When we first found out we were moving to Toronto, a little over a year ago, I started researching all the different neighborhoods we could live. At that stage all I wanted was downtown, new, parking and near to restaurants and transit. From our research on the internet we liked Queen West, Cabbagetown, Distillery and Waterfront, really anything that sounded like it had its own character. Upon arriving and driving around however it was a much different story, driving around the waterfront (our top choice coming from Calgary and being so excited that there was a waterfront!), it was deserted, a lot of newish construction but there didn’t seem to be a lot of people.
We spent that first day driving around all the places that we had researched and none of them quite seemed like a fit for the sort of place we wanted. One that my husband was very keen on was Queen West, particularly the Trinity Bellwoods area. Upon driving down Queen West I quickly wrote it off, no new buildings and as an outsider it felt a bit rough, I didn’t think I wanted to be walking around there at night (wrong!).
Now that I know the city a bit better I can see the appeal of this neighborhood, there are a lot of great restaurants on Queen St that we often visit, our favourite being Banh Mi Boys. While this neighborhood wouldn’t have really fit the initial brand new high rise condo idea it seems that now we are looking around for a house it could be perfect.
The Trinity Bellwoods Park is an amazing area, so close to the city having this huge outdoor space with a great dog park and stunning views of the CN Tower at night, makes it very appealing. So what does a house go for around here? The company selling off the ex THC housing has a listing at 12 Mitchell Street, asking $540,000, only 2 bedrooms and no parking but not bad.
I had sort of forgotten about this neighborhood, after a very rough initial search told me I needed $900K plus for a home this close to the city. Obviously that was very rough because upon closer inspection there are a few small homes near Trinity Bellwoods Park in the $500s and really the larger 2 storey homes start in the $600s. It’s really the top of our desired budget for our first place but certainly something to keep an eye on.
Pros – Walk to everything, Excellent Transit, Character Homes, Lots of Restaurants and Furniture Stores
Cons – Parking may be an issue, would be a must have, Prices $600K+
See also: Mimico, Leslieville, The Junction, Cabbagetown, Downtown Condos, Danforth
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