Each week In Here & There, we pit two similarly priced properties in different neighbourhoods against each other. Which dwelling would you prefer: the one near King West, or the one in the heart of Midtown?
Click on the titles to view the complete MLS listing and photo gallery:
King West (pictured above)
Address: Th19-11 Niagara St. (Wellington & Portland, #KGW)
Price: $415,000, plus monthly maintenance fees of $483.91.
Property size: 817 sq. ft., plus a 300 sq. ft. private terrace.
Annual property taxes: $2,938.26 (2012)
Style: Townhouse
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 2
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: The property borders the small (but historic) Victoria Memorial Park.
Nearest grocery store: There is a Kitchen Table just 400 metres away at 705 King St.
Closest TTC link: The property is less than a five minute walk away from both the King and Bathurst streetcars.
Bonuses: This two-storey townhouse is close to the bars and restaurants of King West, and features hardwood floors in the long living room, a decent sized kitchen that overlooks a breakfast area with bay windows, and a large, private backyard terrace. There’s also an exercise room as part of the townhouse complex, and parking is available in the carport.
Drawbacks: There’s only one bedroom (though admittedly, having two bathrooms is a bonus); the upstairs bedroom has carpeted floors (which could be an issue if you’re a hardwood fan); and the kitchen, while clean and functional, leaves a bit to be desired design-wise.
Midtown
Address: 1703-2191 Yonge St. (Yonge and Eg, #MID)
Price: $415,000, plus monthly fees of $335.37.
Property size: Realtor lists 700–799 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $2,573.00 (2012)
Style: Condo
Bedrooms: 1, plus den
Bathrooms: 1
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: The large Eglinton Park is just 600 metres away.
Nearest grocery store: There’s an underground Metro just over 100 metres away at 2300 Yonge St.
Closest TTC link: Eglinton Station is just steps away.
Bonuses: Located virtually at the corner of Yonge and Eg, this bright Midtown property has 9 ft. ceilings, floor to ceiling windows, hardwood floors in the kitchen, living, and dining room areas, and a great south-facing view of the city from the balcony. There’s also a gym and an indoor pool, the unit has extra storage with a locker, and there’s parking available underground.
Drawbacks: At only 80 sq. ft., the den is miniscule and can only really function as a small office.
