The Beach:

Home Prices range from $450,000 - Over $1,000,000 

Last spring, city hall silenced the eternal debate on whether this leafy nabe's name is singular or plural. As the new street signs declare, The Beach it is. What hasn't changed is its sporty, laid-back vibe-this is as close to Kitsilano as Toronto gets. A restful, small-town feel persists in the tree-lined streets off the main drag (the copious porch swings, charming gardens and wood-frame cottages help set the mood), and in the wildly popular community events (the Easter parade and jazz festival). Well-respected public schools, such as Balmy Beach and Courcelette, are yet another draw for families.

HOUSING STOCK: The homes south of Queen, many built as summer getaways in the 1920s, offer authentic charm, while townhomes on the former Greenwood racetracks often push the $1 million mark.

BARGAIN ZONES: First-time buyers can expect to pay between $400,000 and $450,000 for a small fixer-upper. The prices start to drop west of Coxwell, or on the northeastern edge, but even these areas are gentrifying.

THE VERDICT: Once people move to the Beach they stay there. If you can afford it, this is not only a great place to live but also a solid investment.

NEIGHBOURHOOD HOT SPOTS:
Fox Theatre Film buffs flock to the Fox, a grand (if slightly worn) independent theatre that's the longest-running cinema in the country. 2236 Queen St. E., 416-691-7330.
The Pie Shack Delicious pies routinely sell out at The Pie Shack, a self-consciously rustic café and bakery. 2305 Queen St. E., 647-351-1411.