Are you on the lookout for a piece of Toronto real estate that’s in a family-friendly neighbourhood comprised of many charming coffee shops, restaurants, boutiques, and parks…then look no further than Leslieville! Leslieville is perfect for families and young professionals who want a slower pace yet still desire to live in the city. My name is Danielle Demerino, I’m a Leslieville real estate agent and if you have a desire to live in the area, please feel free to reach out to schedule a chat!
Leslieville Real Estate
Leslieville is located in the east end of Toronto. The boundaries are defined by Gerrard Street and the Canadian National Railway to the North, Coxwell Avenue to the East, McGee Street to the West, and Eastern Avenue to the South.
Is Leslieville a good place to live? What’s the population? Why is it called Leslieville? Let’s explore this highly desirable Toronto neighbourhood and its history below to answer some of these questions and more!
The History of Leslieville
In the 1850s, Leslieville was established as a tiny village that was centred around the Toronto Nurseries. The Toronto Nurseries were owned and operated by George Leslie and his sons, from which the name “Leslieville” was derived. Leslielville’s population initially consisted of gardeners employed by the nursery or those who worked at local factories that made bricks.
In subsequent years, the area was mostly industrial with factories dedicated to metal processing and tanning, amongst other industries. The neighbourhood’s residents were those who worked in these factories. When these residents left the area and the factories closed, the area became much more attractive to the middle class and artsy crowd as there was less air pollution and fumes.
Between 2000 and 2010, the area underwent rapid gentrification. Many of the former factory buildings were converted into condos. Additionally, the old factory buildings were reimagined to now house quite a few large film studios. An influx of new cafes, boutiques, and restaurants also popped up in the area at this time.
Leslieville Demographics
The population of Leslieville is approximately 21, 574. The median age of the area is 39.1. 57% of the Leslieville population are married couples and 39% are families that have kids that live at home. The area is comprised of 60% homeowners vs 40% renters. The average household income in Leslieville is $164.2 K and the average individual income is about $71.9 K.
Is Leslieville a Good Place to Live?
As a Toronto real estate agent, clients often ask if Leslieville is a good place to live. The answer depends on what a client is looking for in a neighbourhood. However, if they desire a family-friendly area that has a vibrant art scene, and a wide array of things to do including local shops, restaurants, parks, and beaches; then Leslieville is most certainly a good place for them to live. In addition, the neighbourhood is highly accessible for drivers or those using public transit.
Art Scene
Leslieville is home to a very creative and artistic community. Some of the population boasts artsy careers such as musicians, painters, photographers, and graphic designers. The area has theatres to enjoy a play or The Opera House which hosts concerts and other special events. There are also several art galleries in the area to peruse.
Leslieville Shops and Restaurants
Most of the shopping can be found along Queen Street East. There you will find many independently owned shops and boutiques with beautiful jewelry, clothing, vintage items, and handmade gifts. There is also a great shopping area in Little India where you can find imported silk and East Indian food and spices.
The dining scene in Leslieville is fantastic. There are many great brunch spots and local coffee shops. There are also a variety of cuisines that range from Italian, Egyptian, seafood, Mexican and more. You can also enjoy rooftop cocktails and good eats at the Broadview Hotel.
Leslieville Parks and Beaches
For outdoor lovers, Leslieville has excellent green space and is close to Woodbine Beach. There are many parks in the area that are sport-friendly. Greenwood Park hosts two baseball diamonds, a skating rink, an outdoor pool and a dog park. Jonathan Ashbridge Park holds a sandy beach, two tennis courts, a wading pool, and a children’s playground. If you venture to Jimmie Simpson Park, you can find another wading pool, hockey rink, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts. Woodbine Beach allows you to enjoy a ton of recreational activities including kayaking, kite surfing, windsurfing, and sailing. Several rec centres in the area host a wide range of sports and activities.
If you’re ever in the area, Leslieville is most definitely worth checking out. If Leslieville sounds like the perfect neighbourhood for you to buy a slice of Toronto real estate, then don’t hesitate to reach out and we can explore the area together!
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslieville
https://wahi.com/ca/en/neighbourhoods/ontario/gta/toronto/leslieville
https://www.areavibes.com/toronto-on/leslieville/demographics/
