Welcome To Corktown
Welcome to Toronto’s Corktown neighbourhood!
Just south of Regent Park and north of the Gardiner Expressway we find Corktown. Nobody really knows 110% for certain how the neighbourhood gained its name. There are theories, yes, there are two. Firstly, many believe ‘Corktown’ is a name that pays tribute to its originally (predominantly) Irish-settled community – in which many of these people emigrated from County Cork in Ireland. The second theory is that the area’s name is due to the presence of cork-stopping manufacturers, breweries, and distilleries. To this day, we don’t know what one is right – so I guess you could say we have choices.
Today, Corktown’s once very ‘blue-collar’ demographic has changed. Once abandoned, or unkept, homes are now home to Toronto professionals, and families, drawn to the area’s classic and historically-rich charms. In fact, some of the city’s oldest homes (dating back to 1850) are found in Corktown. We can now see British, and Victorian, style rowhouses peppering residential streets, while converted industrial and multi-use buildings sprinkle laneways and side streets.
Walking through Corktown it’s easy to see the positive effects of the reshaping, and investment, in Regent Park (to the north) as well as the massive West Don Development project. It is estimated that these projects will bring thousands of new residents to this central area and help promote prosperity for local businesses and residential investors.
Excellent shopping, fine restaurants, cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and artisanal goods, can all be found within walking distance from Corktown. Proximity to both the St.Lawrence Market and Toronto’s historic Distillery District make this a highly coveted neighbourhood that will only continue to improve.
Properties For Sale
Your Typical Neighbour
Young professional. Very possibly works in the arts, as the many work/live spaces are conducive to creative pursuits, as well being close to a number of Toronto’s film studios. First-time buyers are also taking advantage of the recent flood of chic studio and live/workspaces.
What We Love
Once considered a seriously ‘no night walking’ district, the gentrification spark has caught and there are some great investment opportunities to be had here, especially as West Donlands development continues.
What We Don't Love
There’s still a lack of retail and culture at your door here, although this is likely to continue changing. For now there’s a bit of a walk to the nearest grocery store.
The Real Estate Scoop
It’s important to note that in Corktown the majority of sales in any given (recent) year are condos. Of the few freehold homes available, many of the Victorian rowhouses in Corktown date as far back as the 1850s and represent some of the oldest examples of the architecture in the city. They also represent some of the smallest! Used originally as workers cottages for the many local factories, they are located on narrow streets nestled between more major thoroughfares. There are some cute spaces to be found here, although be aware that some can be as narrow as 12 feet wide!
There are also a number of unique live/work options in this area, as many industrial and commercial spaces are being repurposed into attractive studios; for those who choose to simply live vs. work here, the commute to the downtown core is quick and easy.
The development in the neighbourhood and surrounding area isn’t showing signs of stopping anytime soon – Corktown and its neighbours are really just beginning to come into their own. We anticipate this will continue to be a neighbourhood worth watching, and we’re fascinated to see what the post-sporting frenzy brings on the Real Estate front.
Schools
Schools are nearby, though the options are limited. Given the area is in the earliest stages of being reclaimed from industrial wasteland, this is perhaps not surprising.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
Nelson Mandela Park Public School
Market Lane Junior and Senior Public School
Downtown Alternative School
Sprucecourt Junior Public School
SENIOR SCHOOLS
PRIVATE & CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
Liberty Prep School
St. Paul Catholic School
Voice Integrative School
Transit
Extremely convenient transit is right outside the door and easy access to the DVP and Gardiner keep drivers happy.
Property Statistics in Corktown
Detached Houses - Statistics
Q4 2024
N/A
Average Price
3
New Listings
2
Properties Sold
N/A
Average Days on Market
N/A
% of Asking Price
townhome - Statistics
Q4 2024
$1,179,000
Average Price
13
New Listings
9
Properties Sold
21
Average Days on Market
107%
% of Asking Price
Condos - Statistics
Q4 2024
$642,000.00
Average Price
179
New Listings
70
Properties Sold
27
Average Days on Market
99%
% of Asking Price
All Properties - Statistics
Q4 2024
$742,015
Average Price
107
New Listings
87
Properties Sold
27
Average Days on Market
100%
% of Asking Price
Source: TRREB Statistics
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