Real Estate Guide › West

Stonegate - Queensway

Average 2007 sale price:

$794,000

Property crime:

high

Crime against people:

low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

Once the very model of the tranquil mid-century suburb, this patch of southern Etobicoke is bustling with a new generation of young professionals looking for the trifecta of great schools, safe streets and an easy commute to downtown. Close to the subway in the north (Islington, Old Mill and Royal York stations) and the Gardiner in the south, the area offers several well-regarded public schools (Norseman, Park Lawn, Sunnylea), the highly regarded Etobicoke School of the Arts, family-oriented churches (such as Royal York Road United Church) and an ever-increasing supply of good restaurants and cafés, especially on the stretch of Bloor that borders Kingsway South.

HOUSING STOCK: There are mostly bungalows west of Royal York, and a handful of ranch bungalows, two-storeys, side- and backsplits to the east, in the Sunnylea area. Further south, near The Queensway, housing comprises mostly wartime bungalows, and newer condos and townhouses.

BARGAIN ZONES: A mid-century clapboard bungalow near Royal York and The Queensway might go for as little as $350,000, but the slightly more expensive post-war homes a few blocks to the north (in Norseman Heights) are considered the better deal. Located north of Norseman Street and west of Royal York Road, these mostly three-bedrooms with attached garages are conveniently close to a community centre, parks, the subway and shopping, and start at $450,000.

THE VERICT: There’s a pocket of low-end rentals along Stephen Drive and way too much traffic in the south, near The Queensway and the Gardiner, but the north is pure Ozzie and Harriet land, with wide lawns, tree-lined streets, lots of parks and easy access to the subway. The area known as Thompson Orchard is particularly desirable. Bordered by Bloor, Royal York and Mimico Creek, it’s quiet yet close to the subway—but even a tear-down in this zone will cost you approximately $725,000. Sunnylea’s original stone cottages are also popular; a 1930s two-bedroom will go for about $829,000.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Merlot The classic French cooking here has a blast-from-the-past feel, but it’s tasty and satisfying. Affluent locals and large groups keep the place full. 2994 Bloor St. W., 416-236-0081.