BUYING

I specialize in the Beaches, Riverdale/Danforth, Leslieville and Downtown neighborhoods of the city. Having lived in Toronto my whole life, I am able to provide you with deep insight and analysis to the trends and happenings within the entire city.

Toronto is one of the most diverse cities in the entire world, our neighborhoods are just as diverse. Below are some of the major Toronto neighborhoods with some detailed descriptions and history for each. Click on a neighborhood to find out more:

East Toronto:

Riverdale – Just east of downtown, Riverdale is home to East Chinatown (also know as Old Chinatown) and several other unique little pockets within. It is one of Toronto’s oldest neighborhoods.

Leslieville – Part of the larger Riverdale neighborhood, Leslieville has been called Toronto’s Brooklyn and been compared with Lower East Side, Manhattan. It has a large concentration of art galleries, small boutiques and trendy bars and pubs.

The Beaches – One of Toronto’s only waterfront area that is not lined with condos. A popular summer destination for its bike trails, scenic boardwalk and the Beaches International Jazz Festival.

Upper Beaches – part of the Beaches area, this neighborhood was given it’s moniker by developers and real estate agents in the past decade. Upper Beaches now represents one of the hottest neighborhood in the city due to it’s relative affordability compared to it’s southern cousin (The Beaches).

East York – This is the area North of the Danforth. It was the last borough in Canada before the City of Toronto amalgamated.

Scarborough – The city’s largest borough stretching east to Pickering and north to the town of Markham. Scarborough offers the best of blend urban/suburban living. Only 20-30 minutes from downtown, but without the hustle and bustle of the core.

Central Toronto:

Downtown Core – Mainly the city’s central business district. Sections of downtown are home to several condos and houses attracting professionals and students alike.

Waterfront – Toronto’s largest concentration of condos. Walking distance to many of the countries largest companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. In recent years, this area has also been an attractive prospect for investors.

Cordktown – Rapidly developing and changing. Corktown is home to several authentic loft conversions, and the waterfront revitalization project. Lots of opportunity here.

Distillery District – Once home to the largest distiller of alcohol in Canada, now a wonderful market area with some of the city’s hottest Condominium developments.

Cabbagetown – home to the largest concentration of Victorian Homes in all of North America. Cabbagetown is a desirable destination for those seeking these old character homes.

West Toronto:

High Park – The area named of the massive park of the same name. High Park is considered a desirable neighborhood due to it’s large homes and tree-lined streets.

Roncesvalles – Traditionally the cultural centre for the Polish people of Toronto. “Roncy” is becoming known for the cafes, restaurants and boutiques on the strip.

Parkdale – Parkdale is one of the most diverse areas in the city. Parkdale defines the gentrification happening in the city of Toronto.

Etobicoke – The area West of the core stretching to Mississauga. Known for the large lots and beautiful bungalows and splits.

Of course, there are several more neighborhoods in the city, way too many to fit on one page. If you are curious about another neighborhood, let me know and I’ll give you the scoop!

Driving down the Gardiner Expressway, it is apparent that as each month passes, downtown Toronto’s skyline is dominated by condos. The reason is that we have about 100,000 people coming into the city every year, and we have limited space to house everyone in the core areas. With all of the choices available, how does one go about on narrowing down the right building. There are so many factors to consider when selecting a condo other than the visible physical, functional and aesthetic factors:

• Price per square foot
• Maintenance Fees
• Building Turnover
• Reserve Fund
• Special Assessments

I will help guide you in the right direction to ensure you make the right decision both from a well-being and investment perspective. Ricky is an expert in the downtown and surrounding area condo neighborhoods. When looking to the core Toronto condo neighborhoods, the few that stand out are:

Waterfront: This is one of the largest condo communities stretching from the Don Valley Parkway, west to Bathurst Street and Front Street south to Lake Ontario. This is an area popular with those who work and play in downtown. Walking distance to many of the countries largest companies, restaurants, bars and clubs. In recent years, this area has also been an attractive prospect for investors.

Bay St Corridor: This is the area between Yonge Street and Avenue Road, from Bloor St south to Front St. This area tends to attract the financial and medical crowds, with it’s close proximity to major banking headquarters and the cities most recognized hospitals.

Liberty Village: A relatively new community tucked between Strachan and Dufferin Street, south King Street West. This community has its own ecosystem, where one doesn’t have to leave the ‘hood to get everything they need: banks, grocery, fitness restaurants, bars and boutique businesses.

King West: You will no higher density of the hottest nightlife and innovative design firms, ad agencies and internet startups in all of Canada. The mantra around here seems to be “work hard, play hard” – because when the work stops, the fun starts. Serviced by the King, Spadina, Bathurst and Queen Streetcars, above ground transit is very convenient.

Etobicoke Waterfront: Home to a cluster of steadily growing number of buildings. Popular because of the lower price tag (compared with Downtown) and easy access to Gardiner Expressway, this area is definitely geared towards drivers who want the condo lifestyle.

Distillery: Located just east of the Don Valley Parkway on the historical Gooderham Worts Distillery. Once the largest distiller of alcohol in Canada, this is now the beginning of what is the revitalization of the Lower Don Lands and the Port Lands area. The district is becoming home to condos and several boutique shops and restaurants. This is an area that will be seeing some rapid expansion. Waterfront Toronto is the organization that is responsible for planning what will be happening in the Port Lands.

If you have an interest in exploring condominiums as a form of homeownership, please contact Ricky to help guide the way.

I have worked with several clients who have relocated from other cities and countries, and have delivered outstanding results.

Moving to a new city can be a very intimidating and stressful process, I can help. By using technology that is available, prior to your visit I will consult with you to discuss your needs and make sure that your time spent in Toronto will be used wisely. By understanding your needs and reasons for moving to Toronto, I can help match you with specific neighborhoods and outline the amenities, schools and transit routes available within that locale.
End-to-end Services also can includes:

• Arranging Financing
• Arranging Local Travel & Accommodations
• Arranging Moving Services
• Anything to Make Your Transition Comfortable