Trinity-Bellwoods

Average sold price freehold (2009): $558,690; (2010): $634,972; (2011): $671,484; (2012): $831,980

Average sold price condo (2009): $444,730; (2010): $463,501; (2011): $506,202; (2012): $469,120

Boundaries: College St – King St W; Bathurst St — Dovercourt Rd

Subway Stations: Christie, Ossington and Bathurst

Often described as one Toronto’s ‘cooler’ neighbourhoods, its home to young hipsters, creative types and the newly redeveloped CAMH — centre for addiction and mental health . You’re sure to find it’s one of the busiest neighbourhoods on the weekend, when Torontonians from every side of the city will venture down to Trinity Bellwoods park to play with their dogs or hang out with friends. It’s also the area where some of Toronto’s most renowned Restauranteurs have opened their modern age, extremely artistic eateries and modish bars.

Real Estate: You’ll find everything here, from sad looking 2 bedroom fixer-uppers where 6 student renters share a single bathroom to gorgeous tall, narrow Victorian homes with beautifully landscaped gardens. At the corner of Queen St W and Crawford, stands the remarkable Candy Factory Lofts — the original hard loft conversion that started the ‘must-have-a-loft’ craze.

Parks: Trinity Bellwoods, mostly known as the leash-less dog park, has two indoor pools, gymnasium, fitness centre, indoor walking/running track and multi-purpose rooms. Adjacent to the centre, in the park, are a volleyball court, large playground, and children’s outdoor wading pool. Also in the park are eight outdoor tennis courts located in the south-east corner and an outdoor ice skating rink at the north-east boundary. There is also field space for soccer, football, and rugby, as well as three softball fields along the east boundary.

Hot Spots:

Nyood — 1096 Queen Street West
Rooted in the tradition, yet influenced by the contemporary, Nyood is a celebration of food in its purest essence. But if the menu doesn’t win you over, the over the top futuristic décor will.

The Drake Hotel — 1150 Queen Street West
The Drake Hotel is one of the sleekest joints in town. It has 19 crash pads, a European-influenced lounge, raw sushi bar, neighbourhood cafe, licensed rooftop patio, yoga studio, treatment room, restaurant and last, but not least – The Underground.

69 Vintage — 1100 Queen Street West
Owned by the same people who run the Social, right next door, this is the one of the best vintage clothing shops in the city. You’ll find re-worked vintage and other unique finds at a bargain price.