Welcome To
61 First Ave
From First Ave to Forever
Send This Listing To A FriendThere’s a difference between buying a house and buying into a neighbourhood for the long term. 61 First Ave is the latter.
Set on a tree-lined street in the heart of South Riverdale, this 1904 Edwardian row house offers something increasingly difficult to find in this pocket: four true bedrooms, parking, outdoor space, and approximately 1,700 square feet across three storeys — all in a location where families tend to stay put.
This is not a surface-level flip that erases what made the house special in the first place. It’s something more strategic. A well-cared-for home, lovingly held by one family for decades and freshly painted throughout, with the space and structure already in place, and the freedom to evolve it over time.
The layout is where this home shines. On the second floor, three good-sized bedrooms sit together, along with a full 4-piece bath. It’s the configuration young families look for but rarely find in houses of this era: kids on one level, no compromises. Above, the third floor offers a large fourth bedroom with skylights, a 3-piece ensuite, and walk-out access to the roof, a natural candidate for a future roof deck. Whether you envision a private primary retreat, a teenager’s domain, or a quiet family room/home office, the separation across levels creates flexibility that adapts as life changes.
Light moves easily through the house, particularly at the back. The kitchen is generous in scale, with ample counter space and storage, open to the dining room through a pass-through that keeps conversations flowing. The rear sunroom extension (lined with south-facing windows and two skylights) functions as an everyday family hub. Breakfast area, homework zone, small family room — it’s a casual, comfortable space that opens through sliding glass doors to the south-facing deck and English-style garden.
The kitchen and bathrooms reflect an earlier design era, but they’ve been carefully maintained and function exactly as they should. You can move in and live comfortably from day one, then renovate thoughtfully on your own timeline. For buyers who think in decades rather than quick turnover, this is real leverage: invest where and when it makes sense, without having overpaid for finishes you would have chosen differently anyway.
That southern exposure matters. It fills the rear of the home with natural light and makes the outdoor space genuinely usable. There’s also rear laneway access with parking for one car — a practical advantage in a neighbourhood where street parking can be tight.
There’s additional upside in the basement, which already has a walkout (with a smaller door) and could be finished to create added family space or future suite potential. In the meantime, it’s the kind of space where kids can practise their slapshots without you worrying about scuffed drywall upstairs while you take your time planning what the next iteration looks like. And the third-floor roof access presents a longer-term opportunity for a south-facing deck. The bones are here. The next chapter is yours to write.
Beyond the front door, the setting reinforces the decision. Riverdale Park is close enough for weekend tobogganing and evening runs on the track. Riverdale Farm is an easy outing for kids, complete with its wading pool. Popular cafés and restaurants (hello Lady Marmalade!) are all within walking distance, along Queen Street East and in Little Vietnam. Three streetcar routes run within a block, and being just across the Don Valley and Riverdale Park adds a subtle sense of calm while keeping downtown, the Danforth, and the Beach easily accessible. This is Riverdale living with both connection and breathing room.
61 First Ave is for the buyer who wants a real house in a real neighbourhood for the long-term. If you’ve been waiting for the right opportunity to plant roots without sacrificing location, this may be it.
5 Things We Love
- A True 1904 Edwardian With Four Bedrooms. This is the kind of Riverdale house people wait for. Built in 1904, it retains the character detailing that gives these homes their presence, particularly in the front windows. The layout delivers real substance, with four bedrooms across three storeys, including a third-floor suite with its own 3-piece bath. It feels established, solid, and comfortably scaled.
- A Kitchen With Space to Spread Out. The kitchen offers generous counter space and ample storage, and it connects directly to the dining room through a pass-through that keeps everything flowing. There is room to cook properly, to set up for a crowd, or to have multiple people moving through the space without bumping into each other. It is practical in the best sense of the word.
- The Skylit Breakfast Room at the Back. The rear extension is where daily life naturally gathers. South-facing windows and two skylights draw light deep into the home, and sliding glass doors lead straight to the deck. It works as an eat-in kitchen, a casual family room, or a homework hub just off the main living space. It is bright, flexible, and easy.
- A South-Facing Deck Under a Mature Maple. In the summer, the large maple tree provides welcome shade, making the deck a comfortable place to spend the afternoon. There is space to dine and relax, with the garden just beyond. Laneway parking at the rear adds everyday convenience.
- A Neighbourhood That Holds Onto Its People. Riverdale Park is close enough for regular toboggan runs and evenings on the track. Riverdale Farm is an easy outing for kids. Queen Street East and Little Vietnam are within walking distance, and three nearby streetcar routes run. It is a family-friendly stretch of Riverdale where neighbours know each other, and people tend to stay.
Floor Plans
3-D Walk-through
About Leslieville and South Riverdale
There are neighbourhoods that are easy to love at first sight, and then there’s Leslieville and South Riverdale—where love turns into loyalty. This pocket of Toronto’s east end has evolved into one of the city’s most magnetic communities, blending character, creativity, and convenience in a way that feels effortless.
What makes it different? It’s the balance. Tree-lined streets and converted lofts sit comfortably alongside design-forward condos like The Carlaw. There’s a relaxed, almost village-like vibe, but you’re never more than a few steps from something new to taste, see, or explore. People actually know their baristas here, and it’s not unusual for a brunch spot to have a lineup of locals before the doors even open.
Food is part of the DNA. From Piano Piano right at street level to nearby institutions like Maple Leaf Tavern, plus the endless choices along Queen Street East, you’ll never wonder where to eat—only how to decide. Cocktail bars, breweries, and coffee shops double as community hangouts, making nights out as simple as a stroll down the block.
And then there’s the lifestyle side: running groups cutting through tree-lined streets, cyclists coasting toward the lake, and farmers’ market bags filled with produce from local growers. Boutique fitness studios, galleries, and indie shops dot the neighbourhood, giving the area its design-savvy, creative pulse. Families, professionals, and long-time residents all overlap here, and the result is a neighbourhood that feels both lived-in and forward-thinking.
Proximity is another draw. Living here means quick access to downtown without the daily grind of downtown living. Transit, bike lanes, and major routes make commuting easy, but most days you’ll find what you need within walking distance. Parks, off-leash dog areas, splash pads, and patios keep weekends full without needing a plan.
In short: Leslieville and South Riverdale are places where daily life feels intentional. It’s not just about being close to the action—it’s about having a neighbourhood that makes the everyday better.
