Introduction
Gritty, urban, elegant, hard-scrabble, upscale, sophisticated and working-class. Today’s Cabbagetown is all of that and then some nestled into the heart of downtown Toronto where it is sandwiched between Gerrard St. East and Wellesley to the south/north and Sherbourne/Parliament to the Don Valley Parkway on the east/west.
Lifestyle
Cabbagetown is for those who embrace city living and its inherent advantages such as the extraordinary range of cultural and gastronomic opportunities just steps from home. If you want to explore a little beyond Cabbagetown’s own borders, the rest of the downtown core is within easy reach. The Cabbagetown ‘hood celebrates a pocket where culture and the arts live, breathe and literally dance at the renown Toronto Dance Theatre and Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre.
The Vibe
“A small town in the heart of a big city”. Funky, artsy, Victorian prim and proper with a dose of real urban grit. You can make your life in Cabbagetown whatever you want it to be. Perfect for a strolling ramble with lots of lingering stops in parks, coffee shops, boutiques and galleries.
Meet the Neighbours
Cabbagetown is home to small households. There are far more singles than couples and more couples than families. More people live in apartment buildings, than row houses, semis and finally single detached homes, due primarily to the fact there are more of them and they’re more affordable. Almost 80% of Cabbagetown residents speak English with 18% speaking both official languages with English the language that’s most typically spoken at home.
In the Area
Minutes to TTC subway lines and bus routes, as well as the Don Valley Parkway, the Gardiner Expressway and Union Station as well as the Toronto Island Airport and Pearson International.
2.9 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Depending on your perspective and the choices you make, Cabbagetown is anywhere from highly affordable to suitable only for the affluent.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Winchester Junior and Senior Public School, Rose Avenue Junior Public School, Sprucecourt Junior Public School, Lord Dufferin Junior and Senior Public School, Riverdale Park, Riverdale Farm, Allan Gardens, the Farmer’s Market, Cabbagetown Community Arts Centre and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre. Bargain to upscale, independent to big chain retailer – you’ll find it all here.
Dollars & Sense
If you like an intimate, urban neighbourhood that’s literally miles from the suburban wasteland in every imaginable way and you’re happy exploring your own neighbourhood, Cabbagetown really is perfect. But keep in mind that Toronto’s ongoing construction, repairs and maintenance can make getting beyond the city limits irksome to road-rage inducing.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Jet Fuel
Cabbagetown’s legendary, iconic coffee shop that epitomizes the Cabbagetown vibe and the Cabbagetown cool. Attitude? They’ve been honing it since 1992! Baked goods sell out early – don’t be late. Their regulars love them – will you?
Daniel et Daniel
Operating out of a renovated Victorian building, Daniel et Daniel was founded by two Daniels, who came to Canada from Paris, France. When you don’t want to cook, hit the food shop for tasty food.
Allan Gardens Conservatory
A tourist attraction and a haven for winter-weary Torontonians, its historic, cast-iron and glass-domed “Palm House” was built in 1910. Bask in the scents, the colours and the tropical air in Allan Gardens’ six greenhouses.
Riverdale Farm
Riverdale Farm gives inner-city residents of all ages the opportunity to connect with a little bit of nature, get up close and even a little bit personal with the animals. Admission is free.
Riverdale Park
This park rocks! Tennis courts, an outdoor ice rink and pool, sports fields, running track, a picnic area and a playground, it’s one of the very best spots for winter tobogganing and Toronto skyline sunsets.
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre
Founded in 1980, this modern dance repertory company features dancers under 20 years of age and has been hailed by the Globe & Mail as a “national treasure”.