Victorian mansions, Queen West patios and the lake at the bottom of the street. It's where I live, so you get the version the listing photos leave out.
Parkdale is a mix, and that's the point. Restored Victorians next to rooming houses, momo spots next to wine bars, artists next to young families. If you want polish, look elsewhere. If you want character and the lake, you're home.
Lives hereWalks it dailyKnows the streets
The homes
What youwill find here.
Mansard roofs and bay windows, a Parkdale signature.
Most of the housing stock is a century old. That means real plaster, high ceilings and big porches. It also means knob-and-tube, old foundations and permits worth checking. I'll walk you through what to look for before you write an offer.
Victorian & Edwardian housesBig three-storey homes north and south of Queen. Many have been split into units, and some are being turned back into single-family homes.
Bay-and-gable semisClassic Toronto semis on the side streets. Narrow lots, deep yards and lots of renovation potential.
MultiplexesHouses already split into two to four units. Popular with buyers who want rent to help with the mortgage.
Lofts & condosWarehouse lofts on the edges, and newer condos toward King and Liberty Village.
Favourite spots
Where I goin Parkdale.
By the water
Sunnyside Beach & Pavilion
Walk down to the lake for the boardwalk, the Martin Goodman Trail and a sunset that never gets old.
Food
Queen West momos
Parkdale has some of the best Tibetan food in the city, all within a few blocks of each other along Queen.
Neighbourhood hub
Parkdale Library
The branch at Queen and Cowan: story time, community events, and a good place to get a feel for the neighbourhood.
Green space
Budapest Park
Lakefront lawn, big trees, room for the dog and the kids.
It suits people who want character, transit and the lake, and who are comfortable with a mixed neighbourhood. The houses are big for the price compared with the streets around it, which is why buyers keep coming.
What should I check on an older Parkdale house?
Wiring, plumbing, the foundation, the roof and whether past renovations had permits. If it was ever a rooming house or multiplex, check its legal status. I bring in an inspector who knows century homes.
Can I buy a house here and rent part of it?
Often, yes. Many homes already have separate units. We confirm the units are legal, check the zoning and run the numbers before you offer.
How do I get downtown?
The Queen and King streetcars run straight into the core, and the Gardiner and Lake Shore are right there if you drive.
First place, the family home, more space, or just figuring out what's next. You don't need it all mapped out. Tell me what's on your mind and we'll start there.
Come behindthe scenes.
Open houses, new listings, neighbourhood finds and the odd round of golf.
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