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Wallace/Emerson & Brockton Village See All Neighbourhoods

Being hip is not just about timing and good taste- it’s about recognizing direction of the trend in advance of other mere mortals. Bloor Lansdowne & Wallace Emerson / Brockton Village is at the epicentre of coolness, with the perfect combination of grit and promise.

Bloor Lansdowne & Wallace Emerson / Brockton Village has been in a slow, steady state of change since the beginning. A working class enclave of Portuguese and Italian immigrants in 1950s and 1960s, it slipped into decline through the 1990s and 2000s, as these groups aged and the natural neighbourhood lifecycle made its way through. Alongside the residents, retail aged, storefronts closed and rents dropped accordingly.

However, when one property door closes, another one inevitably opens. The lure of location, reasonable prices and the entrepreneurial framework to launch cool, innovative ventures pulled in a new wave of residents, which has ultimately guided the re-shaping of the demographic and the vibe of this neighbourhood. When creativity meets entrepreneurship and is then introduced to amenable business conditions, you have the perfect storm for neighbourhood re-definition.

Real estate fundamentals, like amenities and location, are widely responsible for the long-term support of property prices. But another phenomenon comes into play when you look at the re-birth of a neighbourhood. It’s like learning a secret that is far too juicy to keep to yourself- which is precisely what is going on.

What a difference a few years makes. Fast forward to today and the area is “the” hangout where all the cool kids are- which is proof positive of the inertia of gentrification. Similarly, this area is enormously inclusive, and has drawn members literally from every subculture, including the Students, the Artists, the Gays, the Hipsters and the Urban Professionals. They are all bound by a common yearning to be where it’s at.

The housing stock is mostly comprised of working class row, semi and detached homes. Many are modest and simple, and are showing their age and use, but are perfect for homeowners who want to evolve their own properties alongside the neighbourhood that surrounds them.  While the stock may have weathered and waned through the years, the fundamentals that surround this area (access to green space and proximity to public transit, among numerous other amenities supportive for urban living) position it for property prosperity. All of the school boards are well represented, with a good selection of elementary and high schools, within easy access. The beauty of a neighbourhood in transition is that it typically has affordable choices, making it a nice entry point upon which to climb the property ladder.

Bloor is the lifeline driving this community flanked on either side by vibrant, up-and-coming enclaves. The streetscape on Bloor emits a “coming soon” vibe, but as lucky residents know- the future (and the opportunity) has arrived.  It unfolds like a storied painting, full of colour. Residential and commercial buildings blend with shops, galleries, eclectic eateries, bars and cafes.

North of Bloor is the Wallace Emerson District, west of Dufferin through Lansdowne to Symington. This area, rich with diversity, was established around the CP/CN rail line in the late 1800s. Today, vintage shops and niche restaurants line the streets. Wallace Emerson Community Centre has activities galore, with its outdoor rink and swimming pool.  Bike paths wind their way around ample green space in Wallace Emerson Park.

South of Bloor is Brockton Village, bordered by Dufferin and Lansdowne.  The Village of Brockton was incorporated in 1881 and was amalgamated with the City of Toronto in 1884. Mindful of its history, but focused on the future, this area is rife with character and is known for its quirky cafes, restaurants and shops.

Bloor Lansdowne & Wallace Emerson / Brockton Village is throes of gentrification, which provides the singular kind of energy and momentum only realized when you are not only watching change, but leading it. There is power in this kind of property- with significant upside for those who flourish in.