The Vibe
If you are looking for a well-preserved Victorian style home in an affluent and culturally rich neighbourhood, then the east of downtown neighbourhood Cabbagetown may be just right for you! It is said that the area is named for the abundance of Irish settlers who moved to the city to flee the potato famine and grew their own vegetables including cabbage in the front yard to put food on their impoverished tables during wartimes. As the story goes, the poor got poorer and the area became one of Toronto’s slums until the gentrification of the 1970’s which brought affluent professionals and the desire to restore the beautiful Victorians to their early glory.
The Homes
Nestled south of Gerrard, north of Wellesley and between Sherbourne and the Don River, buyers can be sure the poverty of the 1800’s is a thing of the past—as the current price tag of a home in this area is around $766, 186! Multiple associations are in place to preserve the historic buildings and continue the beautification of the area. Cultural activities such as the Cabbagetown Festival in September, the Forsythia Festival in May, and the short film fest ,dance and theatre productions keep the area lively and family friendly.
Who Lives Here?
With these changes came the installation of industry including artsy and upscale shops, restaurants, urban festivals, and community programs. It also brought in the artsy types including famous residents such as rocker Avril Lavigne and comedian Brent Butt who once called the area home.
What's There To Do?
Greenspaces can be found in Wellesley Park noted for its summer popularity with its wading pool for kids and Riverdale Park (home of Riverdale Farm) complete with walking paths, wooded areas, farm animals and more!
For those looking for a good meal, try the Cabbage Town Kitchen on Wellesley, the local pizza joints Extended F’Amelia, and Italian eatery Hey Lucy! on Carlton.
What About Commuting?
Transportation in Cabbagetown includes the Sherbourne bus and Parliament streetcar which will take residents to the Bloor-Danforth line and the Wellesley and Carlton buses connecting passengers to the Yonge-University-Spadina line. The best bet for motorists in and out of the city is located just a short drive away at the DVP.
