The area is diverse, yet retains a distinct
Italian feel
Real Estate Guide › West
Briar Hill - Belgravia
- Average 2008 sale price:
- $299,483
- Property crime:
- low
- Crime against people:
- low
- Neighbourhood map:
- See map
This somnolent part of town sits atop Eglinton West, close to the subway and the 401. Its affordability and proximity to public transit make it a popular choice for young families. Although the area is now fairly diverse, it retains an Italian feel—for example, many homes sport basement kitchens. Eglinton provides some shopping, but to get most of what you need, a car is a must. If you’re looking to tweak a house to your liking, the northwestern corner of the neighbourhood is littered with renovation and fixture stores.
HOUSING STOCK: In keeping with the style of traditional wartime housing, predominantly brick bungalows with private or shared driveways line the majority of the residential streets. There are also some large, newer townhouse developments off Roselawn Avenue, and apartment buildings dot Marlee Avenue to the east.
BARGAIN ZONES: Prices tend to become lower closer to Eglinton. Addresses on Livingstone and Belgravia avenues are slightly cheaper than homes farther north.
THE VERDICT: For a family that wants to stay in the city, this is a good area. There are a lot of add-ons and renovations, which always bodes well for property values.
NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Elte Some 200,000 square feet of furniture can be found at this upmarket furniture emporium. 80 Ronald Ave., 416-785-7885.
Le Firme This is the place to go for designer Italian clothing fashions at wholesale prices. 2700 Dufferin St., Unit 64, 416-780-9950.
Luminart Chic lighting fixtures are showcased like works of art at this open-concept showroom. 81B Ronald Ave., 416-780-9775.
Sharon O’Dowd This store is home to a carefully chosen selection of antiques from Ontario, Quebec, England and France. 1200 Castlefield Ave., 416-322-0927.
Nearby Restaurants
Sky Ranch
Tumbleweeds blow through the dining room on the average school night, but come Saturdays it’s ... (0.27 km away)
Shanty’s Caribbean Takeout
“Don’t worry, be happy” urges a chalkboard inscription at this cheerful Caribbean takeout spot, decked ... (0.35 km away)
Strictly Ital
Photographs of Bob Marley and a feel-good reggae soundtrack lend a laid-back vibe to this ... (0.48 km away)
Pho Bolsa
Mirrored walls and a sparkling disco ball provide this intimate Vietnamese restaurant with a surreal ... (0.48 km away)
Pelican’s Delight
Lovers huddle under a palm tree watching a glorious sunset (in the large mural painted ... (0.49 km away)
Randy’s Take Out Services
This takeout Caribbean joint has nary a chair in sight, and it isn’t much to ... (0.83 km away)
Mainsha Restaurant
Lime- and lemon-hued walls provide the sole decorative touch at this plain-looking Caribbean restaurant—but you ... (0.84 km away)
Nearby Shopping and Services
Bake: Dessert Co
In an unassuming shop plunked in the middle of a business centre, owner and pastry ... (0.38 km away)
Marigolds and Onions
Requests to cater sit-down dinners for 5,000 are easily met by M&O; the company’s chefs ... (0.38 km away)
Baker Street Bakery
The interior of this bakery resembles a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory fantasy world. There ... (0.65 km away)
Gelato Fresco
You could buy Hart Melvin’s tubs of gelato at your local Loblaws, on an Air ... (0.82 km away)
City Fish Market
Owner Gus Nikoletsos usually has some Adriatic specialties on hand in his north-end fish store. ... (1.19 km away)
Commuting
- 401 and 400:
- 5.7 km
- King and Bay:
- 8.0 km
- Gardiner and 427:
- 12.2 km
- Subways:
- Eglinton West Station 1.2 km
- Glencairn Station 1.4 km
- Lawrence West Station 2.1 km
Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.
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