In Here & There, we pit two similarly-priced properties in different Toronto neighbourhoods against each other. This week: a classic Toronto battle of east vs. west.
Click on the addresses to view the complete MLS listing and photo gallery:
Little Italy
Address: 6 Clinton St. (College & Clinton, #COL)
Price: $499,900
Property size: 990 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $2,836.68 (2011)
Style: Attached house
Storeys: 2
Bedrooms: 2, plus den
Bathrooms: 2
Central A/C: No (though there is a window air conditioner)
Nearest green space: Trinity Bellwoods Park is about 500 metres away.
Nearest school: Charles G. Fraser Junior Public School is a 10-minute walk away, Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave Junior and Senior Public School is 15 minutes away by public transit, and Harbord Collegiate Institute is a under a kilometre away.
Nearest grocery store: Both nearby College and Dundas Streets have a number of smaller grocery stores and markets. The closest big-box option would be the Metro at Crawford and College.*
Closest TTC link: The College streetcar is less than 200 metres away.
Bonuses: Located in the heart of Little Italy, this property is close to many shops, bars, restaurants, and amenities of this trendy west end neighbourhood. There have been recent upgrades to the property, including a new roof, electrical upgrades, and a new ceiling on the first and second floors. There are hardwood floors on much of the main floor, the kitchen is large, and the house boasts leafy front and back yards.
Drawbacks: At the very least the property could use an internal paintjob, and would benefit significantly from some kitchen renovations, which would update the drab white tiles and dated cabinetry. Also, the washing machine is in the kitchen, the basement is unfinished and there’s no driveway (though parking is available on the street by permit.)
Leslieville
Address: 976 Eastern Ave. (Eastern & Coxwell, #LES)
Price: $499,900
Property size: 1,170 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $2,019.97 (2011)
Style: Attached house
Storeys: 3
Bedrooms: 5
Bathrooms: 3
Central A/C: No
Nearest green space: Woodbine Park is just 500 metres away.
Nearest school: Duke of Connaught Junior and Senior Public School is 350 metres away, and Riverside Collegiate Institute is less than 15 minutes away by public transit.
Nearest grocery store: The large Loblaws at 17 Leslie St. is just 700 metres away.
Closest TTC link: Currently, the 501 and 502 shuttle buses run along Eastern, as well as buses 31 and 301.
Bonuses: This large east end property has been recently renovated, with updates to the kitchen and a third storey addition completed in 2010. The large (300 sq. ft.) master bedroom has a three-piece ensuite bathroom and skylight, and the main floor is open concept, with hardwood floors throughout. There is also a walkout to the deck area on the main floor, and a rooftop patio.
Drawbacks: Though the master bedroom is large, some of the others would make for a tight fit (including one on the second floor that is a mere 45 sq. ft., and another on the main floor that is just 60 sq. ft.). Also, the basement remains mostly unfinished, though there is a small office space (65 sq. ft.) down there.
CORRECTION, JUNE 26, 2012: The original version of this article claimed another big-box grocery was closer to this house; the closest option is in fact the Metro at College and Crawford.
