About Cabbagetown
In 1983 the Globe and Mail once wrote, “Cabbagetown is probably the epitome of successful labelling. The core of the area—generally defined as being bounded by Parliament, Wellesley and Dundas Streets and the Don Valley, was once Toronto’s skid row. Today, years later after the area was invaded by young professionals, speculators and real estate agents, there are still a few derelicts around… The houses, meanwhile, sell for in the million(s).” Oh, how the times have changed. From ‘skid-row’, cabbage gardens, and shared housing, to one of Toronto’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. Cabbagetown is an area of Toronto that has seen it all – and offers it all.
Thanks to its early Irish settlers, Cabbagetown homes are beautifully-constructed, Victorian-style, brick row houses and stately historical-status homes. Visitors to a Cabbagetown home are left charmed by fine wood-carved bannisters, colourful stained-glass windows, painted wood front porches, and beautiful high ceilings.
This is an area of Toronto that takes pride in its rich history and abundant diversity. In fact, in warmer months droves of visitors take part in Cabbagetown Walking tours – that showcase the various architectural marvels of the area and educate about famous Cabbagetown-dwellers throughout history.
Cabbagetown is the neighbourhood for you if you love the feeling of living in a village, without losing the amenities of being centrally located in Toronto’s downtown core. It even offers a slice of country-living at Riverdale Farm – accessorized with real-life piglets, horses, chickens, roosters, and cows. Here, you will find children and parents trying to ‘talk’ to animals, chomping on freshly baked oatmeal cookies and sipping on warm coffee from the local Riverdale Farm gift shop.
On sleepy Sundays, content “Cabbagetowners” stroll their way through the farm towards the local park, to play catch at the local baseball diamond, take the dog off the leash for a run (dog party!!!) or join in on a fitness boot camp. A quick march over the bridge of Riverdale park and you’re warmly greeted (yet again) by fancy espresso bars, tree-covered residential streets, and the extremely noteworthy skyline views atop Riverdale park’s running-track-rooted hillside.
It’s important to note that Cabbagetown might not be the right place for you if you’re not comfortable with a little rock-and-roll, or a little ‘edge’. Although this is a neighbourhood that plays host to some of Toronto’s most influential, highest income-earners, and multimillion-dollar homes – it is still residence to a half-way house and an assorted collection of interesting characters. But then again, this is also a part of its charm! I guess you will have to judge for yourself…
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