Homes for Sale in Kensington Market, Toronto, ON

(Almost) anything goes in Kensington Market. Artisanal food shops and organic markets, army surplus stores and haberdasheries, speakeasies and mezcal bars – these businesses have little in common, which is what makes Kensington Market so weirdly wonderful.

The energy of the market changes dramatically once Saturday rolls around. During the week, Kensington Market is filled with sociable locals who seem to go way back, students lying in Bellevue Square Park in between classes, and home chefs checking items off of eclectic grocery lists. From Monday to Friday, there seems to be a method to the madness in Kensington Market.

On weekends, however, tourists from suburbia and beyond invade the market in an attempt to experience the hustle for themselves. Street performers entertain these guests, with everyone from impromptu jazz musicians to traveling street poets showcasing their talent. But for residents who live in Kensington Market condos, this is all just par for the course.

The animation of Kensington Market gets kicked up yet another notch on Pedestrian Sundays; the last Sunday of each month from May through October celebrates local businesses and the neighbourhood itself. The streets are closed to cars on these select days, resulting in a cultured block party of sorts.

Deemed a National Historic Site of Canada in 2006, multiple waves of Canadian newcomers have called these Victorian-style row houses home in the past. First built in the 1880’s for Irish and Scottish immigrants, Italians and Eastern European Jewish settlers were the next groups to move in during the early 1900’s.

After that, refugees from the Azores, East Asia, and the Caribbean found solace in Kensington Market in the 1950’s, along with Americans attempting to escape the murky political climate during the Vietnam War. The late 20th century invited immigrants from countless other distraught homelands, while today many Chinese residents live in the area as well, with Chinatown lying to the east of the market.

These bursts of global movement in the direction of Kensington Market help define the neighbourhood as it is today: an eccentric, multicultural, and most importantly, inclusive space. In fact, over 50% of the neighbourhood’s population is currently made up of first generation Canadians.

Today, Victorian-era homes and a fusion of distinctive independent businesses take up residence in the market, with only a select few properties offering Toronto condos for sale. Most of the commercial spaces are positioned along Augusta Avenue, Baldwin Street, and Kensington Avenue, with housing covering the remainder of the market’s streets. The neighbourhood is also home to Toronto Western Hospital, Bellevue Square Park, and the Kensington Community School (kindergarten through grade 6).

First thwarted by mayor David Crombie in the 1960’s, efforts to develop Kensington Market are typically met with animosity. Due to this ongoing push to preserve the heritage of Kensington Market and its profusion of historic structures, those looking to tear down and renovate are better suited elsewhere. Perhaps this is why there are only a few buildings for Kensington Market condos, including one carefully crafted residential loft space; 145 units comprise the Kensington Market Lofts, hidden within a former school built in the 1930’s.

For those seeking the most modern residence in the neighbourhood — The College Condo at Spadina was built in 2016, and has over 200 units, meaning plenty of space for anyone interested in Kensington Market condos; unfortunately, the contemporary style of the property might have been better suited to a different neighbourhood.

While the 2006 census conveyed that 64% of Kensington Market inhabitants are renters, rather than homeowners, this still leaves some space for those looking to make purchase Kensington Market condos for sale. Buyers looking for character and charm will be more than pleased with the well-preserved, historical homes up for grabs. For example, one home put on the market in early 2016 drew buyers to 19th century details such as original oak floors and staircases.

Kensington Market is surrounded by four major arterial roads, all of which make traveling to and from the area a cinch. College and Dundas are ideal for driving, and both also happen to be equipped with streetcar routes that carry passengers east and west. Spadina and Bathurst are similar in that cars and streetcars share the road, however these routes carry travelers north and south.

St. Patrick and Queen’s Park Stations, both on the University-Spadina subway line, can be reached in less than 20 minutes on foot from Kensington Market, although those who are in a rush can always catch a ride on the Dundas or College streetcars.

The Locals: A multicultural and laid back bunch, including business owners, entrepreneurs, artists, and students.

Code of Conduct: Authenticity is key. Neighbours are actually friendly, food is truly fresh, and pretentiousness is best left at home.

What You’ll Find: Stability — although gentrification is on the rise elsewhere, various policies are in place to protect the unique flavour of this coveted neighbourhood.

What You Won’t Find: Big-box stores. Plans for a Walmart were proposed and promptly squashed by market inhabitants back in 2013.

The Homes: Victorian-era row houses with charm are aplenty, while modern high-rises are nowhere to be found, and Kensington Market condos are almost all boutique residences.

Sealing the Deal: The rare blend of character, colour, and a compassionate community.