Leslieville keeps getting the label of being an “up and coming” neighborhood. Although for many this feels wrong as to them the label of being “here” would be more accurate. Leslieville has been around since the 1850’s where it started out as a small village. From there it began to grow and grow as it became a place filled with light industry housing its factories and workers alike. Leslieville was on the rise with seemingly nothing to stand in its way. That was of course until the year 2000 when the A.R. Clarke Tannery suffered an industrial accident sending it up in flames. The fire burned for days contaminating the surrounding area with toxic fumes and ash rendering the neighborhood unlivable for some time.
Quick to respond Toronto began a rapid gentrification of the area taking a better part of a decade between 2000-2010. It was during this time that the label of “up and coming” became attached to the Leslieville area. Now the area has become a bit of a self sufficient neighborhood with a majority of the business owners living just around the corner from their shops.
Even though the Leslieville area is up and running it is starting to become Toronto’s best kept secret. With tourists not being very aware of its existence it has become a destination for locals to have a nice quiet brunch or even spend a relaxing afternoon at a cafe. Scattered along the streets area a vast array of very diverse restaurants and stores making it a perfect place to spend the day walking around and just soaking the place in.
So if you are thinking of making Leslieville your home be sure to contact an experienced Toronto Real Estate agent to make sure you get the best deal on the place most suited for you.