In Here & There, we pit two similarly-priced properties in different Toronto neighbourhoods against each other. For the same money, would you opt for a house near Leslieville, or a condo-loft on the trendy King West strip?
Click on the address to view the full MLS listing
Leslieville*
Address: 50 Rhodes Ave. (Queen & Coxwell, #LES)
Price: $449,000
Property size: 1,880 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes (2011): $2,370.84
Storeys: 2
Style: Detached house
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Central A/C: No
Nearest green space: The large Woodbine Park, with a sports field, and playground, is just a few blocks away, as is Ashbridges Bay Park.
Nearest school: Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School (70 Woodfield Rd.) is less than 500 metres away, and Monarch Park Collegiate Institute (1 Hanson St.) is about a five-minute drive away.
Nearest grocery store: There is a large Loblaws just over a kilometre away at Leslie and Eastern.
Closest TTC link: The property is just steps from the 501 Queen streetcar.
Bonuses: This large, bright property is located in between Leslieville and The Beach, close to many shops, bars, restaurants, and amenities. There are hardwood floors throughout much of the house, the large kitchen has room for an eat-in table, there’s a big front porch with room for a bench, and there is a narrow but green, private backyard.
Drawbacks: Though the house has been well-maintained, the kitchen has dated cabinetry and could use a renovation. However, the real problem with the property is the price. It’s rare to see something of this size and quality in this location for under $500K, meaning this could very well be price to trigger a bidding war.
King West
Address: 213-1029 King St. W. (King & Shaw, #KGW)
Price: $449,000 (plus monthly condo-maintenance fees of $500.75)
Property size: Realtor lists size as 900–999 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes (2011): $2,383.74
Storeys: 2
Style: Condominium
Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Trinity Bellwoods Park, with baseball diamonds, an off-leash dog area, an outdoor rink, tennis courts, and sports fields, is about a 10-minute walk away.
Nearest school: Givins/Shaw Junior Public School (49 Givins St.) is a 10-minute walk away, Ryerson Community School (96 Denison Ave.) is about a 10-minute drive away, and Parkdale Collegiate Institute (209 Jameson Ave.) is 10 minutes away by public transit.
Nearest grocery store: There is a Metro just 200 metres away in Liberty Village.
Closest TTC link: The 504 King streetcar is just steps away.
Bonuses: Located close to Liberty Village and the King West resto-lounge strip, this two-storey loft has hardwood floors throughout, granite counters, and modern appliances in the kitchen, and a decent-sized balcony. Parking is available underground, and there are also recreation and exercise rooms in the building.
Drawbacks: While the open concept living room/dining room provides plenty of light into the property, at just over 200 sq. ft., it’s a bit tight to serve as both an eating and entertaining area.
CORRECTION, JUNE 6, 2012: The original version of this article claimed the 50 Rhodes house was in The Beach; technically, it’s closer to Leslieville.
