Little Portugal

Average sold price freehold (2009): $478,404; (2010): $537,899 (2011): $597,794 (2012): $651,927

Average sold price condo (2011):$387,382  (2012):$389,095

Postal code: M6J

Boundaries: College St — King St W, Dovercourt Rd – GO train tracks

Closest Subway Stations: Dufferin and Lansdowne

The neighbourhood is named after the ethnic group that settled into the area after emigrating from Portugal. Although the Portuguese and Brazilian families still have a strong presence in the neighbourhood, young parents, who are drawn by affordable prices, are moving in and raising children. Little Portugal has undergone rapid gentrification in the recent years, and art gallery owners, condo developers and entrepreneurs are taking advantage and setting up shop. Dundas St West is a great example of the Portuguese charm that brings the neighbours together, with its numerous Portuguese bakeries, Brazilian soccer bars and various shops.

Real Estate: The narrow one way streets of Little Portugal are lined with old Victorian homes and contemporary semis. Some of the better maintained Victorians can be found along Mackenzie, many of which are fully renovated and restored.

There are several bland looking townhouses with a lower price tag along Argyle. Every other house in the area is either a duplex, triplex or has an ‘in-law suite’ – a non-retrofit basement unit usually occupied by student tenants.

Dovercourt is also home to the historic Ideal Bread Company, a bakery built in the 1900s. The building was converted into lofts in 2006, and the units are impressive. The original suites contain 18 foot ceilings, exposed duct work, concrete beams and pillars, long windows and the whole nine yards.

South of Queen St along Laidlaw and Joe Shuster is a condo townhouse development, popular among young couples looking for a cheaper alternative close to work.

Parks: The Popular Trinity Bellwoods park is just east of Little Portugal. However, a major hub of activity in the area today is McCormick Park, home to McCormick Recreation Centre and Arena on Brock Avenue. This area has long been a focal point for youth living in the area.

Hot Spots:

The Atlantic — 1597 Dundas St. W
Envisioned by Chef Nathan Isberg, the restaurant features an ever-changing, very risky menu of the perfectly edible creatures and animal parts, like crickets, whelks, and salmon heads.

Nosso Talho Meat Shop – 1326 Dundas St. W
This long-standing Portuguese butcher offers nearly every porcine cut imaginable.

Nova Era Bakery – 1172 Dundas St. W
One of several locations, this original location on Dundas West still makes the delicious Portuguese style cornbread they’re famous for.