South Riverdale - Leslieville

With its unique evolution in the city, Leslieville has not only arrived it's become one of the most sought after neighbourhoods to call home. Largely untouched by big corporate retailers and the tight-knit community of business owners has allowed "Toronto's Brooklyn" to avoid re-gentrification fueled by nightlife, like edgy West Queen West. Leslieville is a mix of charming Victorian and Edwardian brick semis and row houses, post-war stock and newer townhouses. Most homes come with character, or the occassional reno opportunity. Hip cafés, hot restaurants, local boutiques, odds & ends furniture stores and the generous amount of green space have drummed up prices rapidly

HOUSING STOCK: The area is a mix of charming Victorian and Edwardian brick semis and row houses, post-war stock and newer townhouses. Most abodes come with character, or reno opportunities. Lots tend to be smaller, with narrow fronts and driveways. The finest houses are between Queen and Dundas.

BARGAIN ZONES: Real bargains are hard to come by, but prices tend to be lower between Eastern and the industrial lands to the south. Properties next to the railway, which cuts diagonally through the neighbourhood, go cheaper.

THE VERDICT: With its "It" neighbourhood status and relative affordability, buyers come looking for more space than a condo provides. Large families may find the houses slightly cramped.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Brick Street Breads This satellite location of the much-loved Distillery District bakery provides fresh and organic baguettes and loaves of bread. 255 Logan Ave., 416-465-6808.
Ed's Real Scoop Customers brave long lines for the deliciously creamy house-made ice cream at this friendly parlour, once a Beach exclusive. 920 Queen St. E., 416-406-2525.
Red Rocket Coffee This cheery java joint on the Beach's western edge is a caffeine mecca thanks to its fair trade coffee, free Wi-Fi and killer patio. 1402B Queen St. E., 416-406-0880.