South Riverdale

Average sales price freehold (2009): $480,585; (2010): $532,902

Lowest price sold (2009): $212,000; (2010): $331,000

Highest price sold (2009): $715,000; (2010): $827,900

Average sales price condo (2009): $423,310; (2010): $387,445

Postal code: M4M

Boundaries: Dundas St E — Lakeshore Blvd E; Carlaw Ave — D.V.P.

Subway Stations: Pape and Chester

South Riverdale has rebounded drastically since the 70’s and, for the most part, is now entirely gentrified. The neighbourhood pulls in young professionals mostly couples looking for a condo alternative, as the value of homes in the area is still relatively low – and the concentration of cafes, antique furniture shops and contemporary restaurants is high. South Riverdale is also known for the film studios along Eastern Ave, the Pinewood studio is one of the largest, with over 250,000 square ft of production space. At the most southern end of South Riverdale are the Port Lands — a vast industrial park, but also home of Cherry Beach and Tommy Thompson Park

Real estate: Many of the houses in South Riverdale were built between the 1880’s and the Great Depression, and so the architectural style complements that era.

However, the neighbourhood has seen the rise and fall of prosperity.

In this day and age, there is very little architectural consistency — the area is filled with a mix match of styles: some homes are colourful, some dull, some are grand, while others are small worker’s cottages.

For the most part, the houses in this neighbourhood (especially between Dundas and Queen) are charming, and have a ton of character.

The Broadview Lofts is a true loft conversion, originally used by Rexall as a drug warehouse. This magnificent building features original exposed brick walls and wooden ceilings — truly raw and authentic.

Parks: Tommy Thompson Park is located on a man-made peninsula, known as the Leslie Street Spit, which extends 5 km into Lake Ontario and is over 500 hectares in size. The park represents some of the largest existing natural habitat on the Toronto waterfront. Recreational activities include nature-watching, hiking, cycling, running, rollerblading and fishing.

Hot Spots:

The Opera House — 735 Queen St East
The Opera House is a unique and intimate concert venue still holding all the charm of its original 1900’s vaudeville theatre architecture.

Mercury Espresso Bar — 915 Queen St East
The comfy unpretentious spot serves only fair trade and organic coffee and uses 100 per cent biodegradable take-out cups.

Dangerous Dan’s — 714 Queen St East
Dangerous Dan’s prides itself on its heart-attack inducing menu, which boasts such options as the coronary burger special.