Each week In Here & There, we pit two similarly priced properties in different neighbourhoods against each other. Which condo would you prefer: the one in the Upper Beach, or the one in the heart of The Junction?
Click on the titles to view the complete MLS listing and photo gallery:
Upper Beach
Address: 401-716 Kingston Rd. (Kingston & Main, #BCH)
Price: $299,000, plus monthly maintenance fees of $535.70.
Property size: Realtor lists property size as between 700–799 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $1,720.25
Style: Condominium
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Glen Stewart Park is just over 100 metres away.
Nearest grocery store: There is a Sobeys just a kilometre away at Danforth and Main.
Closest TTC link: The 502 streetcar, which runs along Kingston Rd., is just steps away.
Bonuses: The property boasts hardwood floors throughout, and a modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, and a custom marble backsplash. The unit has a small balcony, and is just steps from a ravine system and a close walk to the waterfront. The seller will also rebate the buyer $150 a month for 36 months, which can be put towards the maintenance fees.
Drawbacks: North of the Beach and south of the Danforth, the property is in a sort of no-man’s-land, and although there are many amenities nearby, the immediate vicinity leaves much to be desired.
The Junction
Address: 1018-61 Heintzman St.(Keele & Dundas, #JNC)
Price: $299,900, plus monthly condo maintenance fees of $275.61.
Property size: 670 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $1,858.59 (2012)
Style: Condominium
Bedrooms: 1, plus den
Bathrooms: 1
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Small parkettes like the Vine Parkette, and Baird Park are about 600 metres away. The closest substantial green space would be High Park, which is 1.5 km away.
Nearest grocery store: There is a No Frills just 400 metres away at 372 Pacific Ave.
Closest TTC link: The 40 bus (which goes to Dundas West station) and the 41 bus (which goes to Keele station*), are just over 200 metres away at Dundas and Keele.
Bonuses: Located in a newish development in the popular Junction area, this property has an open concept living and dining room, a kitchen with a pass-through breakfast bar, hardwood floors throughout, and an ensuite laundry. The unit is on the 10th floor, with south-facing views of High Park, and there is a small balcony. Underground parking and a storage locker come with the property.
Drawbacks: Unless light pink is your colour, you might want to paint the living and dining rooms. The Junction area leaves a bit to be desired in terms of transport links, though Dundas West station is about a 20-minute walk away.
CORRECTION, JULY 10, 2012: The original version of this article incorrectly stated that the 41 bus goes to Dundas West station; it, in fact, goes to Keele station.
