Real Estate Guide › East

Old East York

Average 2008 sale price:

$432,390

Property crime:

low

Crime against people:

low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

This area really got going in 1946, as a neighbourhood of returning war veterans and their growing families. Nowadays, young professionals are replacing the retirees. The well-maintained, orderly streets south of O’Connor are lined with rows of brick bungalows, and almost every house has a good-size lawn and driveway. Two-bedroom bungalows start at $375,000, while houses north of O’Connor go from $500,000 up to the million-dollar mark. Local shopping and restaurants are lacking, but small strips on Coxwell and Donlands provide basic amenities, including an LCBO. Squeezed between O’Connor and Taylor Creek is the older Todmorden Village: the houses and lots here (many of which back on to the ravine) are bigger, but so are the prices.

HOUSING STOCK: The majority of houses are small, post-war bungalows, but builders have been busy: many of those have been topped up with second stories, or remade into larger stucco and stone numbers. East of Donlands, there is more of a hodgepodge of styles and sizes.

BARGAIN ZONES: Modest bungalows in need of TLC south of Cosburn are more affordable.

THE VERDICT: The placid side streets feel nicely removed from the hustle of downtown, though residents are at the mercy of the city’s bus system. The trade-offs are a bigger backyard and smaller mortgage. Watch for prices to rise as the secret about Old East York gets out.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Fresh From the Farm The meat and dairy here come directly from Mennonite or Amish farms outside the city. 350 Donlands Ave., 416-422-3276
Paul’s Spaghetti A small but quaint Italian spot, Paul’s serves up gargantuan portions of comforting pastas. Eat in or take-out. 488 Cosburn Ave., 416-422-4362.
Taylor Creek Drop out of the city and into this ravine for a bike path connected to the Don Valley. Entrance at the east end of Cosburn Avenue.

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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