So, you’re ready to move east of the DVP… but can’t decide which neighbourhood is actually going to match your lifestyle and your budget?
Welcome to the East End Decision Paralysis Club. Membership: you, me, and every other Toronto buyer who’s ever googled “Leslieville vs. Riverdale” while panic-scrolling MLS at midnight.
Let’s break it down. I’ve lived in two of these neighbourhoods, currently live in another, and the fourth is basically my second home. I’ve gotchya.
🏡 Leslieville
Vibe: Brunch lines, happy dogs, clothing boutiques, some of the city’s top restaurants, a speakeasy dancing bar that lures west-enders, baby strollers, park art shows, and the best ice cream parlour in town (Ed’s Scoop).
Perfect for: Creative couples, perfectly content singles, city-loving small families, empty-nesters who still brunch (and maybe DJ on weekends).
Price Tag (2025):
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Condos: Avg. $820K for a 700 sqft unit
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Semis: $1M–$1.5M
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Detached (turn-key): Around $2M
Real Talk: Parking will test your relationship and your patience. Also, RIP Gardiner off-ramp.
Why You’ll Love It: You can buy a bouquet, a $9 croissant, artisan cheese, gelato, retro cereal and a vintage sweater all on the same block. Also? So. Many. Gyms.
My Connection: I lived here from 2009–2012, 2013–2014, and 2019–2024. Married in my 20s, solo in my 30s, dog mom in my 40s—it always felt like home.
Faves: Ricky + Olivia, Wynona, Good Neighbour, Leslieville Cheese Market, Maha’s, One Academy, Ed’s Real Scoop
🚇 The Danforth / Riverdale / Playter Estates
Vibe: Greek food, subway commute dreams, quiet tree-lined side streets, beautiful parks, grand century homes, and some of the best public schools in Toronto.
Perfect for: Families, professionals working downtown, and anyone who wants historic charm with that rare subway-access life.
Price Tag (2025):
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Avg. homes: $1.5M–$1.7M
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Playter Estates: $2.5M–$3M is common
Real Talk: You will become someone with strong opinions on spanakopita—and you will be right.
Why You’ll Love It: Grand homes, quiet prestige, and a strong Danforth community.
My Connection: After my divorce, I found myself on Hampton Ave and later Sparkhall Ave. My son went to Frankland PS and Withrow PS. This might be my all-time favourite neighbourhood.
Faves: Big Carrot, Rooster Coffee, Riverdale Park East (sunset views!), The Riverdale Perk, Meza, Withrow Park
🌊 The Beaches
Vibe: Golden retrievers, linen pants, SUP boards, and surprise Jazz festivals that block Queen Street traffic.
Perfect for: Young families with a healthy budget, chill retirees, and lake lovers who don’t mind a little chaos.
Price Tag (2025):
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Condos: $813–$1,309 per sqft (avg. ~$1M)
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Houses: $1.5M–$3M+ (some listings over $6M)
Real Talk: South of Queen is the dream. Your budget might say otherwise.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s basically cottage-core but make it city. Boardwalks, breezes, and ice cream with waves crashing in the background.
My Connection: This was on my Frosh Week list and I’ve loved it since. I’ve played volleyball here, ran races, walked the dog, and it’s where Max had his first ice cream.
Faves: Woodbine Beach, The Boardwalk, Fearless Meat, Balmy Beach Club, Limon
🛠️ East York
Vibe: Bungalows, backyards, quiet ambition, and “hidden gem” energy.
Perfect for: First-time buyers, families, DIY renovators, and anyone who sees beauty in avocado bathtubs.
Price Tag (2025):
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Semis & Bungalows: $1.2M–$1.4M
Real Talk: You’ll complain about renos. Then do another. And still never want to leave.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s low-key royalty of the East End—garages, green space, and real neighbours who lend you tools.
My Connection: This is home now. Max and I love the calm, the tree canopy, the market, the lovely humans, and that subway proximity.
Faves: Wag on the Danforth, Royal Beef, Local 1794, Cumin Kitchen, Monarch Park Pool, East Lynn Farmers Market, Danforth Bowl
🤖 Still stuck? Let my AI Assistant help
This is exactly why I added Olivia, my AI assistant, to my website. She’s basically me (minus the leather leggings and gym addiction), and she’s available 24/7 to answer your Toronto real estate questions—judgement free. She’s there in the bottom right corner. Ask her anything.