Palmerston homes for sale include both semi-detached and detached Victorian and Edwardian character homes, many of which are larger and statlier than neighbouring communities like Little Italy and Bickford Park–not surprising given its proximity to The Annex, known for its large-scale historic homes.

The grandeur of the houses for sale in Toronto's Palmerston neighbourhood - even original condition houses - does however come at a price. If you have the budget, this is one of our favourite neighbourhoods for buyers looking for central Toronto homes for sale because it has stately, storybook architecture, the properties tend to be located on quiet streets and most are within a short stroll to all the action along College or Bloor.

One way for buyers to bring down the cost of entry is to snap up a rental property and either convert it back into a single-family home or live in one unit and rent out the other(s) to help pay your mortgage. Investors will be tempted by the plethora of duplexes and triplexes for a buy and hold strategy that is immediately profitable; character-filled Toronto apartments for rent this close to the University of Toronto are always in high-demand.

If you love the neighbourhood but housing prices are out of your reach, or you simply prefer the turnkey nature of condo living, check out the fine array of Toronto condos. The Europa on Palmerston offers an excellent location. The Channel Club lofts, one of the most interesting residential conversions in the area, and the Button Factory lofts offer some of the largest units in the city.

Professionals and affluent families looking for a large, traditional character homes for sale in Toronto close to the core, shopping and entertainment.

Often lumped in with Little Italy, we believe Palmerston deserves a separate designation because there is a difference in housing styles and neighbourhood vibes. Palmerston has a higher number of larger, detached Toronto homes–particularly along its namesake street Palmerston Boulevard–and the area has a more established feel than the hipster zones south of College.

Palmerston Boulevard was named one of the best streets in Toronto to live on by the Toronto Star in 2009 with its iconic street lamps, large stone gates and leafy canopy. Streets in Palmerston tend to be tree-lined and cozy despite being close to all the action and its character features give the neighbourhood both an idyllic charm and stately feel.

Whether it’s the original, character architecture or modern improvement projects such as Palmerston’s street lamps that simply look historic, Palmerston’s distinctive neighbourhood features are all part of a strategic vision.

Improvement plans are carefully evaluated to ensure Palmerston’s unique characteristics are not lost to “progressive” initiatives seen in so many of Toronto’s gentrification schemes that lead to cookie-cutter streets and a blurring of borders between neighbourhoods.

Palmerston has a very active Residents Association (PARA) with a great website to keep you up-to-date on local news and events. PARA works hard to raise awareness of local issues and help preserve the character of Palmerston, often intervening in planning and zoning applications that threaten the stability and historic feel of the neighbourhood.

Palmerston Boulevard is a wonderful place to take an evening stroll under the leafy canopy. Palmerston Boulevard has actually been the subject of many environmental studies over the years as experts try to figure out the best way to grow and preserve Toronto’s tree canopy.

Palmerston is a great example of urban biodiversity, but preservation is key. Our city’s tree canopies are at risk due to high percentages of non-native tree species that don’t attract pollinator insects to the same degree as native trees.