Dufferin Grove

Average sold price freehold (2009): $506,155; (2010): $561,573; (2011): $622,637; (2012): $797,855

Average sold price condo (2009): $281,153; (2010): $327,004; (2011): $331,679; (2012): $361,191

Postal code: M6H

Boundaries: Bloor St W-College St; Dovercourt Rd-Roncesvalles Ave

Closest Subway Stations: Dundas West, Lansdowne and Dufferin

Dufferin Grove is a working class neighbourhood with two central focal points: the Dufferin Mall, west of Dufferin St and Dufferin Grove Park, on the east side. These two neighbourhood attractions play a key role in creating a community feel. Families spend Saturday afternoons at the mall, scurrying from H&M to Winners, while the youth of Dufferin hang out at the park, either playing basketball or sitting on benches surfing the internet on their laptops. Although the area is still not as alluring as its eastern neighbor Little Italy, Dufferin Grove is attracting first time buyers as the real estate prices are relatively lower.

Real Estate: The three major residential streets running through the Dufferin Grove are Dufferin, Dovercourt and Gladstone, which have the highest inventory and turnover of homes. These semis tend to be generic and look their age for the most part, but as the neighbourhood changes — so do the houses.

Tucked away on quieter streets like Rusholme and Havelock, you will find a number of finer homes. The stately Victorians and Edwardians are quite lovely, and usually well maintained — some of these have sold for close to $2 M.

The Church Lofts on Dovercourt have garnered a lot of attention. What was once a century old church is now a loft conversion with 28 stunning units, which went on sale in 2010. The units are a rare find with many boasting stained glass windows, octagonal skylights and soaring steel trusses.

Parks: Dufferin Grove Park features a large playground, a pizza oven, a basketball court, and an outdoor ice skating rink in the winter. There is also an organic farmers’ market at the park on Thursday afternoons from 3-7 o’clock. The Park has also been set up with wi-fi internet making it a great spot to hang out.

Hot Spots:

Arabesque — 1068 College St
It’s a perfect spot to spend an afternoon over a cup of tea, a place to lounge with a favourite book, or to have lunch with friends, eating authentic dishes from the Middle East.

The Common — 1071 College St
The Common is an unassuming cafe that pumps out some of the best espressos in the city. Long tables and benches make for a communal feel.

Print Fine Vintage — 834A College St
This tiny store has a collection of designer clothing by Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent and Pucci but also vintage pieces from the 1940s to 1970s.