Family friendly condos in Toronto really do exist. The trick is where to find them and understanding the pros and cons of raising a family in a condo. Condos may not be a one-size-fits-all solution but when it comes to living in Toronto, it is definitely the product of choice. With many buyers unable to afford a single family home, baby boomers looking to downsize, and more families living in condos —...

The “Starbucks Effect” may sound like a medical term related to caffeinated beverage addiction, but you won’t find the term in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Rather, several articles have taken this parlance to describe the phenomena of how a Starbucks store opening increases home and property values. Can the entry of a hip coffee shop predict housing prices? It's something a lot of...

What is now one of Toronto’s most expensive neighbourhoods was once a hot spot for youth looking to rebel and create a lifestyle of their own. Yorkville was “where the discipline of parents, the strain of formal education and the hypocrisies of an adult world are discussed, chewed, rebelled against,” Toronto Star reporter Wendy Darroch wrote in 1966. “It is here they can meet on common ground. They...

Growing cities, losing affordable housing at alarming rates. Ever since a Request For Proposals process selected Capital Developments and Metropia to redevelop a 7.3-acre Toronto District School Board property at Bloor and Dufferin, a high-density rebuild of the site was expected. After community feedback and following two versions of the plan, the developers have returned, revising the proposed...

You've decided to raise your child in Toronto, it can now be tough deciding which neighbourhood is best for your family. Many factors come into play: What are the best schools in the area? What amenities does the building offer? Are there playgrounds nearby? How secure is the building? And the list goes on. But to make the process a little easier, we’ve rounded up 3 of the best family-friendly new...

Spotting these future hot neighbourhoods takes long-term vision. Whether you’re a young professional, smart-sizer or an expanding family, there’s something for everyone in an evolving area. Here are 5 signals you can use to identify an up-and-coming neighbourhood:   1. Major Renovations or New Builds are Underway. You can see this change in a variety of ways: • Smaller homes...

Welcome to Yonge and St. Clair. More than an intersection. It's 4 corners and a vision. It's a vibrant and a storied neighbourhood and it's only getting better. One of Toronto’s most important intersections has seen some remarkable transformation in recent years and will continue to do so with the addition of new retailers, restaurants and mixed-use developments.  When completed in several years, the...