The historic Music Hall on the Danforth
is one of Toronto's best venues for live
music
Real Estate Guide › East
Playter Estates - Danforth
- Average 2008 sale price:
- $665,756
- Property crime:
- low
- Crime against people:
- low
- Neighbourhood map:
- See map
This exclusive district east of the Don and north of the Danforth takes its name from the Playter family, Loyalists who settled the area in the 1790s. It’s the kind of close-knit, front-porch community where cats slink safely across the road (thanks to the one-way streets and speed bumps). Young families clamouring for houses within the catchment area of Jackman Avenue Public School (it’s well-known for high test scores) are commonly caught in bidding wars.
HOUSING STOCK: The largest and most beautiful homes surround the old Playter family mansion currently being overhauled on Playter Crescent, and can easily reach $2 million. Smaller houses, such as a two-storey gabled semi with a porch, might start at $650,000. The streets west of Broadview feature a mix of small Ontario cottages, smart 1940s brick homes and modern infill houses.
BARGAIN ZONES: Prices are lower the closer you get to Pape. House hunters with fast buying reflexes can also snag fixer-uppers west of Broadview or east of Chester.
THE VERDICT: Comparisons to both Rosedale and Riverdale abound. And as long as Jackman Avenue Public School keeps those test scores up, the neighbourhood will continue to draw professionals with young children.
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Allen’s Beyond a mile-long beer list, the big draw is the back patio with an overhanging willow tree. 143 Danforth Ave., 416-463-3086.
Blackstone This premium butcher deals in organic cuts so beautiful, it almost feels wrong to barbecue them. Home deliveries are via vintage bicycle. 207 Danforth Ave., 416-463-3100.
Nearby Restaurants
Globe Bistro
The Académie française would be appalled at the liberties being taken with the term "bistro" ... (0.35 km away)
The Willow Tex Mex Bar and Grill
Tex-Mex staples are the signature of this slightly shabby restaurant and bar. Fajitas, tacos and ... (0.35 km away)
Mambo Lounge
The focus of this Spanish-Cuban tapas restaurant is the sexy, dark oak bar, backed by ... (0.36 km away)
Asteria
The westernmost souvlaki house on the Danforth is also one of the most down-to-earth. Takeout ... (0.37 km away)
The Old Nick
This casual neighbourhood bar and restaurant offers the usual burgers, wings and wraps, plus a ... (0.38 km away)
Seven Numbers
As one of the only Italian options along the Hellenic Danforth, this loud, festive trattoria ... (0.39 km away)
Embrujo Flamenco
Though it calls itself a tapas restaurant, the portions are more like tapas’ larger cousin, ... (0.40 km away)
Nearby Shopping and Services
Dash Kitchen
This cheery little shop is designed for running in and picking up a homespun meal. ... (0.34 km away)
Simryn Chocolates
Simryn’s owner, Noni Fenby, is squeezing a new refrigerator into her Lilliputian store. And she’ll ... (0.35 km away)
The Big Carrot
Three years after an expansive renovation, the market is still a destination for ethical eaters. ... (0.43 km away)
Commuting
- King and Bay:
- 3.9 km
- 401 and 400:
- 13.6 km
- Gardiner and 427:
- 17.1 km
- Subways:
- Broadview Station 0.4 km
- Chester Station 0.5 km
- Pape Station 1.0 km
Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.
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