:

high

Crime against people:

high

Neighbourhood map:

See map

While this area, built up in the ’40s and ’50s, looks like a well-preserved swath of early suburbia, an influx of Filipino, Chinese, East Indian and Sri Lankan populations is bringing new vibrancy to the central Eglinton drag. The large grid of bungalow-lined streets is broken by the occasional curvy road, a few ’50s split-levels, and the infrequent contemporary behemoth. Lawns are neat as a pin, but tree cover is lacking. Surrounded by train tracks and the equally formidable six lanes of Eglinton Avenue East, the neighbourhood can feel a bit isolated, but the subway and the Scarborough GO station are accessible.

HOUSING STOCK: Small detached brick bungalows (from $300,000) are predominant; many of them already have updated kitchens and baths.

BARGAIN ZONES: Condos offer good value, but buyers interested in a semi or a detached are better off looking next to the tracks, or on Woodfern and Ashwick, near Eglinton and Birchmount. Homes on Foxridge Drive, near Pine Hills Cemetery, also often go for less.

THE VERDICT: The surrounding ravines and multicultural character of this post-war pocket compensate for the strip malls, making it a budget-savvy starting point for young families.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Channaman’s Caribbean Corner This is the best spot for takeout chicken curry, salt fish cakes and other island delicacies. 2480 Eglinton Ave. E., Unit 9, 416-266-4591.
Corvette Fish and Chips Greasy halibut is served up properly atop a heap of chips; takeout is authentically wrapped in yesterday’s newspaper. 623 Kennedy Rd., 416-267-2721.

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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