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

Argentines are a gregarious bunch, and owners Christina and Enriqué Barenbaum are no exception. By ... (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

Victorian Revival

This crowded warehouse puts authentic pre-1940 lighting fixtures in the spotlight. Stock is sourced from ... (0.23 km away)

Sharon O'Dowd

Hand-picked Quebec and Ontario antiques, including chairs, sideboards and painted cupboards, are a forte here; ... (0.33 km away)

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)

Adanac Glass

With glass shower enclosures now as ubiquitous as sisal carpet, business is brisk at this ... (0.38 km away)

AM Studio

This custom lighting shop is a natural fit in the Castlefield design district, with its ... (0.40 km away)

The Door Store

A door is a door is a door, right? If that’s your thinking, Sam Mirshak ... (0.47 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.

Real Estate
Centre

provided by CIBC

Calculators

What can you afford?

Articles

Mortgage FAQs »

Apply online in just minutes. Click here to get started

Get more Toronto Life:

DAILY: For up-to-the-minute updates, follow us on Twitter or via RSS
WEEKLY: Find the latest it-spots, top wines and the hottest parties by signing up for our free weekly e-newsletters
MONTHLY: Don't miss a word.
Subscribe to our award-winning magazine today

E-mail your ideas and feedback to Toronto Life editors

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

Today in Toronto on Twitter | RSS