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The prevailing style in this kid-friendly<br />
‘hood is the ’50s bungalow, sometimes<br />
one-and-a-half storeys, like this house on<br />Elford Boulevard
The prevailing style in this kid-friendly
‘hood is the ’50s bungalow, sometimes
one-and-a-half storeys, like this house on
Elford Boulevard

Real Estate GuideWest

Islington - City Centre West

Average 2008 sale price:
$391,730
Property crime:
high
Crime against people:
low
Neighbourhood map:
See map

All of central Etobicoke south of the Westway and east of Highway 427 is being developed right now, but nowhere more so than here, where townhouses are overtaking industrial lands to the south and mega-homes are emerging near Kipling. Families prefer the ’hood just the way it is (green lawns and reputable schools, such as Bloorlea Middle School, Wedgewood Junior School and Our Lady of Peace Catholic School), but the area’s convenience makes change (and rising prices) inevitable. Shopping is limited to malls, but the historic Village of Islington has cute boutiques.

HOUSING STOCK: The prevailing style is 1950s bungalows and smaller post-war homes.

BARGAIN ZONES: The best deals may be townhouse developments, such as the one on Islington south of Bloor. There are also affordable bungalows, but builders are converting the best of them into new $1-million builds.

THE VERDICT: The region can seem suburban through and through (see the car dealerships on Dundas West), but it’s redeemed by easy access to the Gardiner and public transit.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Artisano Bakery Café Fresh bread and sandwiches hit the spot. 1020 Islington Ave., 416-207-9940.
Rocco’s Plum Tomato Locals love Rocco’s for its simple and tasty traditional Italian food. 1068 Islington Ave., 416-234-5555.

Nearby Restaurants

With two counter-side stools and two tiny tables, most customers pop in at the tiny ... (1.68 km away)

Though the room looks like an Italian pizza joint, glass nazars, pictures of whirling dervishes, ... (1.75 km away)

Kitschy frescoes and spiralling filigree give this Italian colossus by the 427 a boisterous mood. ... (2.26 km away)

Nearby Shopping and Services

Don’t expect The Bay’s usual plushy room settings and carpeted quietude at this clearance outlet. ... (0.30 km away)

Tucked under a condo complex in Etobicoke, this sweet little boutique houses original and useful ... (0.95 km away)

After half a lifetime of apprenticeships and travel, owner and head butcher Frank Del Gobbo ... (1.06 km away)

Impressing high-profile palates is the name of the game at 10tation, the caterer of choice ... (1.36 km away)

Here, 84 newborn-sized (six to 12 pounds) diapers go for $12.49, about half of what ... (1.55 km away)

If “ultimate” described the former 9,000-square-foot store dedicated to bathroom finishings, then the new 35,000-square-foot ... (1.57 km away)

Watch him bring a boisterous group of four-year-olds to instant attention and it becomes clear ... (1.71 km away)

Commuting
Gardiner and 427:
2.0 km
401 and 400:
9.6 km
King and Bay:
13.5 km
Subways:
Kipling Station 1.0 km
Islington Station 2.5 km
Royal York Station 3.3 km

Commuting and subway distances measured from neighbourhood centre.

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Today in Toronto: February 9, 2010

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