Dufferin Grove is an excellent neighbourhood for buyers looking for Toronto homes for sale that offer more square footage than downtown typically affords. The multi-storey, semi-detached and detached houses tend to be larger here than in neighbouring areas like Little Italy and streets tend to be quiet and tree-lined. Architecturally, you'll find an assortment of Victorian, Edwardian and English Cottage style homes in Dufferin Grove and many boast coveted, historic character features.

Dufferin Grove homes have become increasingly popular with young families and prices are reflecting this. We think this will become one of the hottest west-end 'hoods over the next few years, i.e. there's still a lot of room for price appreciation and so, like most neighbourhoods this close to downtown, you're best to get in soon. You can read more about why we've pegged this as one of Toronto's next big hot spots in our Dufferin Grove neighbourhood guide.

For those just starting their real estate journey or buyers looking for turn-key living or investment properties, there are also a few condo and loft options here such as the Church Lofts and the 707 Lofts on Dovercourt, the IT Lofts on College and new, luxury townhomes at 48 Havelock. Again, we could see more mixed-use developments spring up over the next decade as this area is one to watch, together with its neighbour to the north of Bloor Dovercourt Park.

Buyers looking for large houses for sale in Toronto, that offer greater value than most areas this close to downtown, in a diverse, family neighbourhood.

Located on the western edge of central Toronto, Dufferin Grove is a family-friendly neighbourhood, its star attraction being Dufferin Grove Park which residents affectionately call their “Big Backyard”.

Take a drive around the area and it'll be easy to see why young families are flocking to Dufferin Grove homes for sale - the area's got a great family vibe, there's a huge park, schools and plenty of TTC options nearby and most of the homes are actually large enough for a family (by anyone's standards and not just die-hard urbanites who have learned to live in less space). It's also walking distance to the nightlife of both Little Italy along College and Duwest along Ossignton and Dundas West.

This is an investor's and renovator's playground with plenty of original condition four and even five bedroom detached homes along with extra-wide semi's for comparatively reasonable prices ("affordable" is subjective) considering this area is walking distance to prime neighbourhoods like Little Italy. But while there have been some great deals to be found here in recent years, that's quickly changing as the market for any family-sized property close to downtown continues to edge out many buyers.

However, if you have the budget for a Toronto house but don't want to spend above average, check out Dufferin Grove, particularly if you have or are planning on having kids in the coming years. Even better if you're willing to put in some sweat equity as the right home purchase here could see a serious return come re-sale down the road.

Dufferin Grove Park is at the top of our neighbourhood features list not just because of the space itself and the programming that goes on there but because of what it illustrates – a wonderfully committed, lively and compassionate community.

The Park is owned and operated by the City of Toronto and although there’s no official Friends committee, local residents have really adopted the area as their own. The community contributes to everything from family activities to arts and cultural programming.

Events at the Park are diverse and numerous, including farmers’ markets, theatrical performances, evening campfires and Friday night neighbourhood suppers. There’s even free park-wide WiFi and two outdoor wood ovens for communal use. Residents have embraced this green space as their own and if you buy in this neighbourhood, these park events are a great way to get to know your neighbours.

The size of homes for sale in Toronto Dufferin Grove dwarf your average, downtown Toronto home. That makes this neighbourhood a great choice for families who need the extra bedrooms or for professionals who work at home and require additional space for a home office or studio.

The price of large renovated homes reflects the demand for such space, however the relative affordability per square footage, when compared to other downtown family neighbourhoods, is one of the reasons why we highly recommend Dufferin Grove to prospective buyers who fit this profile.

Dufferin Grove has undergone a major transformation over the last decade making it a great choice to live in now but it’s still on the rise which also makes it an excellent investment opportunity.

Plans are being floated for developing the area just west of here in the Junction Triangle into a new Distillery District or Liberty Village. This would likely see Dufferin Grove property values soar because it’ll be in close proximity to all the new amenities and nightlife but tucked away enough to maintain its small community feel.