Real Estate Guide › East

North Riverdale

Average 2007 sale price:

$780,000

Property crime:

average

Crime against people:

average

Neighbourhood map:

See map

At an open house on a recent sunny weekend, real estate agent Wilfred Veinot of Sutton Partners Realty watched more than 300 people walk through the North Riverdale semi he was selling. Needless to say, the home sold well above the asking price. “In this area, it’s all about the schools,” Veinot says. “If a house is in Withrow Public School’s catchment area, you can expect multiple offers.” Most of the people moving into this leafy neighbourhood surrounding Withrow Park are young professionals with families. At the north end, Danforth sidewalks teem with Bugaboo and Quinny strollers; young mothers meet for coffee klatches at the Riverdale Perk or postnatal workouts at the local church. With shopping, public transit and great parks all within walking distance, it’s easy to see why this nabe is so coveted.

HOUSNG STOCK: The elegant Edwardian homes with trendy landscaping (large boulders and wild grasses) on Grandview, Hogarth and Langley avenues command slightly less than a million; spruced-up semis (new porches, fresh paint) further south sell for around $600,000.

BARGAIN ZONES: Which school district a house falls into can greatly affect its price. Deals can often be found east of Carlaw and closer to Gerrard, in part because the schools there, though well regarded, don’t have quite the same cachet as Withrow Public School.

THE VERDICT: More affordable than Cabbagetown or Rosedale, Riverdale also has great access to shops and restaurants. And it’s not just for yuppies. Community efforts to combat global warming (the Riverdale Initiative for Solar Energy) and counter stress (Tai Chi in Riverdale Park East) add to the area’s high standard of living.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Batifole At the ’hood’s southern border, Batifole charms with traditional French bistro fare. Try the fresh dory and fries with tasty tarragon mayo. 744 Gerrard St. E., 416-462-9965.
Body Blue Once you’ve perfected your downward dog, outfit your lithe form with designer denim. 199 Danforth Ave., 416-778-7601.
The Yoga Sanctuary A wide expanse of windows makes sun salutations seem a little easier. 95 Danforth Ave., Ste. 301, 416-461-6161.