LOCATION:
The neighbourhood around Trinity Bellwood Park from King St. West to Dundas St. West. East to Ossington.
EPICENTRE:
Queen Street West and Bellwoods Ave.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:
hipsters, indie coffee shops, designers, great parks, modern and historic architecture, shopper and foodie paradise.
DID YOU KNOW?:
This neighbourhood’s very rare white squirrels have captured the imaginations of this neighbourhood. So much so that a neighbourhood coffee shop has been named the White Squirrel Coffee Shop.
Like many other established Toronto neighbourhoods I know, Trinity Bellwoods was once an emerging neighbourhood. When Queen Street West, the main street of the neighbourhood was named the second coolest street in the world by Vogue Magazine, then it’s safe to say that your neighbourhood has arrived.
It’s clear that West Queen West is the street to be reckoned with the most in Toronto. It may not the length of Yonge Street, but it is definitely the hippest with the most tony street in the city full of designers, architects, contemporary furniture, hipsters, gourmet comfort foods, and some of the best dressed in the city. Nothing really comes close.
It hard to believe it hasn’t fully peaked yet. Along Dundas Street, a renaissance of hipster bars and restaurants has exploded. So, many consider this neighbourhood to be the centre of the centre of the universe.
And just when you think it all sounds too hip and well dressed, there is Trinity Bellwoods Park for relaxing picnics, dog walking, a zombie festival, fun with the kids or staring at the stars with your significant other.
The houses are not as large as you find in nearby High Park or the Annex, but in terms of a central location, you could not be closer to the good stuff. Demand is high and the competition is stiff to find a house here. Condos south of Queen are much more affordable, though bland and large. The good condos are the conversions along Queen West and tucked into the smaller streets in the area. People know it, though. So, you will be a premium for these.
Trinity Bellwooods is a mix of fixer uppers and impressive modern renos, Victorian homes, an odd bungalow here and there. If design is top priority for you, this may be a good place to start.