St. James Town

Average sold price freehold (2009): $650,274; (2010): $739,821

Lowest price sold (2009):$350,000; (2010): $405,000

Highest price sold (2009): $1,118,000; (2010): $1,440,000

Average sold price condo (2009): $338,567; (2010): $333,329

Postal code: M4Y and M4X

Boundaries: Bloor St E — Gerrard St E; Church St — Parliament St

Closest Subway Station: Sherbourne, Wellesley and College

The streets of St. James Town are lined with rental apartment buildings, which are home to mostly newcomers to Canada. The area isn’t really known for much — other than being one of Toronto’s poorer neighbourhoods – and doesn’t have much to offer in terms of restaurants and entertainment. Directly to the south is Moss Park, an area that is hampered by crime; directly to the north (separated by Rosedale Valley Rd and a thick ravine) is Rosedale, one of Toronto’s most affluent neighbourhoods.

Real Estate: There are very few freehold homes in the area, but the few that do exist are mainly rooming houses — houses with 6-12 tiny bedrooms which tenants rent while the other facilities, bathroom and kitchen, are common areas shared by all the tenants. These houses don’t go up for sale often, but when they do — they’re still a significantly large investment to anyone willing to purchase.

The Verve is a new condo development on Homewood Ave, by Tridel. The condo incorporates Tridel’s “Naturally Better” program, which is designed to offer residents an environmentally sustainable and energy efficient building.

Parks: South of Carlton and Jarvis is Allan Gardens — one of the city’s oldest parks, established in 1858, and indoor botanical garden. Admission to the botanical garden is free, and the park is dog-friendly — owners are free to let their dogs run around without a leash.

Hot Spots:

The Keg Steakhouse and Bar Mansion – 515 Jarvis St
The Mansion Keg is a particularly stunning Keg restaurant location, set in an historic Gothic Victorian Revival building.