Leslieville Real Estate

Entertainment, Restaurants, Cafes

Ashbridge Estate has a rich history in the neighbourhood. The Ashbridge family were English Quakers who left Pennsylvania after the American Revolutionary War and settled in the area in 1796. Log cabins and frame homes were first built on the site, with a large family home built in 1854, which has been preserved and still stands on the site. The family donated the estate to the Ontario Heritage Trust in 1972, and today it is home to the Ontario Archaeological Society, the Ontario Society of Artists, Fusion: The Ontario Clay and Glass Association, and Camp Quality. Visitors can wander the grounds and explore the nearby bay and park, both named after the family. Those looking for some retail therapy can head to Gerrard Square, an indoor shopping centre housing over 55 shops and service providers, such as clothing, accessories, gifts, home décor, electronics, an optician, a medical centre, and banks. There are also a number of dining options in the mall.

Leslieville has a dizzying number of restaurants and cafés to choose from. Pinkerton Snack Bar on Gerrard Street E is a rustic, cozy spot that offers tasty tidbits and a wide variety of beverages. The venue is a popular place to grab drinks with friends and enjoy the fun atmosphere. Chino Locos on Greenwood Avenue is a wacky counter-serve restaurant with Mexican-Asian fusion dishes. The food is just as colourful as the décor inside, and the cooks/servers are often wearing luchador masks to add to the experience. Maha’s on Greenwood Avenue is an Egyptian restaurant focused on brunch offerings, including eggs, sandwiches, falafel, soups, and beverages. The sunny venue is great for gathering with family and enjoying a relaxing meal together. Hearty portions of traditional Italian food are served up at Baldini Restaurant on Queen Street E. The elegantly decorated space has a romantic vibe, perfect for a special date night.

Pollution / Noise

With its close proximity to downtown Toronto, Leslieville can be affected by local traffic and industry air pollution sources. Noise issues are common near major roadways and busy commercial sections.

Crime Rate

Leslieville’s crime rate is similar to other areas of Toronto, and lower than the downtown crime rate. The most common type of crime in the area is breaking and entering (commercial and residential).

Family Life

Leslieville is home to many parks, including Jonathan Ashbridge Park, which features a playground, a wading pool, and two tennis courts, and which hosts the Leslieville Farmers Market; Greenwood Park, with an off-leash dog area, a splash pad, two ball diamonds, a community garden, a picnic site with firepit, a playground, a pool, and a multipurpose sports field, as well as an artificial ice rink used for ice hockey in the winter and ball hockey in the summer; John Chang Neighbourhood Park, with a playground, greenspace, treed areas, walking paths, and benches; the Matty Eckler Playground, featuring a playground, a basketball court, a ball diamond, two outdoor chess tables, and a wading pool; and Hideaway Park, which has a ball hockey pad, an off-leash dog area, a playground, and a wading pool.

The Matty Eckler Recreation Centre has a computer/training room, a dance studio, a fitness/weight room, two games rooms, a gymnasium, an indoor pool, three multipurpose rooms, kitchen facilities, and a lounge area. Drop-in programs offered at the centre include basketball, table tennis, badminton, ball hockey, soccer, and volleyball, and there are public swim times scheduled. The centre also offers registered programs for arts and crafts, dance, music, fitness, computers, hockey, basketball, gymnastics, martial arts, soccer, and swimming. Other recreation centres in the neighbourhood include the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, the S. H. Armstrong Community Centre, and Applegrove Community Centre. Community programming can also be found at the Gerrard/Ashdale Library.