Each week In Here & There, we pit two similarly priced properties in different neighbourhoods against each other. So which of these townhomes would you prefer: the one on the southern fringe of Regent Park or the one close to King West?
Regent Park
Address: 559 Shuter St. (Dundas & River, #RVS)
Price: $538,800 (plus $129/month common-elements fee)
Property size: 551 sq. ft. (approx. 776 sq. ft. of living space divided among three floors, not including bathrooms and hallways)
Annual property taxes (2011): $2,921.92
Storeys: 3
Style: Townhouse
Bedrooms: 2 plus den
Bathrooms: 3
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Though there are a few small green spaces nearby, the large Riverdale Park West, with baseball diamonds, sports fields, a playground, off-leash dog area, and wading pool is under 10 minutes away by foot.
Nearest school: Nelson Mandela Park Public School (440 Shuter) is under 300 metres away, and Jarvis Collegiate Institute (495 Jarvis) is 20 minutes away by public transport.
Nearest grocery store: There is a Luciano’s No Frills just over a kilometre away at 200 Front St. E.
Closest TTC link: The property is about a five-minute walk from both the 501 Queen and 505 Dundas streetcars.
Bonuses: Located near Riverside, Corktown, Riverdale, and Cabbagetown, this Regent Park property features hardwood floors in the living and dining room, while the kitchen boasts granite countertops and stainless steel appliances. There is a large (325 sq. ft.) rooftop terrace, which can be used for barbecuing and entertaining, and there’s an underground parking spot.
Drawbacks: While the property is close to other vibrant areas of the city, there’s not a whole lot in terms of entertainment in the immediate vicinity.
King West
Address: Th5-25 Stafford St. (King & Strachan, #KGW)
Price: $539,000 (plus monthly maintenance fees of $500.03)
Property size: Realtor lists property size as between 700–799 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: N/A
Storeys: 2
Style: Townhouse/condo
Bedrooms: 1 plus den
Bathrooms: 1
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: The property is just steps away from Stanley Park, which has a baseball diamond, an outdoor pool (albeit an imperilled one), and playground.
Nearest school: Niagara Street Junior Public School is 350 metres away at 222 Niagara, and Parkdale Collegiate Institute (209 Jameson) is 15 minutes away by public transit.
Nearest grocery store: There is a large Metro grocery store about 500 metres away in Liberty Village.
Closest TTC link: The 504 King streetcar is just steps away.
Bonuses: Located in a trendy part of the west end, the property is close to the bars, restaurants, and amenities of King West, Queen West, and Liberty Village. The unit has light hardwood floors throughout, high ceilings, and a 235 sq. ft. terrace. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, and an island with bar stools. The deck area looks out onto the park, and would be ideal for entertaining. Parking is available underground.
Drawbacks: The kitchen, living room and dining room area might be open concept, but that affords very little space for entertaining, especially in the winter when use of the patio is not available. Maintenance fees are also considerable.
