Real Estate Guide › West

Thistletown - Beaumond Heights

Average 2008 sale price:

$346,439

Property crime:

average

Crime against people:

average

Neighbourhood map:

See map

Tucked between two forks of the Humber River, the area enjoys a stretch of parkland and green space you can follow all the way down to the waterfront. The nearby strip malls along Albion Road aren’t much of an attraction, but there are some ethnic groceries to add variety to the dinner table. The Village Green, a field behind Albion, was deeded to Thistletown residents in the 1890s and is the site of the popular Thistletown Fair, held on the first Saturday in June. The area first caught the eye of developers during the real estate boom of the 1950s and ’60s, at which point houses (mostly bungalows) were constructed north of Albion. The older, more picturesque section south of Albion—no sidewalks, streets embowered with spruce and elm—has undergone a housing explosion of sorts, with contemporary two-storey homes supplanting the cottages that originally populated the area. Beaumond Heights, to the northwest, is a slightly newer development that abounds with new families and recent immigrants taking advantage of the excellent values—large, affordable homes with plenty of parks and accessible transit corridors.

HOUSING STOCK: The streets feature primarily bungalows and backsplits, except for the occasional tear-down. There are still some summer cottages dating from the early 1900s, as well as a few remaining century and pioneer homes.

BARGAIN ZONES: The area is small, so prices don’t vary significantly; most houses list between $320,000 and $340,000 for three bedrooms.

THE VERDICT: Thistletown is the premier region in Rexdale and a great starter area—but don’t overspend. You’ll find good value for your dollar, with good-size plots close to amenities.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Anga’s Farm & Nursery This may be the last real working farm in the City of Toronto; its garden centre offers everything you’ll need for yard maintenance, as well as honey from its own bees. 89 Bankfield Dr., 416-839-2111.

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

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