First-time buyers priced out of Seaton
Village and Little Italy are moving north and
west, snapping up homes on such streets as
Perth Avenue

Real Estate Guide › West

Dovercourt–Wallace–Emerson–Junction

Average 2008 sale price:

$399,896

Property crime:

average

Crime against people:

average

Neighbourhood map:

See map

As gentrification continues its bold march west, buyers who have been priced out of Seaton Village and Little Italy are starting to house hunt in this up-and-coming area (which is actually a collection of smaller neighbourhoods: Bloorcourt, Dovercourt, Bloordale, Wallace, Emerson). It used to be that everything west of Bathurst was considered slightly dodgy, but as reno-happy buyers moved in, the border edged closer to Christie, then Ossington. (It’s now more or less at Dufferin.) Some streets are a jumble of recently renovated homes, rooming houses and places sorely needing some TLC. A lot of the residences in the northwest corner of the area were originally constructed for workers employed in the factories that once lined the railway. However, many of these houses have since been re-imagined as condos. A large number of parks (sprawling Christie Pits creates the nabe’s verdant eastern border) helps ease the slightly claustrophobic feel, but the narrow streets also add vibrancy—with a sizable Portuguese community, things tend to get lively and loud when the World Cup rolls around.

HOUSING STOCK: There’s everything from Annex-style Victorians to aesthetically challenged semis to newer infill housing. The streets surrounding six-acre Dovercourt Park feature handsome brick dwellings. Recently, a bright, luxury two-bedroom Edwardian had an asking price of $599,000.

BARGAIN ZONES: West of Dufferin and north of Dupont houses and lot sizes are smaller.

THE VERDICT: Community beautification projects in Wallace–Emerson Park and the condo developments at the northern edge are all improvements. Housing prices on the western side are more affordable for first-time buyers (though urban ills—poverty and prostitution—continue to plague Lansdowne).

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Body Harmonics Pilates With more than 50 weekly group classes as well as private sessions, the studio draws elite athletes, weekend warriors, and people recovering from injuries. 672 Dupont St., Ste. 406, 416-537-0714.
O Nosso Talho Obscure cuts of meat and an array of Portuguese canned goods are specialties at this deli. 1042 Bloor St. W., 416-531-7462.
Nova Era Salty tosta mistas (pressed ham and cheese sandwiches) and creamy lattes can cure any hangover. 980 Bloor St. W., 416-531-1222.