Entertainment District-Fashion District

Average sold price freehold (2009): $622,414; (2010): $682,126; (2011): $640,713; (2012): $724,498

Average sold price condo (2009): $423,011; (2010): $411,442; (2011): $428,075; (2012): $421,152

Boundaries: Queen St W — Wellington St W; University Ave — Dovercourt Rd

Subway Stations: St Andrews and Osgoode

This swanky King West postal code is one of the most desired in Toronto. With some of the most sought after lofts, rows of cool ad agencies and the hottest nightlife, it is where the city’s most fashionable crowd lives, works and plays. King St West, between Peter and Simcoe, takes centre stage — this is where you’ll  find rows of vibrant restaurants all competing for attention as well as some of the best theatres in the city. In September, when the Toronto International Film Festival rolls in, this area becomes swarmed with high profile celebrities and celebrity followers.

Real Estate: Tucked into the side streets along King West is where you’ll find the lofts that generate the most hype — the Quad Lofts on Brant St, the Fashion District Lofts on Morrison, the Zen Lofts on Camden to name a few. There are a few new developments to look out for as well. The Festival Tower is getting a lot of buzz, as it will be the new permanent home of the Toronto International Film Festival Group. The tower will feature 5-Star Hotel-Inspired services including room service, housekeeping, valet parking, and much more. The Shangri-la is also underway; this ritzy hotel will exude modern opulence in the midst of the business district, offering luxury accommodation to the most discerning guests.

This narrow neighbourhood produces a very big supply of condos, selling over 700 units every year. Further, with the heavy influx of pre-construction condo developments, the area has a hard time keeping it’s value steady.

The majority of freehold in the neighbourhood are Victorian rowhouses, but there aren’t too many of them. In contrast to the endless supply of condos, it seems that every year less than 50 freehold properties are sold.

Parks: Clarence Square, though quite small, is one of the oldest remaining park spaces in the downtown core of Toronto. The park became a largely neglected space however when the rail yards and industrial warehouses inhabited areas adjacent to the park.

Hot Spots:

Brant House — 1 Brant St
This bar lounge is popular among the advertising agency crowd. The retro-chic design features cozy booths set around smooth maple floors. The tables disappear when dining is done and the space turns into a sumptuous dance club, with a house DJ spinning lounge beats.

Spice Route — 499 King St W
This massive bistro/bar features fire torches, waterfalls, hand-carved Buddha statues and an array of rich, Asian-inspired colours throughout.  It is a gorgeous new spot that caters to hybrid foodie drinkers — those who want to dine on top-notch nosh, but stay and stay for drinks on once their meal is done.

Hammam Spa — 602 King St W
Described as an urban retreat, Hammam Spa is a holistic day spa infuses old world traditional treatments with modern day services, offering the highest quality facilities, products, and spa treatments within a breathtaking and innovative environment.