Skip to main content

Where to buy: Many untapped areas of Toronto that are both desirable and affordable

October 23, 2009 --Tom Lebour, President of the Toronto Real Estate Board, With Greater Toronto Area resale housing activity continuing at a strong pace, some homebuyers may view a condominium purchase as their only launching point into the market. While condo living is an excellent choice, there are also many untapped desirable neighborhoods where great prices on single detached homes can still be found.
One such example is the area around Wilmington Park in North York. Located south of Finch Avenue and West of Bathurst Street, ‘50s era bungalows and side-splits on wide lots are prevalent in this area, which has an abundance of greenspace. Here you can find a home that is still close to central Toronto and you’ll save several thousands of dollars by not paying the premium associated with the Yonge Street corridor. In recent months detached homes in this neighborhood have sold for $549,635 on average, that’s compared to $865,467 in central Toronto.
Along the eastern border of North York, but also still centrally located you’ll find Parkwoods - an area dominated by 60s and 70s era detached homes that are currently selling for $503,040 on average. Parkwoods runs east of the Don Valley Parkway between Highway 401 and Lawrence Avenue, offering residents the natural beauty of the Don River Valley at a lesser price than you would pay in Don Mills. Although it has a suburban feel, its proximity to the Don Valley Parkway means that you’re only minutes away from city life as well.
Offering even easier access to downtown Toronto is East York, which runs long O’Connor Drive between Pape and Woodbine Avenues. Established in 1924, East York’s growth occurred primarily between 1946 and 1961 when its housing stock nearly doubled in size. Known as Canada's only Borough (until 1998), this area features well-loved brick bungalows, increasingly being left behind by seniors and snapped up by young professionals. In recent months, a detached home in East York could be found for approximately $493,870.
The southwest section of downtown Toronto is also a popular option. Beaconsfield Village, named after former British Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli, who was given the title of Lord Beaconsfield by Queen Victoria, has undergone extensive gentrification in recent years. This area, along with neighboring Little Portugal, is popular with Toronto's arts community, which has gradually migrated west along Queen Street.
Immediately north of this area is Dufferin Grove, a community that has been completely revitalized by improvements to its focal point, the 14-acre Dufferin Grove Park. You’ll find even greater affordability just west of this area in Brockton Village where detached homes have recently sold for $496,911.
Throughout these neighborhoods you’ll find a variety of single and semi-detached homes, which offer a fair price in exchange for some elbow grease.
Further west, in Etobicoke, you can find another gem of a neighborhood in New Toronto. Originally planned in the 1890s as a working town near the rail lines, this area has begun to attract young professionals thanks to its proximity to both downtown and most significantly, the waterfront. Petite detached homes and cottages, currently selling for $382,750 give this neighborhood a cozy feel.
These are just a few examples of neighborhoods that offer affordability all within reach of downtown Toronto.


Call Jason for more information on these areas and he will help educate you, in order for you to be able to make the right decision for YOU.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Holiday Travel Tips for Your Home

The festive holidays are approaching, and calendars are already filling up. Whether you’re staying with family around the country or taking an extended leave to escape the winter, you may be planning to leave your home vacant for more than a day or two. To ward against coming home to the wrong kind of holiday surprise, here’s what to do before you depart. Cheap Wi-Fi cameras Security equipment might sound high-tech and expensive, but securing your home against potential intrusion doesn’t cost much. For around $30, you should be able to outfit your home with WIFI cameras which are home assistant compatible. Shut the main water off Remember to shut off the main water supply if you plan to be away from your home for more than a day. In the event of a plumbing failure, your home could fall prey to serious water damage. Install smart water sensors in your basement Installing a smart water sensor in your basement can easily save a lot of money and worry. Some models will alert you to leaks a...

GTA REALTORS Release March 2025 Stats

Homeownership in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) became more affordable in March 2025 compared to the previous year. On average, both borrowing costs and home prices have declined over the past year, making monthly payments more manageable for households looking to buy a home. “Homeownership has become more affordable over the past 12 months, and we expect further rate cuts this spring. Buyers will also benefit from increased choice, giving them greater negotiating power. Once consumers feel confident in the economy and their job security, home buying activity should improve,” said Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB) President Elechia Barry-Sproule. “Given the current trade uncertainty and the upcoming federal election, many households are likely taking a wait-and-see approach to home buying. If trade issues are solved or public policy choices help mitigate the impact of tariffs, home sales will likely increase. Home buyers need to feel their employment situation is solid before ...

TRREB MLS® SALES MARCH 2025