Introduction
Stretching from Greenwood in the east to Empire in the west, and from Eastern in the south to Gerrard in the north, Leslieville is a friendly neighbourhood in the east end of Toronto. This lively neighbourhood is a study in contrasts. Organic food stores and juice bars share the block with diners and thrift shops.
Lifestyle
This lively neighbourhood is a study in contrasts. Organic food stores and juice bars share the block with diners and thrift shops. People of all ages and walks of life crowd the sidewalks and relax in the many cafes and patios. The local businesses are mostly independent and sell everything from the basic necessities to gifts, furniture and art.
The Vibe
With a relaxed, friendly vibe and a strong sense of community, Leslieville is a great place to live. Queen and Gerrard are the two main streets, and their sidewalks bustle with students, strollers, and neighbourhood residents. The residential side streets are quiet and green, and people can be found walking their dogs and chatting with neighbours at all hours.
Meet the Neighbours
Leslieville is a wonderfully mixed neighbourhood — there are young families, professionals, retirees are people of all ages and stages in between. The neighbourhood has rapidly gentrified in recent years, with young professionals moving into the area and new clothing and shopping options opening to cater to the new crowd.
In the Area
Leslieville is a great place for families, with primary and secondary schools, a public library, parks and playgrounds, and a community centre. Independently owned shops, restaurants, and cafes line Queen and Gerrard streets, catering to a wide range of audiences. The Leslie Street Spit conservation area at the foot of Leslie Street has beautiful walking and biking trails and is the perfect place to spend a bright, sunny afternoon.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Streetcars on Queen and Gerrard provide 24-hour transit service to Leslieville, and buses run down to the area from several subway stations on the Bloor-Danforth line. Parking is allowed on both main and side streets, but it can be tough to find a spot and expensive when you find one. There are bike lanes on Dundas and Greenwood and cyclists can also access the Martin Goodman trail at Lakeshore.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Leslieville is both walkable and friendly, and residents exchange smiles and greetings with neighbours and strangers alike. Long-time residents are concerned that established businesses may be driven out of the neighbourhood by rising rents and changing demographics. But despite the changes, everyone agrees that it’s a wonderful place to live.
Dollars & Sense
Property values in Leslieville are going up, and so are housing prices. Home prices are high, and rents on both residential and commercial spaces are close to average but going up. The neighbourhood is a mix of old and new businesses, and you can pay as much or as little as you want for a cup of coffee or a new t-shirt.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Arts Market
Filled with prints and more, this is a wonderful place to browse. But the Arts Market is more than just a shop — it rents space to local artists to help them sell their work.
more infoGadabout
If you’re looking for vintage, this is the place to be! Gadabout is filled to the brim with vintage clothing, books, toys, ornaments, and more. The aisles are narrow, so watch your step!
more infoPurple Penguin
This cozy cafe is justly proud of its apple fritters, which are made fresh to order and served piping hot. Grab a seat by the window, settle in, and watch the crowd go by.
more infoHooked
Looking for fresh fish for dinner? Hooked is run by chefs and sells sustainably sourced fish and shellfish. The staff are knowledgable and friendly, and are happy to give recommendations and cooking advice.
more infoGreenwood Park
Greenwood Park is a favourite with the locals. There’s a fenced-in off-leash area for dogs, swimming pool, skating rink, playground, baseball diamonds, and plenty of space to walk, run, and play.
more info