Each week In Here & There, we pit two similarly priced properties in different neighbourhoods against each other. Which would you prefer: a well-maintained Cabbagetown condo, or a hard-loft home near West Queen West?
Click on the titles to view the complete MLS listing and photo gallery:
Cabbagetown
Address: 1008-225 Wellesley St. E. (Wellesley & Sherbourne, #CBT)
Price: $314,800, plus monthly condo maintenance fees of $366.57.
Property size: Approx. 690 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $1766.04 (estimated)
Style: Condominium
Bedrooms: 1 plus den
Bathrooms: 2
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Allan Gardens is just over 500 metres away, and St. James Cemetary is even closer.
Nearest grocery store: Rob’s No Frills at 555 Sherbourne is a five-minute walk away.
Closest TTC link: Wellesley subway station is a 10-minute walk away, the 75 Sherbourne bus is under 200 metres away, and the 94 Wellesley bus is just steps away.
Bonuses: This well-maintained property is located close to transit links and the amenities of nearby Cabbagetown. There have been a number of recent upgrades, including stainless-steel appliances, and granite counters in the kitchen, and the property boasts hardwood floors throughout. There is an enclosed balcony, and a green rooftop terrace. There are also two bathrooms (rare for a unit of this size) and parking is available underground.
Drawbacks: The small den (80 sq. ft.) would require some work to convert into a second bedroom, and though the bars and restaruants of Cabbagetown are close by, the stretch of Wellesley near Sherbourne leaves much to be desired in terms of restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
West Queen West
Address: 819-150 Sudbury St. (Queen & Lisgar, #WQW)
Price: $314,900, plus $383.47 in monthly maintenance fees.
Property size: Approx. 660 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: N/A
Style: Condominium
Bedrooms: 1, plus den
Bathrooms: 1
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Trinity Bellwoods is about 15-minutes away by walking.
Nearest grocery store: There is a Price Chopper 300 metres away at 22 Northcote Ave.
Closest TTC link: The 501 Queen streetcar is just steps away; the 29 Dufferin bus is about a five-minute walk away.
Bonuses: Located in the heart of West Queen West, this loft unit is close to many bars and restaurants, and has decent transit connections. The property has a hard-loft feel, with 9 ft. ceilings, concrete floors, and walls, and exposed piping and ducts. The kitchen has stainless-steel appliances, all lighting fixtures are included, and there’s a stacked washer and dryer. The building also has a recreation room, an indoor pool, and underground parking (with lots of room for visitors).
Drawbacks: Though advertised by the builder as a two-bedroom unit, the second bedroom is actually a den, and the master bedroom (90 sq. ft.) is relatively small. Also, the industrial, exposed-concrete interior may strike some as cold and unwelcoming.
