In Here & There, we pit two similarly-priced properties in different Toronto neighbourhoods against each other. This week: an east-side showdown!
Click on the addresses to view the complete MLS listing and photo gallery:
Riverside
Address: 58 De Grassi St. (Queen & Broadview, #RVS)
Price: $529,000
Property size: 1,300 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $3,469.04 (2011)
Style: Attached house
Storeys: 3
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Central A/C: N/A
Nearest green space: The property is just steps from Jimmie Simpson Park.
Nearest school: Dundas Junior Public School (935 Dundas St. E.) is less than a five minute walk away, Queen Alexandra Middle School (181 Broadview Ave.) is 10 minutes away by walking, and Riverdale Collegiate Institute (1094 Gerrard St. E.) is 15 minutes away by public transit.
Nearest grocery store: There is a large Loblaws 1.4 kilometres away at 17 Leslie St.
Closest TTC link: The 501 Queen streetcar is a three-minute walk away.
Bonuses: This Riverside house is located close to a large park, transit links, and the amenities of Queen East. Currently, the property is divided into two units, so it could be used as an investment property. Some of the house has hardwood floors; there are two decks; and the property is quite bright with skylights throughout. Plus, who wouldn’t wanna live on the street made famous by the eponymous television show.
Drawbacks: Some updates are needed (as stated in the listing), and much of the property looks quite tired. The small kitchen has weathered cabinets and appliances, and there are drab white tiles on some of the main floor. There’s no driveway, but parking is available on the street by permit. And while it has been successfully used as two units, converting it for single-family use could be expensive.
Danforth Village
Address: 9 Kimbourne Ave. (Greenwood & Mortimer, #DAN)
Price: $529,900
Property size: 1,850 sq. ft.
Annual property taxes: $2,930.55 (2012)
Style: Semi-detached house
Storeys: 2
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 1
Central A/C: Yes
Nearest green space: Dieppe Park is under 500 metres away.
Nearest school: RH McGregor Elementary School (555 Mortimer Ave.) is 600 metres away, Cosburn Middle School (520 Cosburn Ave.) is just over 10 minutes away by walking, and East York Collegiate Institute (650 Cosburn Ave.) is a 15-minute walk away.
Nearest grocery store: The nearby Danforth has a number of grocery options, including a Valumart 1.6 km away at 985 Woodbine Ave.
Closest TTC link: Greenwood subway station is less than a 10-minute walk away, and the 62 Mortimer bus, which goes to Broadview subway station, is just steps away.
Bonuses: This bright home is close to the amenities of the Danforth and boasts an open-concept layout. There have been many recent upgrades, including a new roof and eavestroughs, new electrical, a recently updated kitchen, a new washer and dryer, and more. There are hardwood floors throughout, the kitchen has granite counters and stainless steel appliances, and there is a private backyard with space for entertaining.
Drawbacks: Despite the great upgrades and three bedrooms, there is only one bathroom. Also, the basement is unfinished.
