Each week In Here & There, we pit two similarly priced properties in different neighbourhoods against each other. Which condo would you prefer: a townhouse near the Church Street Village, or a semi-detached income property in Little India?
Moss Park
Address: 29-325 Jarvis St. (Jarvis & Gerrard, #CHS)
Price: $369,000, plus monthly maintenance fees of $402.05.
Property size: Between 1000–1199 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $1,863.72 (2011)
Style: Townhouse
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Allan Gardens is just over 100 metres away.
Nearest school: Church Street Junior Public School (83 Alexander St.) is a 10-minute walk away, and Jarvis Collegiate Institute (495 Jarvis St.) is 650 metres away.
Nearest grocery store: The large Maple Leaf Gardens Loblaws is 400 metres away at the corner of Church and Carlton.
Closest TTC link: The 506 Carlton streetcar is about 200 metres away, and College subway station is 10 minutes away on foot.
Bonuses: This three-storey townhouse overlooks a quiet garden courtyard, and is close to the shops and restaurants of the Village. The property has had the same owner for the past 25 years, so there have been upgrades, including a new fridge and stove, kitchen backsplash, and laminate flooring. There is parking available underground and the unit has a walkout to the south-facing courtyard.
Drawbacks: While previous renovations have been made, the property could still use some work: One of the bedrooms has old carpets that would need replacing and the living room is a bit cramped.
Little India
Address: 451 Rhodes Ave. (Coxwell & Gerrard, #LTI)
Price: $369,900
Property size: 1,400 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: N/A
Style: Semi-detached house
Bedrooms: 2, plus den
Bathrooms: 2
Central A/C: N/A
Nearest green space: Monarch Park is about a 10-minute walk away.
Nearest school: Roden Public School (151 Hiawatha Rd.) is just over give minutes away by walking, and Monarch Park Collegiate Institute (1 Hanson St.) is 600 metres away.
Nearest grocery store: There is a Rocca’s No Frills 300 metres away at 289 Coxwell Ave.
Closest TTC link: The 506 Carlton streetcar is 350 metres away at Gerrard; Coxwell subway station is a 20-minute walk away.
Bonuses: This two-storey house is located close to Little India. There are hardwood floors throughout much of the property, and a leafy, private backyard. There is also a basement apartment, so the house can be used as an income property.
Drawbacks: Significant renovations would be required to modernize this property, including updating both of the kitchens, which is no small feat.
