Bickford Park is up-and-coming if you’ve been priced out of the posh parts of the Annex, say, or Seaton Village. But compared with more distant outposts, the big money has already arrived.
Sitting just south of Bloor Street and Christie Pits, Bickford Park itself is a smaller green space hidden behind the Bob Abate Community Recreation Centre. The surrounding neighbourhood stretches to College at the south, Ossington to the west and Bathurst to the east.
On the side streets that spread out from the park, house hunters can find surprisingly good value for a neighbourhood that is so vibrant and close to downtown, says John Pasalis of Realosophy.
The Bloor Street strip along here was the city’s original Greek Town and it amazes Mr. Pasalis that the sports bars held gentrification at bay for so long. But now there are many opportunities for creative disposition of wealth in the yoga studios, bistros and boutiques.
It gets high marks for:
Community spirit: You can hardly move for all-terrain strollers in the playground at Bickford Park, and the off-leash dog area is one of the friendliest in the city. The Kadampa Buddhist Temple on Crawford embraces seekers of happiness and wisdom at its meditation centre.
Transportation: It’s very well-connected with the subway zipping through. Say you’re sitting in your kitchen noticing for the first time all the scuff marks on your shoes. Ten minutes later? Shopping at Yonge and Bloor. With Harbord, Ossington and College along your neighbourhood borders, you’ll probably walk to your favourite haunts anyway.
Schools: Montrose Jr., Delta Sr., Central High School of Commerce, Harbord Collegiate Institute and St. David.
What’s held it back?
This area can feel like a compromise: It lacks the stately houses of the Annex and the breathing space of High Park. Parking is scarce and when it does exist, it’s often in a back lane. Lots are tight and, on a sweltering summer night, the urban density can be oppressive.
Market values
If a detached house with a driveway is your ideal, you’ll have trouble finding it here – at least for less than $1-million. Even most semis are listed for more than $800,000.
First-time buyers can gain a toehold for less than $500,000 in a loft or condo.
