Junction Area

Median 2007 sale price:

$583,250

Property crime:

very low

Crime against people:

very low

Neighbourhood map:

See map

Thanks to a determined public relations campaign by an active local business association, and such well-attended creative shindigs as the annual Junction Arts Festival, the area’s once-poor image is ebbing, giving way to an under-the-radar type of cool. Thanks to its cheaper rents and slightly cheaper—although rapidly rising—real estate values, it’s also the new home of burgeoning numbers of young families and transplanted downtowners who have been priced out of the core. A shift is now underway, as many of the homes are changing hands from retirees to newcomers. Several new condo developments—including a revamp of the former Canadian Tire at Dundas and Keele, due to be completed in spring 2009—will further increase population density and property values. The new West Toronto Railpath, a pedestrian and cycle park along former rail lines, is ready to open any day now. The proximity to High Park and Bloor West Village is also a selling point, as are the many well-regarded schools.

HOUSING STOCK: Expect to find well-preserved 19th- to early-20th-century abodes, mostly free of character-destroying modifications, with lots of leaded glass windows and such charming touches as plate rails in the living rooms.

BARGAIN ZONES: As the neighbourhood evolves, true bargains are harder to come by. Anything north of Annette used to be a steal, but now those searching for a real deal should look more closely at the Dundas-east-of-Keele area.

THE VERDICT: Local businesses have struggled to survive the stigma that comes with being a once-dry area (the first liquor licence wasn’t restored until 1997). So while the retail strip on Dundas West is improving, most residents head further afield for shopping and entertainment. On the plus side, the neighbourhood has one of the city’s nicest arboreal canopies and safe, well-treed parks that are perfect for munchkins.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Big Daddy’s A carefully curated selection of DVDs and a gregarious owner draw area cineastes. 3044 Dundas St. W., 416-916-7853.
Crema Coffee Co. One sure sign the Junction is headed upward is this new café with a $10,000 coffee maker. 3079 Dundas St. W., 416-767-3131.
Curry Twist A paean to northern Indian and Moghlai cuisine, Curry Twist offers up Delhi-worthy curries, toothsome naan and smiling servers. 3034 Dundas St. W., 416-769-5460.
Margret One of the area’s few watering holes, Margret opened in 2008 to great excitement from thirsty locals. 2952 Dundas St. W., 416-762-3373.
Post and Beam Reclamation Stylists hyperventilate when they enter, so overwhelming is Post and Beam’s trove of reclaimed and salvaged home finds, including antique maps and vintage signage. 2869 Dundas St. W., 416-913-4243.