Living in Trinity Bellwoods: One of the City’s Hottest Neighbourhoods

April 3, 2019May 6, 2019

Considering a move to Trinity Bellwoods? Learn what makes this hip west-end enclave stand out…

Few neighbourhoods are as charming and truly alive as Trinity Bellwoods. Somehow, the area’s Victorian homes, abundant greenery, and general sense of community blend seamlessly with its thriving nightlife and trendy local businesses. The result is a community that’s buzzing with culture, yet relaxed enough to provide a refuge from the city’s core. From lively Ossington to peaceful Shaw Street to the coolness that is Dundas West, Trinity Bellwoods is a part of what makes Toronto so unique. If you’re thinking of making the area your new home, here’s what you should know…

The basics

Trinity Bellwoods is bordered by Queen Street West to the south and College Street to the north. Its western border is Dovercourt, and to the east it’s Bathurst. The enclave that lies between these bustling corridors has everything residents could ever need—and more. If that weren’t enough, the neighbourhood is just a stone’s throw from other charming west-end areas—like Little Portugal, Little Italy, West Queen West, and Dufferin Grove.

Families in Trinity Bellwoods benefit from close proximity to fantastic schools. These include Ossington/Old Orchard Junior Public School, Charles G. Fraser Junior Public School, and St. Mary’s Catholic Secondary School (among others). There’s also a wide variety of major grocery chains and smaller specialty food stores in the neighbourhood.

Who lives here

Trinity Bellwoods has a youthful-yet-sophisticated vibe, which makes it perfect for creative professionals. Young families looking for both urban living and a strong sense of community are equally suited to living in the area. There’s also a sizeable Portuguese community in the neighbourhood, adding to its overall diversity.

Where to eat & shop

Living in Trinity Bellwoods means having many of the city’s hippest eateries and trendiest boutiques right at your doorstep. Union is one of our favourite restaurants in the area. This little bistro is all about local ingredients and updated French classics. Nearby, Soos serves up its unique interpretations of Malaysian street food, while Grand Electric offers tacos that provide a flavourful punch. Of course, we couldn’t forget Bellwoods Brewery. At this neighbourhood staple, you’ll find creative bar snacks that are perfectly complemented by an impressive craft beer selection.

Looking to do some shopping? For unique women’s streetwear, try Gaspard. This Parisian-inspired boutique offers designer items that fashion lovers will adore. Victoire Boutique carries a wide selection of clothing from Canadian designers, while Armed is the local go-to for cutting-edge jewellery and accessories. Try Park and Province for a carefully-curated selection of men’s basics, and ella + elliot for stylish modern baby gear.

Things to do

We couldn’t possibly write this post without discussing Trinity Bellwoods Park. This 14.6-hectare park is one of the largest and most popular in the city. You’ll find tennis and volleyball courts, an ice rink, an off-leash dog area, and (of course) plenty of gorgeous green space. During the right season, you’ll also find the neighbourhood’s farmers market at the northwest end of the park.

Trinity Bellwoods is also a hub for visual arts, and there are several can’t-miss galleries in the area. Some of our favourites include Pari Nadimi Gallery (where you’ll find progressive art from around the globe) and Susan Hobbs Gallery (where you’ll see a range of contemporary Canadian pieces). After checking out the galleries, why not grab a coffee from White Squirrel, Ella’s Uncle, or Sam James (all great places for espresso and other treats).

Getting around

Trinity Bellwoods isn’t right downtown, which is part of what some residents love about it. That said, the area is incredibly walkable—and well served by transit, which makes getting to the city’s centre (and its many corners) a breeze. Streetcars run along Ossington and Bathurst, connecting residents to the Bloor-Danforth subway line. Drivers have an easy commute via Lakeshore Boulevard or the Gardiner Expressway, which are just a few minutes away.

Real estate

Trinity Bellwoods is a treasure trove of beautiful older architecture. You’ll find an abundance of Victorian and Edwardian homes, with many detached, semi-detached, and rowhouse options available. Pricewise, these homes typically fall with the $600K to $1.7M range. Lots in the neighbourhood tend to be narrow, and many of them look out onto Trinity Bellwoods Park.

You’ll also find an assortment of low-rise condo buildings and lofts in the area. An agent who’s a neighbourhood expert can give you more information about the sticker prices and maintenance fees for units in Trinity Bellwoods.

Have questions about living in Trinity Bellwoods? We have in-depth knowledge about what life in the neighbourhood is really like. Send us a message, and we can discuss what you’re looking for!

Upsizing 101: What to Know About Buying Your Next Home

March 22, 2019April 3, 2019

Are you ready to trade in your cozy home for something more spacious? If so, congratulations! Deciding to buy a larger house, condo, or townhome is a major milestone. But before you break out the champagne, it’s time to buckle down and start your search in earnest.

While upsizing can be exciting, it also comes with some unique challenges. Knowing what they are can help you make a smarter purchase—one that you’ll be happy with for years to come. If you’re ready to start the process of buying your next home, here’s what you should know…

Timing is everything

The best time to buy or sell a home is whenever you’re ready. But what happens when you’re planning to do both at around the same time? When you’re upsizing, you’ll have to decide whether to purchase a new home before selling the one you’re in now, or vice versa. There are times when it might make sense to buy first, but only if you can afford to do so. Here’s why.

If you find the absolute perfect home at a great price, you may want to make a commitment before someone else snaps it up. Of course, there are risks involved. The biggest is that your current home won’t sell right away—which could put you in the position of paying two mortgages until it does.

Settling on a budget

Anytime you’re buying a home, it’s important to know your price range. But beware: budgeting for more space isn’t as straightforward as it seems. When you find a bigger place that you love, you’ll need to think beyond its asking price to understand the true costs associated with your purchase.

The truth is, more square footage almost always means higher repair and maintenance costs— and larger utility bills. If you want to get a sense of how much more you might be paying for a particular home, our advice is to talk to its current owners. Many sellers are happy to let buyers take a peek at their recent bills for major repairs and monthly utilities.

How much space do you really need?

Sometimes when a living space feels cramped, it’s the layout that’s the culprit. So before you start upsizing, ask yourself whether you regularly use all of the rooms in your current home. If the answer is no, it may be a clue that you should look for a house or condo that’s laid out differently.

In addition to areas that are underutilized, pay special attention to those that feel overcrowded. If you have a larger family, where do you tend to gather? Are there any rooms that everyone needs to use at the same time? would you all be happier with a larger kitchen or basement? What about an additional bedroom or bathroom? Thinking about layout as well as square footage can help you create a useful criteria for your search.

Think about the future

No matter how much you love your new home, chances are that it won’t be your last. Families grow, kids move away, things change…you get the picture. When and if you decide to sell your bigger home one day, you might get a very good price for it—if it aligns with what buyers are looking for.

Of course, your family’s needs should be at the forefront of your mind when you’re upsizing. But some of the features and amenities you’re looking for are bound to be those that are in demand. Before you start the process of buying your next home, do a bit of research to learn what makes a home desirable. Future you might be very happy that you did!

Planning on buying a bigger home soon? Reach out to learn more about the upsizing process–and find the property of your dreams.

Is Buying a Condo a Good Investment?

March 4, 2019May 24, 2019

Is it a good investment to buy a condo? In this post, we’ll look at the Toronto market—and help you weigh the pros and cons of investing in a unit right now…

It’s come up over drinks with friends, dinner with family, and even lineups for our morning coffee. Here in Toronto, it seems everybody’s talking about investing in real estate. Condominiums are an especially hot topic, due to the sky-high demand they’ve been generating recently. It’s at the point where some potential investors are asking themselves whether condos are worth the hype.

In our experience, buying an investment condo can be highly profitable. But before you make a purchase, you should ensure that you understand your options—and the state of the market. If you’re thinking of investing in a unit, here’s what you should know.

Toronto’s condo rental market

To make a wise investment, understanding the rental market is key. How high is the demand for units? Who’s out in the market looking? And how much are other landlords charging for condos like yours? The answers to these questions are important. They’ll have a major impact on how much income your unit will generate—and whether it’s likely to sit on the market for an extended period.

The fact is, Toronto is growing. There’s been a recent influx of renters looking for affordable housing in the city, which has led to a jump in demand for rental condos. Homeownership is currently out of reach for many of these people, but that doesn’t mean they’ll having trouble making their monthly rent. Often, we’re talking about young professionals with steady incomes and families who are working toward buying their starter homes. Generally speaking, these renters are willing to pay good money for units—which helps explain the 9 per cent increase in GTA condo rents in 2018.

When it’s time to sell

So, is it a good investment to buy a condo? Let’s dig further into the question by looking at what happens when it’s time to sell. Say you’ve been renting your unit out for a few years. It’s been a great, relatively low-maintenance source of income. But now, you’re ready to make some major life changes—and they include selling your unit. The great news is, you’re probably going to get an impressive return on it.

It’s true that the condo market has been on an exceptionally hot streak lately, and conditions won’t stay exactly the same forever. That said, property in Toronto tends to appreciate at a very respectable rate. Of course, it’s always hard to predict the future—especially when it comes to real estate. And we definitely believe in exercising a healthy degree of caution. That said, historical appreciation rates combined with the growing need for affordable housing make Toronto condos a very attractive long-term investment.

Choosing an investment strategy

Once you decide to invest, it may be tempting to dive in quickly. But before you start looking at buildings and trying to crunch the numbers, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with some condo-investing basics. Let’s start with a cliche. Location, location, location. You’ve heard the phrase before, and there’s plenty of truth to it. While a condo’s neighbourhood isn’t the only factor to consider, choosing an up-and-coming area or one that’s on a subway line can sometimes result in a dramatically higher return on investment (ROI).

Most importantly, you should align your purchase decision with the needs of a particular target market. A one-bedroom, downtown unit with convenient amenities (like a high-end exercise room or yoga space) would likely appeal to young professionals. In contrast, a condo with multiple bedrooms and decent storage space that’s located near good schools would be perfect for a family.

Ensuring that the property you select will be attractive to a sizeable demographic of renters—and marketing it accordingly—is part of a sound condo investment strategy. A great real estate agent will have the knowledge and experience to help you every step of the way.

Ready to look for your first investment condo? Reach out today to learn what to look for, and what’s available on the market!

Living in Leslieville: Explore an East End Neighbourhood

February 21, 2019March 19, 2019

Thinking about living in Leslieville? Learn what makes this welcoming area so unique in our neighbourhood guide…

In the last few years, Leslieville has blossomed into one of Toronto’s hippest haunts. Even hardcore west enders are finding themselves drawn to the area’s cute cafes, trendy eateries, and eclectic boutiques. Of course, it’s not just the amenities that make this east-end neighbourhood a great place to live. With its picturesque streets and charming homes, Leslieville sometimes feels more like a friendly village than an urban enclave—which is a big part of what residents like about it. If you’re considering joining their ranks, here’s what you should know…

The basics

Leslieville sits close to other desirable neighbourhoods in East Toronto, like Riverdale and the Beaches. The area is nestled between Coxwell Avenue to the east and Empire Avenue to the west, while its southern and northern boundaries are Eastern Avenue and the Canadian National Railway tracks (respectively). Within these borders, you’ll find everything that you and your family need.

Parents who settle into the area won’t be disappointed by the educational opportunities it provides. Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School, Morse Street Junior Public School, and St. Joseph Catholic School are all great schooling options in the neighbourhood. When it comes to local grocers, residents are also spoiled for choice. Local favourites include Rowe Farms, Raise the Root, and Urban Bulk Emporium.

Who lives in Leslieville

Ask anyone who knows Leslieville to describe the area, and the words “kid-friendly” are bound to come up. The neighbourhood is home to many families, as well as a growing number of young professionals (many of whom commute to the downtown core for work). Since Leslieville is well-established, you’ll also meet a lot of residents with neighbourhood roots that reach further back.

Where to eat & shop

The number of gush-worthy restaurants in Leslieville is multiplying. Without a doubt, Greta Solomon’s is one of our neighbourhood favourites. This quaint bistro is known as much for its charming ambiance as it is for its French-inspired dishes. Ascari Enoteca is another must-visit spot along the Queen Street East strip. The pasta is made in-house, and the wine list is impressive. Other hotspots include Eastside Social (for high-end comfort food) and Goods and Provisions (for upscale gastropub fare).

Leslieville’s main drag for shopping runs along Queen Street, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of shops and boutiques. If home design is your thing, you’ll love the inspiring decor and furniture at Black Rooster Decor. If you’re looking for truly unique women’s apparel, Doll Factory by Damzels is a great bet. Fans of all things retro will adore Gadabout Vintage, while the Arts Market has a little bit of something for everyone (including cards, gifts, and wares made by local artisans).

Things to do

Once you start looking into living in Leslieville, you’ll find that there’s no shortage of things to do in the area. Nature enthusiasts are drawn to the neighbourhood for its green space. We’re partial to Greenwood Park, which spans 2.6 hectares and features baseball diamonds, an off-leash dog area, a pool, and a covered skating rink (among other amenities). Jimmie Simpson Park is also well worth checking out—especially if you’re looking for sports facilities, such as tennis or basketball courts.

The Leslieville Farmer’s Market, held on Sundays in Jonathan Ashbridge Park, is a major attraction for families. The area is also home to a variety of festivals, including the Leslieville Beer Festival and the Leslieville Food and Drink Festival.

Getting around

Leslieville is well served by public transport, with transit routes along not only Queen and Gerard streets, but on Carlaw, Jones, Greenwood, and Eastern avenues. Depending on where you settle in the neighbourhood, you can access the Bloor-Danforth subway lines via Broadview, Chester, or Pape station. Drivers will also find that they have an easy commute, thanks to the area’s proximity to Lakeshore Boulevard, the Gardiner Expressway, and the Don Valley Parkway.

Real estate

If you’re thinking of living in Leslieville, you’ll have no shortage of housing options. We’re huge fans of the area’s older houses, many of which were built in the mid-to-late Victorian period. South of Queen East, you’ll find row and semi-detached homes from this period, as well as a variety of cottage-style houses. Residences tend to get larger as you move toward Riverdale. Single-family home prices in Leslieville usually sit around the $1M mark, while condos go for closer to $600K.

Have questions about living in Leslieville? We have in-depth knowledge about what life in the neighbourhood is really like. Send us a message, and we can discuss what you’re looking for!