Are you preparing to downsize? If so, your next step may seem clearcut. Sell the house you’re in now and buy yourself a condo. While this is one potential option (and for many people, it’s the right one), some downsizers are going in another direction. Instead of purchasing a new home, they’re opting for a rental until that meets all of their needs.

Could selling to rent be right for you? If you’re considering it, here are some things you should know… 

Considerations if you’re thinking of renting

So, why would you want to rent instead of buying when you downsize? It turns out there are some significant advantages to forgoing homeownership.

First off, if the prospect of packing up and moving to a far away destination or taking a vacation around the world excites you, renting might be your best bet. Making these types of major life changes is much simpler when you’re not tied to the place you call home.

It’s also important to consider your finances. Will you be on a fixed income in the years ahead, or do you have the funds to comfortably buy a condo and live the lifestyle you’re accustomed to? If you decide to rent, you won’t have to come up with a down payment, worry about property taxes, or cover any pesky monthly maintenance fees.

Of course, there are also some risks associated with owning a home. These include (but aren’t limited to) worrying about market ups and downs, anxiety related to rising home insurance deductibles, and having to deal with maintenance issues. Renting takes some of these hazards out of the equation and lessens others. 

Lastly, selling a home can be stressful, even if you’re working with a real estate team that’s equipped to make it as seamless as possible. While we believe downsizing (or rightsizing, as we call it) can feel great, you may not want to put another property on the market in the future. 

Interested in learning more about rightsizing? Here are a few of our top resources on the subject.

• Downsizing Done Differently: Our Complete Guide to Rightsizing
• Downsizing Your Home: 5 Tips for a less Cluttered Life
• How to Help Your Parents Rightsize

Going the purpose-built route

If you’re thinking of renting, you may still be envisioning a condo. While there are some fantastic units on the rental market, you may want to consider options that are purpose-built. 

There was a time when the word “apartment” brought to mind outdated buildings full of wear and tear. That’s no longer the case. In the GTA, we’ve seen a boom in recent upscale purpose-built rentals. These buildings often feature the modern architecture, high-quality living spaces, and convenient amenities we’re used to associating with condos. 

Choosing a unit in a beautifully designed apartment building allows you to take advantage of the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the convenient lifestyle and superior craftsmanship of a high-end condo, along with the freedom and reduced financial risks offered by a purpose-built rental.

Of course, renting isn’t right for everyone. If you’re very financially secure, have the years ahead and the costs involved mapped out, and feel strongly about living in a place that doubles as a long-term investment, buying a smaller home may be the right decision.

We’ve helped many clients sell their homes to rightsize with ease. Learn more about how we do it here!

Making a rental your own

If you’ve owned your home for a long time, you’ve become accustomed to your possessions and the way they’re laid out. Even if you do some redecorating from time to time, there’s just something about a space that belongs to you that always feels like home. 

If you start looking for a rental, you’ll find that there are two types of apartments: furnished and unfurnished. If you opt for the latter—which is a popular choice for those who have a creative streak and own a lot of home essentials—you’ll need to figure out how to set up your space. 

The first thing to keep in mind when you’re rightsizing is, you’ll have to pare down on your belongings. We’ve written about decluttering in past posts, but there are other things many people going through this process think less about. Like whether they’re current furniture and decor will fit in their new homes, for one. That’s why measuring these items and the space you’re moving into.

In addition to size, there are a few other considerations when you’re shopping for new pieces. Be sure to budget thoroughly, and (when possible) try to focus on smaller pieces and those that have built-in storage.

You should also keep in mind that changing fixtures, finishes, and (in some cases) wall colours may not be possible in a rental. While most landlords keep things relatively neutral, you’ll likely still want to consider the colours and styles that will work best with existing design choices. 

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, have fun with it! Rightsizing provides an opportunity to completely refresh your surroundings. If it’s your thing, explore recent trends in home decor magazines, or do some shopping in local districts that are known for their furniture and decor. 

Should you consider selling to rent?

Renting isn’t right for everyone, but it certainly has its advantages. If you’re considering taking this step but you’re not sure, you may benefit from talking to a skilled real estate professional.

Feel free to get in touch here to start a conversation about rightsizing. We’d be happy to answer your questions, explore your options with you, and help you determine which path is right for you! 

Are you ready to make the move into a smaller home? Many people refer to this step as downsizing, but we like to think of it as “rightsizing.” That’s because the process isn’t just about finding a place with less square footage. It’s about locating a smaller living space that’s a perfect fit for your lifestyle. It’s also about remembering your history while looking forward to the future!

We’re experts when it comes to helping rightsizers. We’ve got the process down to a science—and we’d like to share our approach with you.

If you consider rightsizing with us, here’s what you can expect…

Long-standing Buying and Selling Expertise

It’s no secret that buying a home can be both life-changing and stressful. From obtaining pre-approval to crafting an appealing offer to negotiating for the best price, a lot goes into purchasing your ideal living space.

Selling your home can be just as complex—and lead to anxiety if it’s not done right. Between setting a strategic price, staging for success, and meeting any relevant conditions before closing, the process can feel overwhelming.

Whether you’re buying or selling, it takes a true real estate expert to ensure that your transition is seamless. That’s doubly true when you’re carrying out these steps at the same time. Doing it well is what rightsizing is all about!

When we help you through the process, we focus on both sides. We understand each process through and through—and know the importance of timing, logistics, and precise coordination. It’s all about optimizing the moving parts of your purchase and sale and turning them into one smooth, low-stress experience.

For us, helping rightsizers is personal. In fact, Richard Silver and his partner recently went through this journey together—and it was one of the best decisions they’ve ever made. You can read all about it here!

In-Depth Community Knowledge

Often, one of the best things about rightsizing is having the opportunity to live in a vibrant, walkable neighbourhood. The truth is, if you’re moving from a quiet residential area to somewhere in the city’s core, life can get a lot more exciting.

Of course, not every rightsizer wants to live in St. Lawrence Market or the Distillery District. But if that is your style, we can help you discover the lifestyle you’ve been dreaming of. If you’d prefer somewhere a little quieter, we can still assist you in finding the perfect place! Our local expertise extends to all kinds of communities—because we’re passionate about this city, and we believe in matching buyers with their ideal area.

We start by asking the right questions. Are you planning to use transit regularly? Do you want to live close to retail, restaurants, and entertainment? When it comes to living spaces, do you prefer a modern condo, historic loft, or something else altogether? Envisioning your ideal future lifestyle will help us find neighbourhoods that could be a great match.

Your budget is another critical piece of the puzzle. We know Toronto’s local markets, which means we can help you understand how much you’ll likely get for your current home—and how far those dollars could go in whichever potential neighbourhoods you’re considering.

Interested in learning more about the incredible Toronto neighbourhoods where we work? You can discover some of our favourite communities in our guides right here!

Helpful Local Connections

To rightsize successfully, you need more than just a real estate specialist in your corner. From lawyers and financial advisors to declutterers, home-repair experts, and stagers, the list is typically a long one. Finding trusted professionals with proven track records can be a full-time job—one that very few rightsizers have time for.

The good news is, the right real estate agent can be your go-to resource for this information. They’ll have a strong local network made up of professionals they know and trust. Even better, they’ll know how to coordinate with these experts to make your journey smooth and successful.

We see building relationships as a crucial part of the job. That feeling extends to other professionals, as well as our clients. Luckily, knowing the right people comes in very handy when we’re helping you rightsize!

Are you getting ready to rightsize (or downsize)? Whatever you call it, you can go into the process feeling informed by reading these relevant resources!

• Downsizing Done Differently: Our Complete Guide to Rightsizing
• Downsizing Your Home: 5 Tips For a Less Cluttered Life
• Downsizing With Style and Grace: Part 1
• Downsizing With Style and Grace: Part 2

One Word: Compassion

We aim to make rightsizing as low stress as possible while highlighting its exciting possibilities. At the same time, we know that making this life transition isn’t always easy—especially if you’ve lived in the same home for a long time.

Leaving a place where so many memories have been created is challenging, to put it mildly. While you may feel a little sad, we hope to make things easier by talking not just about your needs and wish list, but any worries you may have.

From there, we can help you weigh your options, offer advice based on long-standing experience, and come up with creative solutions to address your concerns. This process should be about finding ways to honour your past while taking full advantage of current opportunities.

From selling your home seamlessly and for the best possible price to finding and securing a place you’ll love, rightsizing can be complex. Fortunately, with the right planning and expertise, you can make it a truly memorable experience. We’re here to help you make that happen!

Are you ready to start rightsizing? Learn more about our approach to selling and how we help you buy, or get in touch to start a conversation with us here.

Recently we were at two properties where the owners were frustrated because they knew that their houses need work but they did not have the money to fix them or get them cleaned up for the sale.

They were retired and lived on a fixed income, which made it next to impossible to get the funds to complete the repairs or preparations to get the house ready. 

The reason is that mortgages from the big 5 banks are based on the person’s income which because of retirement was very low and used mostly to keep the heat, hydro, and pay the yearly taxes. They were house poor, and the houses had fallen into disrepair.

Let’s take a closer look at this all-too-common phenomenon.

What Does it Mean to Be House Poor?

In this case, the homeowners had gone to the major banks and been told that because of income they would likely be unable to get a mortgage or line of credit commensurate with the work that needed to be done to the home. 

In both cases, there was little to no financing on the property and yet the value of the property was well over 1.5 million dollars in today’s market. So over 1.5 Million dollars in equity, sleeping in the homes while it could be put to work.

 In one case, years ago, our neighbour, in a house worth over two million dollars could not afford to go to the dentist and some of the neighbours got together and threatened to call the Community Care Access Centre if her family did not start looking after her better. It seemed that they were more concerned about the value of their inheritance than the health of their mother. A scene that Realtors® see way too much of.

Downsizing–or rightsizing as we like to call it–is an all-too-important step in the cycle of homeownership. Are you considering a rightsize in the future? Read some of our other blog content about it:

• Downsizing Done Differently: Our Complete Guide to Rightsizing
• Case Study: How We Moved from 3500 Square Feet to 1000
• How to Help Your Parents Rightsize 
• Downsizing Your Life: 5 Tips for an Uncluttered Life

What Can You Do?

To the rescue is our Mortgage Broker, Darlene Hanley of Hanley Mortgage Group. She is able to find financing based on the equity in the home. We spoke with Darlene to get some insight into how retirees can leverage the equity in their homes to their advantage. 

According to Darlene, homeowners have several options: a reverse mortgage, home equity line of credit, or a home equity loan. Here’s a closer look at each:

Reverse Mortgage

What is it?

Reserved for homeowners 55+ years of age, a reverse mortgage is known as a “lifetime product” and will not be called even if the house decreases in value. Unlike traditional mortgages, the value of a reverse mortgage is based on the home’s location, value, and age of the homeowner. Owners can qualify for up to 55% of their home’s appraised value and are not based on the homeowner’s income, making it ideal for retirees with fixed incomes. 

What are the benefits?

Reverse mortgages are designed to help improve cash flow. According to Darlene, these mortgages are advantageous for retired homeowners because they are not required to pay back any amount of the loan until they decide to move or sell. Also, unlike traditional mortgages, a client cannot default on the loan and be forced to sell. Homeowners can make advance interest payments as well. Loan proceeds are also tax-free and can be paid out in a lump sum or as multiple installments. 

What are the disadvantages?

If you are planning to sell your home, Darlene does not recommend a reverse mortgage. This is a long-term solution for homeowners who intend to remain in their homes. 

How is a Home Equity Line of Credit or Loan Different?

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a type of line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow up to 65% of the value of their home. Age is not a condition, however, homeowners must qualify based on income and credit. They are required to make monthly interest payments, but the line of credit is revolving, which means homeowners can access money while only paying the interest portion. 

A home equity loan is similar in that clients must qualify on income and credit score. However, a home equity loan results in a lump sum payment, and homeowners can borrow up to 80% of their home value, but a sliding scale may apply. 

Have you read our downsizing with style and grace blog series? Check it out here:

• Real Estate Downsizing with Style and Grace: Part 1
• Downsizing with Style and Grace: Part 2
• Real Estate with Style and Grace: Part 3

Which is Better for You?

According to Darlene, homeowners who are planning to stay in their home should go with a reverse mortgage. She recommends a HELOC for freeing up short-term funds to prepare a home for sale. 

However, if the homeowner is not able to qualify for a HELOC, she recommends a short-term open private mortgage for best results. These mortgages are a great option because equity is the key factor for qualifying here.

Darlene’s main advice? Work with an experienced mortgage broker. 

Looking for more professional help in your retirement years? Read our blog on the legalities of being an executor and how to protect your investments in the eyes of the law here.

So, What Happened?

At the end of the day, our sellers were able to get some breathing room, repair their homes and have some enjoyment by unlocking the equity in their homes and using it wisely.

Is anyone you know house poor? Look around, you may be surprised and be able to explain to them that there is money in their homes that will either go to the Government or their family when it could be assisting them.

It’s a situation that we’re happy to discuss with them and will make sure that they have access to someone who can help. 

These are disturbing situations and owners are completely overwhelmed and unhealthy because they lose sleep and start making decisions about medicine and food over repairs.

If you or someone you know needs a hand, contact us here and we can help!

Toronto is a city of neighbourhoods, and one of our all-time favourites is St. Lawrence Market. Take a stroll around the area and you’ll see why. From its incredible food and lively amenities to the ultra-convenient lifestyle it offers, this central community has it all. 

There’s no shortage of buyers who want to call St. Lawrence Market home. If you’re one of them, here’s what you should know before you make your move…

Location, Location

There’s nothing quite like living at the centre of it all, and St. Lawrence Market proves that. It sits in the heart of downtown, alongside lively communities like the Financial District, Corktown, and the Distillery District. It’s also a hotspot for architecture lovers, boasting marvels like the iconic Flatiron Building.

With its incredible walk and transit scores, it’s easy to get from this Old Town neighbourhood to…well, pretty much anywhere in Toronto. No matter where you live in the community, you’re always a stone’s throw from a streetcar or subway stop. Union Station is also just a short jaunt away, which is perfect for frequent travellers!  

Condo & Loft Central

St. Lawrence Market isn’t the right place for those who are house hunting—so if it’s a detached home you’re after, you’ll probably want to search elsewhere. What you will find here is a selection of incredible condos and lofts.

Some of Toronto’s most spacious units can be found in this neighbourhood. From older, historic buildings to modern new builds and artsy lofts, St. Lawrence Market has it all. In terms of pricing, you can expect to pay a little above the city’s average for a living space.

Of course, this is one of those Toronto communities that’s constantly evolving, so you’ll see more changes in the years ahead. One thing is certain: St. Lawrence Market will be an in-demand locale for years to come.

Wondering whether homes in St. Lawrence Market are a good investment? They are! Check out our post on the Best Toronto Neighbourhoods to Invest in Now to learn why.

Your Future Neighbours

In a city known for its diversity, St. Lawrence Market fits in perfectly. Walk the streets of this bustling neighbourhood, and you’ll hear an eclectic mix of languages wafting through the air. It’s the perfect complement to the food market that bears the community’s name, which features stellar food from around the world.

The people here also come from many walks of life. From young professionals to downsizers to young families, residents of all ages call the area home. If there’s one thing they all share, it’s their preference for downtown living to a quiet life in the suburbs.

St. Lawrence Market North

Recently, there has been a huge redevelopment in St. Lawrence Market. The one-storey northern building of the market was underused, so a revival plan was put in the works to rebuild it. The new St. Lawrence Market North building will be multi-storey, and multi-purpose. With over 11,000 square feet and space for the Saturday Farmer’s Market, Sunday Antique Market, administrative buildings, and a huge underground parking lot, the new building is expected to revitalize their area while respecting and preserving its nearly 200-year history.

There’s no shortage of culture

If you’re looking for the finer things in life, look no further. St. Lawrence is one of the best local destinations for incredible food and entertainment. Without a doubt, the main draw (and one of our favourite places in the city) is the food market for which the neighbourhood is named. 

When you’re feeling peckish (or you’re itching to hit the shops), head to Front Street. St. Lawrence Market is home to over 120 vendors and artisans—and it was once named the best food market in the world by National Geographic magazine!

Of course, the area isn’t just about its cuisine. It’s also a hub of artistic activity. The St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts is home to companies like the Canadian Stage Company to Music TORONTO to Opera in Concert. As if that weren’t enough, nearby Meridian Hall is known as one of the premier theatrical venues in Canada!

Looking to try some of the best cuisines this city has to offer? Check out the Top 10 Local Food Stores in Toronto—including St. Lawrence Market!

It’s ideal for downsizers

Selling your family home in favour of something smaller can be an emotional experience—but it can be an exciting one, too! It means more than being able to tap into your home equity. It also gives you the freedom to choose a vibrant, low-maintenance lifestyle. Without a doubt, one of the best places to do that in Toronto is St. Lawrence Market. 

The abundance of condos and lofts make this Old Town neighbourhood ideal for those seeking a smaller (yet still stylish) space. Whether you’re looking for something, cutting-end, or luxurious, you’ll find it here.

Living in St. Lawrence also means having everything at your fingertips. With world-class restaurants, food vendors, and entertainment nearby, life is ultra-convenient. Say goodbye to long commutes every time you want to enjoy a fantastic meal or the latest theatre production!

Are you preparing to downsize—or help a loved one do so? Check out our latest resources focused on making a successful move to a smaller space!

• Downsizing Done Differently: Our Complete Guide to Rightsizing
• Case Study: How We Moved From 3500 Square Feet to 1000
• How to Help Your Parents Rightsize

Whether you’re a young professional, downsizer, or somewhere in between, living is easy in St. Lawrence Market. Why not see what the neighbourhood has to offer for yourself?

If you’re ready to start the search for your ideal St. Lawrence Market home, reach out to get started here!

It’s an all-too-common situation that we see time and time again. We meet with a senior client who is looking to sell their home, and it becomes perfectly clear that they have stayed there for too long. 

Perhaps they’re overwhelmed by the idea of moving later in life. Or maybe they are worried about their children’s wishes when it comes to leaving the family home. Regardless of the reason, by staying in a home for too long, they are missing out on some amazing opportunities that exist for us as we age.

In this blog, we’re covering everything you need to know about downsizing–or as we like to call it, rightsizing.

This is a topic we’re pretty passionate about. In the past, we offered a full three-step guide on rightsizing. You can read those blogs here:

• Part 1: Downsizing with Style and Grace
• Downsizing with Style and Grace: Part 2
• Part 3: Downsizing with Style and Grace

How to Tell if the Time is Right?

At a certain point in your life, you might think to yourself, “this is house is far too big.” Your children have moved out, and the house feels empty. You might think, “what do I need all these rooms for?” 

At some point or another, having a large family home with all that extra space becomes more of a burden than anything else. Although you are no doubt attached to your home, wouldn’t you be better off somewhere smaller? Is there really a need for three bathrooms when you’re either living alone or with your partner? 

Knowing the right time to make a move is critical, as it will help transition you into the next phase of your life. Here are a few signs it might be time to consider rightsizing:

• You get easily overwhelmed at the thought of maintaining your home. 
• You are not maintaining your home and it’s beginning to fall into disrepair.
• Your mobility is reduced and you have a hard time navigating your home.
• The expense to maintain the home is beginning to become unreasonable.
• You do not feel safe alone in your home and/or your family members are worried about your safety. 

The key to finding the best time to rightsize is to do so before any of these issues become a huge problem. This should be a proactive solution–a choice, not a last resort. 

It Might Seem Stressful, but it’s Better in the Long Run

Many clients who we help rightsize, fit into two categories. The first are people who are excited about making new routines and the lifestyle change that comes with moving to a smaller home. However, the second category is the people who seem paralyzed by the idea of leaving their family home behind. They’re unsure about the future and generally feel anxious and stressed about making such a big move. 

If you fit into the second category, there are a few things you can consider to help alleviate some of the stress that comes with making such a big decision later in life.

The Benefits of Rightsizing

Lower monthly expenses: A smaller home means lower utility bills, a smaller mortgage, reduced taxes, and maintenance fees. It’s better for your wallet! 

Improved mobility and independence: If you currently live in a big house and have trouble getting around, a smaller place will afford you more mobility and independence for longer in your life. 

Better amenities and community: Depending on the type of home you want to move into, and the location, you can enjoy easier access to amenities and a better sense of community if you choose to live somewhere with like-minded neighbours nearby.

More free time: How much time to spend cleaning and tidying your home currently? With a smaller place, you won’t need to spend so much time maintaining your home, you can try new hobbies, and do whatever your heart desires. 

If you find yourself struggling in your large family home, rightsizing to something smaller will give you peace of mind and the freedom to enjoy life however you want. 

A controversial idea: Although not right for everyone, many rightsizers may choose to sell their home and not buy a new property. Instead, opting to rent. The options are limitless when it comes to rightsizing, and you can really choose your own adventure and go with the plan that suits your unique needs.

But What About All My Stuff? 

We’ve arrived at the elephant in the room. What to do with all your belongings? We get it, after decades of living in your home, you’ve probably amassed a fair amount of things. As humans, we tend to fill the spaces we’re allowed. This is why upsizing your home is so easy and downsizing is considered a little more laborious.

However, don’t let that discourage you. Decluttering and downsizing your belongings can be easy if you go into it with the right mindset. Think about Marie Kondo’s theory of, “does it spark joy?” If an item doesn’t bring you joy, you can probably live without it. 

We’re not saying you need to live like a minimalist, but there are probably many items in your home that you don’t really need anymore. 

By going into it with a positive mindset, you can easily declutter your space. Get your friends and family involved. Use sticky notes, to determine what stays, what you can give away, what you can possibly sell, and what needs to go straight to the curb. 

Interested in learning more about decluttering? We’ve got a blog post all about it. You can read it right here. 

Adjusting to Your New Space

It’s completely reasonable that you may find an adjustment period after rightsizing your life. But if you take a proactive approach, you can limit some of the disruptions. Plan ahead, print off floor plans, hire a stager, and start looking for smaller furniture. 

This is an exciting time! Don’t be surprised if you feel re-energized with a new zest for life after you’ve finished the rightsizing process! 

Those who know Toronto can tell you that Cabbagetown is one of the city’s most historic and treasured neighbourhoods. Whether you live there or visit frequently, every minute spent in this storied Toronto neighbourhood is enjoyable.

However, being located in the comparably quieter and less lively east end of Toronto, not many newcomers to the city are fully aware of Cabbagetown and its understated allure. While you might argue that long-time Cabbagetown homeowners prefer it that way, the appeal of this character-filled neighbourhood is no secret.

Whether you’re a lifelong Toronto resident or are planning on relocating here soon, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering a home in Cabbagetown ahead of your next real estate purchase.

Where Is Cabbagetown?

Cabbagetown just about falls under what’s considered Toronto’s east end — though not by much.

Although the neighbourhood is east of Yonge Street (which more or less acts as the city’s divide between east and west) Cabbagetown doesn’t continue on further east of the Don River. This is one clue you’re officially in what’s considered the east end. In fact, the Don River acts somewhat as Cabbagetown’s eastern border, with the neighbourhood extending as far west as Sherbourne Street.

Starting to fall in love with this truly beautiful Toronto neighbourhood? You’ll enjoy some of our other blogs about Cabbagetown too:

• Cabbagetown: One Very Special Community In Toronto
• 5 Reasons We Love Cabbagetown

A Haven for Green Space

Within Cabbagetown and in many of the surrounding neighbourhoods there are a lot of fantastic amenities. One of Cabbagetown’s most beloved and frequently visited local amenities is Riverdale Farm.

Found in Cabbagetown’s eastern end, this charming little farm is tucked away in the heart of this quiet residential neighbourhood and is home to an impressive array of animals considering its inconspicuous location.

One minute you can find yourself strolling down the heritage-driven sidestreets of quaint Cabbagetown, the next feeding ducks, petting sheep, and gazing at the elegant horses at Riverdale Farm.

In fact, essentially the entire northeastern area of Cabbagetown consists of large public parks and green spaces. The St. James Cemetery leads into the expansive Rosedale Ravine Lands, which stretches south to join up with the forested green space alongside the Don River.

Keep following the Don Valley south along eastern Cabbagetown and you’ll soon get to Riverdale Park West, which forms one of Toronto’s largest parks as it joins Riverdale Park East on the other side of the Don River.

Cabbagetown’s authentic and community-centric culture is hard to beat. See how we love to spend our time here by reading Rosedale And Cabbagetown: 5 Things To Do Right Now.

The Cabbagetown Economy

Aside from the vast amount of public parks and green spaces, every Cabbagetown resident also enjoys supporting the many small businesses and independent restaurants and retailers in the neighbourhood too.

We wouldn’t go so far as to call Cabbagetown’s main shopping area a “commercial district,” but there are a few main streets where local residents find most of their day-to-day essentials. You’ll have no problem finding everything you need from one of the many small businesses along Parliament Street, which is somewhat like the neighbourhood’s main shopping strip.

We love that Cabbagetown’s collection of local amenities are almost all locally-owned, which definitely contributes to the neighbourhood’s inclusive community vibe.

The food scene in Cabbagetown is amazing. See which Cabbagetown food spots get our top picks here:

• F’Amelia Restaurant: The Best Italian Food In Cabbagetown
• Top 5 Food Spots In Cabbagetown

What Are The Homes Like?

Just a few steps in any direction away from the more commercial areas of Cabbagetown will lead you down the serene side streets where you’ll find most local residents live. Being one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods — with a history dating back to the late 1840s — you can expect to find a plethora of landmarks and features of original Toronto architecture and planning.

Between cobblestone streets, heritage Toronto red-brick homes, early Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and many other fascinating and unique character cues, this neighbourhood is overflowing with heritage appeal.

As for the homes themselves, Cabbagetown has one of the biggest concentrated collections of original Toronto heritage homes you can find anywhere in the city. Whether they’re semi-detached two-storey Victorians, fully detached three-storey Edwardian mansions, or anything in between, one thing you’ll see a lot of in Cabbagetown is that vibrant Toronto red brick.

While there are some newer homes here too, most of Cabbagetown has been intentionally preserved to ensure this early Toronto neighbourhood doesn’t lose any of its original features and characteristics. Those who live in these centuries-old homes feel similarly, oftentimes proudly displaying plaques of heritage certification on their facades.

We can’t get enough of Toronto’s stunning heritage homes, but there are a few things you should know about them before investing in one. Learn more by reading our blog post; Buying A Heritage Home In Toronto: What You Need To Know

Who Are The Neighbours?

As you might imagine, most residents who are lucky enough to live in this almost fairytale old whimsical neighbourhood are quite happy about it. On the whole, the Cabbagetown community is friendly, welcoming, and very respectful.

You can expect to find lots of families in the area with children of all different ages, who often meet up to play with one another after school and on weekends in any of the various parks or quiet streets.

It’s also quite common to find empty nesters, who are reluctant to move away given the deep roots they’ve formed within the communities and affection with the Cabbagetown lifestyle. When they do eventually move away, however, it isn’t uncommon to see their homes handed down to the next generation, which only adds to the family-friendly atmosphere of the neighbourhood.

For more neighbourhood insights read our Cabbagetown Neighbourhood Guide.

What Can I Expect To Pay?

When you take into account the history, character, local amenities, lifestyle, and overall desirability of Cabbagetown, it’s easy to see why entering the market here can pose a bit of a challenge.

On the upper end of the spectrum, the largest and most desirable homes can easily sell for several million — think, the $2-4 million range. At entry-level, you’d be lucky to score a place for less than seven figures, even if it is only a two-storey semi.

As is the case with any competitive market, however, it’s always our primary objective to help you secure the home you deserve for a price that you can afford.

If you’ve got your heart set on a move to Cabbagetown, you can count on us to do our best to find you a home there that is within your budget. See how we can help you find your dream home here.