Average Freehold Price: Fall 2018 – $1,020,665.00
Welcome To Leslieville
The middle-class eastside neighbourhood of Leslieville starts at the train tracks at Degrassi and goes East to Woodbine, starts at the lake and goes north to Danforth. This smaller, quaint neighbourhood characterized by cozy homes and tree-lined streets rule the east when it comes to hip restaurants, cafes, bars, and places to shop. The MLS districts include Greenwood and Blake-Jones.
Historically known as Toronto’s original “film district”, the streets of this neighbourhood on the east end are filled with coffee shops, restaurants, and indie stores that have served as the backdrop to numerous film and TV productions. In light of recent gentrification over the last several years, this neighbourhood has evolved from being a small nursery community to a vibrant community of families and young adults who call this trendy neighbourhood home.
This area of Toronto offers diverse housing options that are suitable to the tastes of everyone. From town homes to row houses to semi and detached homes, you will see a unique blend of older Victorian and Edwardian inspired-homes with lots of history and character, all the way to newer buildings and condos with a modern spin.
Here are some of my top picks for the best places to go when you’re in the area. I can almost guarantee that you can make a full day out of this great neighbourhood by paying a visit to all of my favourite spots!
Things to Do
Family Fun
The ideal outdoor activity in both summer and winter months is to pay a visit to Greenwood Park, located on Greenwood Avenue north of Dundas Street East. In the summertime, it is bustling with groups of friends and families and features amenities such as two lit ball diamonds, a multipurpose sports field, a dog off-leash area, a splash pad, and a playground for children. There is also an outdoor pool located on the north end of the park, which is a perfect summer activity for families with children to enjoy the warm weather and sunshine.
Greenwood Park is also home to Toronto’s first covered outdoor skating rink. While it is used for skating in the winter, it is also used for ball hockey in the summer. Located just beside the ice rink, there is a beautiful ice skating trail that is one of a growing number of skating trails within the city alone.
For families, there are several schools and libraries scattered throughout the neighbourhood, along with a community farm, Riverdale Farm, decorated with greenery and gardens, petting zoos, and tons of space to explore.
Immerse Yourself In Culture
For those looking for a cultural flair, make sure you pay a visit to the Indian Bazaar on Gerrard, also known as Little India in the northeast corner of the neighbourhood. This space offers a multitude of imported silks and fabrics alongside tons of other Indian goods. Insider Tip: Skip the long lines and overpriced fair at Lahore Tikka House and go to Chandi Chowk for a footlong kabob instead.
Feast At These Locally Owned Restaurants
One of the first thing you’ll learn about Leslieville residents is that they are massive foodies! There are tons of incredible restaurants all throughout the neighbourhood and the number of them is only increasing. Here are some of my favourites:
Maha’s
Maha’s Fine Egyptian Cuisine is a family-owned restaurant that serves Egyptian style brunch, located right off Greenwood near Little India. Ingredients used in the kitchen are fresh and prepped on the daily and the quality of food served at this establishment is top notch. You definitely don’t want to miss out on Maha’s Mind-Blowing Chicken, which is mind blowing indeed. It was seasoned perfectly, bursting with flavour, and the portion was out of this world! Make sure to go early or be prepared to wait because it is absolutely worth it!
Eastside Social
Eastside Social brings “coastal fare, bevies and great times” to Toronto’s east end neighbourhood of Leslieville. Offering a bar on one side and a dining room on the other, this seafood-focused restaurant’s menu is inspired by coastal dishes from all around the world. The scallops are melt in your mouth delicious and so are the oysters!
Wynona
Wynona is a casual yet elegant Lesliehood spot for Italian cuisine offering fantastic wine, locally sourced craft beers, and handmade pasta dishes with ingredients sourced locally from sources all across Ontario. Buon appetito!
Gare De L’Est
This spot is an authentic, modern French brasserie that truly transports you to Paris. Their brunch is fantastic and everything on the menu is always a hit. Some of my dinner favourites include the French Onion Soup, steak tartare, and steak.
Te Aro
Every neighbourhood needs a great coffee shop, and this spot is definitely my favorite and Leslieville’s best. They offer great coffee, terrific service, and new avocado toast for 6 bucks! It’s an excellent spot to people-watch and the trendy, industrial vibe is usually buzzing during the weekend.
All in all, Leslieville’s incredible location situated between the downtown core and the beaches makes it an excellent choice for families and young professionals seeking a work-life balance. Not only will you get quick access to the outdoors during the warm months of summer, but you will also be able to hit the city whenever you please with tremendous highway access points and public transit stops everywhere you turn.
