Brockton Village

Your Typical Neighbour

Families are a mainstay in this neighbourhood. Old-school Portuguese families who have been here for at least a generation. Chinese or South Asian immigrants. Artists who got here pre-gentrification, young professionals looking for the next hip ‘hood. Bartenders and baristas renting close to the burgeoning hipster spots they work at.

What We Love

Classic Victorians can be found for significantly less than a few blocks east. Check out the Toronto Arts Market for handcrafted treasure from local artisans (the same cool people who frequent the funky restaurants and shops popping up everywhere). Grab a coffee and a house plant at Run and Gun Coffee – a minimal style space brightened with a bounty of botanicals, baby clothes and gifts.

What We Don’t Love

Some of the ‘west of Lansdowne’ grit still shows, but fortunately this is quickly fading as the Brockton sheen moves further west. Those that are offended by yards that are completely converted to working gardens or simply paved/bricked over may have problems.

The Real Estate Scoop

In 2012 Toronto Life ranked Brockton Village among its top 10 places to “buy now”. (Plus, Brendan and Mel made it their home for more than 5 years! The realtor stamp of approval…) The changes in the retail sector along Bloor Street are a direct result of the influx of a younger demographic that has begun to fully appreciate the area and its offerings. There are excellent restaurant and nightlife offerings along both Dundas and Bloor, with more arriving every year. The northern section’s proximity to the Subway is also a major contributor to its popularity.

Most of the homes in this area were built between 1880 and 1920. Narrow Victorian-style homes on narrow lots dominate on narrow streets that offer rear laneway accessed garages. The increase in demand for the area has led to the smattering of infill options that have popped up. These include a handful of lane houses, as well as some condo conversions and townhomes; with a little sleuthing, there are a couple of really chic homes to be found, although many move here for the opportunity to renovate a long-time family home to their own tastes.

Given the excellent and internationally-inspired cheap eats, you can find so close to parkland and increasingly great retail. It’s no wonder that the grittiness that was still present in the late 2000s is giving way to a spit-shining that shows no signs of slowing with new condo developments popping up on Dundas St W & Lansdowne.

Schools

There are quite a number of schools in the area in keeping with the family friendly bent of the neighbourhood.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Shirley Street Public School
Brock Public School
St. Helen Catholic School

SENIOR SCHOOLS

City View Alternative Senior School
St. Helen Catholic School

Transit

Transit options are plentiful with easy access to the Bloor-Danforth Subway Line, Dundas Streetcar and Dufferin Bus all a short walk away. Dufferin provides easy access to the Gardiner and Lakeshore.