Dufferin Grove was always going to improve. It has a gritty past, but with the west end of downtown set to gentrify, it’s worth putting this quaint neighbourhood in your sights. It has jumped ahead of the curve thanks to an activist-oriented residential population that transformed the local park into a community wonderland. Now, there’s no stopping this little ’hood bounded by Bloor, Ossington, Dundas and Dufferin.

Vibe
Although within walking distance of the coolest thoroughfares in all the land, Dufferin Grove also boasts some large homes with rather sizable yards ideal for growing families. Still, the area lands firmly in the younger-than-average camp and has a lively and urban atmosphere.

Cost
Although potential homeowners can expect to pay more than $1 million to get into the neighbourhood, keep in mind that the housing stock includes good-sized, older homes with plenty of character. Many of the homes were built between 1890 and 1930 and come in a variety of architectural styles.

Grub
Wow. There’s a lot, even if one were to just ignore the dozens of restaurants that line Ossington Avenue and are all within walking distance. Start with the morning and coffee at the Common. Bestellen on College is a treat. And come World Cup time, one cannot beat Bairrada Churrasqueira. Cafetería is a trendy new Mexican spot from the Playa Cabana crew. And there is much more. If you like to eat, this is a food-first neighbourhood. 

Shops
Freedom Clothing Collective is a local boutique focusing on Canadian fashion and art. Muddy George is a cool men’s clothing shop. There’s also Dufferin Mall, with plenty of well-known franchises.

Walkability
Being a core area, Dufferin Grove is an extremely walkable neighbourhood. Nearby Dufferin Mall is home to many essentials in addition to the numerous shops and services that line the local streets.

Commute
The Bloor subway line is moments away, streetcars chug along College, and there are bike lanes and plenty of cyclists in all directions. Getting out of town is as simple as coasting down Dufferin and jumping on the Gardiner Expressway.

Schools
There are a number of local schools within walking distance, including Dewson Street Junior Public School for the young ones. The local high school, Bloor Street Collegiate, has closed, but the local population has started a petition in the hopes of creating a community hub of some sort in the coming redevelopment of that site.

Recreation
The 14-acre Dufferin Grove Park is the hub of the community and provides plenty of recreation and entertainment opportunities. There are movie nights under the stars and a giant pizza oven for cookout nights. The park is also home to one of the best farmers’ markets, a giant sandpit and the wildly popular outdoor skating rink — the souped-up warming hut includes delish grub and hot chocolate. There is also a basketball court, and a local theatre also uses the park for performances throughout the year. The locals call it their “big backyard.”