By Irina Marchenkova, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Realtron Realty · Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®) · Last updated September 2026
Leslieville is one of Toronto’s most popular east-end neighbourhoods, stretching along Queen Street East from Riverside near the Don River to around Coxwell Avenue. It’s known for its cafés, brunch spots and independent shops, its Victorian and Edwardian row houses, converted lofts and a growing number of boutique condos, all a short streetcar ride from downtown.
This guide covers Leslieville and Riverside’s streets, homes and prices, transit, schools, lifestyle and the honest pros and cons.
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Leslieville at a glance
- Where: East Toronto, along Queen Street East between the Don River and Coxwell Avenue
- Homes: Victorian and Edwardian row houses and semis, lofts, townhouses and boutique condos
- Transit: 501 Queen and 504 King streetcars; the Ontario Line is under construction
- Best for: Young professionals, young families and anyone who wants a walkable neighbourhood near downtown
- Big draws: Queen Street East restaurants and shops, parks and quick access to the lake and downtown
Why people choose Leslieville
A true walking neighbourhood. Coffee, groceries, restaurants and parks are steps from most homes.
Character homes. Tree-lined side streets are full of Victorian and Edwardian row houses and semis.
Close to downtown. Streetcars reach the core in minutes, and the Ontario Line will add rapid transit.
Family-friendly. Parks, schools and community events make Leslieville popular with young families.
Leslieville buyers often compete for the same well-priced semis. I help clients prepare early, from pre-approval to a home inspection plan, so they can move confidently when the right house appears.
— Irina Marchenkova
Leslieville and Riverside streets
The area has a few distinct pockets:
Riverside
The western end near the Don River, with the historic Broadview Hotel, restaurants and new mid-rise condos.
Central Leslieville
The heart of Queen Street East around Leslie and Carlaw, with cafés, shops and side streets of row houses.
East Leslieville
Toward Greenwood and Coxwell, with slightly more affordable semis and a quieter feel.
South of Eastern Avenue
Lofts, townhouses and newer buildings, close to the Leslie Street Spit and the lake.
Homes and prices in Leslieville
Leslieville’s housing includes:
- Victorian and Edwardian row houses and semis, many renovated
- Detached homes on some side streets
- Lofts in converted industrial buildings
- Boutique condos and townhouses along Queen Street East and Eastern Avenue
Leslieville benchmark prices (August 2026)
Leslieville is part of TRREB district E01, which also includes Riverdale and the Danforth:
| Area | All homes | Detached | Semi/attached | Townhouse | Condo apt. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| E01 (Leslieville, Riverside, Riverdale, Danforth) | $1,059,600 | $1,434,400 | $1,228,200 | $762,100 | $589,300 |
| City of Toronto | $918,400 | $1,437,900 | $1,127,200 | $717,200 | $547,400 |
Benchmark prices describe a “typical” home and can differ from any individual sale. E01 was one of the most stable districts in Toronto, with its composite benchmark down only 1.87% year over year in August 2026. Semi-detached and row houses, the most common home type here, were benchmarked at $1,228,200. Ask me for recent sold prices on any street.
Thinking of selling? Get a free home evaluation and I’ll show you what comparable homes near you have actually sold for.
Market snapshot
Here’s how many homes sold and at what prices in August 2026, for all home types combined:
| Area | Homes sold | Average price | Median price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto East (incl. East York & Riverdale) | 425 | $857,162 | $825,000 |
| City of Toronto | 1,767 | $979,684 | $770,000 |
| All TRREB (GTA) | 5,057 | $993,410 | $850,000 |
Across the whole GTA in August 2026, homes sold for about 97% of their final list price on average and spent an average of 35 days on the market. GTA sales were down 2.1% from a year earlier and the average price was down 2.7%. For the latest numbers on a specific street, ask me for a free market report, or read my August 2026 market update.
What it costs to buy in Leslieville
Land transfer tax
Leslieville is in the City of Toronto, so buyers pay two land transfer taxes: Ontario’s and Toronto’s municipal land transfer tax. Here’s what that looks like at typical prices:
| Example purchase | Ontario LTT | Toronto LTT | Total | First-time buyer pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semi or row house at $1,230,000 | $21,075 | $21,075 | $42,150 | $33,675 |
| Condo apartment at $590,000 | $8,275 | $8,275 | $16,550 | $8,075 |
First-time buyers can get a refund of up to $4,000 on the Ontario land transfer tax and a rebate of up to $4,475 on the Toronto tax (together up to $8,475). You (and your spouse) must never have owned a home anywhere in the world. Land transfer tax is paid on closing, on top of your down payment.
Property taxes
Toronto’s residential property tax rate is 0.767311% (2026 final rate, City of Toronto), or about $767 a year for every $100,000 of assessed value. In Ontario, property tax is based on your home’s MPAC assessed value, which is still based on January 1, 2016 values and is usually well below today’s market price.
| MPAC assessed value | Approximate yearly property tax |
|---|---|
| $400,000 | $3,069 |
| $600,000 | $4,604 |
| $800,000 | $6,138 |
| $1,000,000 | $7,673 |
Getting around
- Streetcars: The 501 Queen and 504 King routes connect Leslieville to downtown.
- Ontario Line (under construction): A new subway line with a Riverside–Leslieville station near Queen and Carlaw, and a major transit hub at East Harbour.
- Subway: Line 2 Bloor-Danforth is a short bus or bike ride north.
- Driving: The Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway are close by.
Schools and family life
Leslieville is served by the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board, with French-language options through Viamonde and MonAvenir. Check the TDSB school locator for any address.
Michael Garron Hospital in East York and Bridgepoint Active Healthcare in Riverdale are nearby.
Child care
At licensed centres enrolled in the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program, fees for children under 6 are capped at $22 a day in 2026, and families with lower incomes can apply for a fee subsidy. (The $10-a-day average has not yet been reached in Ontario.)
In Toronto, the City’s online child care system lets you search licensed centres, see their quality ratings and join waitlists, and you can apply for a fee subsidy through Toronto Children’s Services.
My tip: get on waitlists as early as possible, ideally several months before you move or before parental leave ends.
- Ontario: Find and pay for child care: search licensed centres province-wide
- City of Toronto: Licensed Child Care: search centres, see quality ratings, join waitlists and apply for a fee subsidy
Parks, shopping and things to do
- Queen Street East: cafés, brunch spots, bakeries, vintage shops and restaurants
- Jimmie Simpson Park and Greenwood Park: sports fields, pools and playgrounds
- Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit): trails, cycling and birdwatching on the lake
- Ashbridge’s Bay and the Beaches a short ride east
- Leslieville Farmers’ Market: a seasonal weekend market
Pros and cons of living in Leslieville
Pros
- Walkable main street with great food
- Character row houses and semis
- Close to downtown and the lake
- Future Ontario Line station
- Strong, stable demand
Cons
- Competition for well-priced semis
- Older homes often need updates
- Street parking can be tight
- Ontario Line construction nearby
- Two land transfer taxes
Before you buy in Leslieville: local checklist
Here’s what I check with buyers in Leslieville:
- Ontario Line construction: check how nearby work may affect a specific street, especially near Queen and Carlaw and the rail corridor.
- Lofts and conversions: confirm what’s included, from parking to lockers, and review building reserves.
- Toronto Vacant Home Tax: every Toronto homeowner must file a yearly occupancy declaration; homes left vacant more than six months can be taxed at 3% of assessed value.
- Trees and ravines: removing or injuring trees of 30 cm diameter or more needs a City permit, and properties near ravines fall under Toronto’s Ravine and Natural Feature Protection by-law and may be regulated by the TRCA.
- Heritage: check whether the home is on Toronto’s Heritage Register or in a Heritage Conservation District, which can limit exterior changes.
- Older homes: homes built before the mid-1950s may still have a lead water service pipe, knob-and-tube wiring or galvanized plumbing, so a thorough home inspection is essential.
- More units allowed: Toronto now permits up to four units (multiplexes) plus garden and laneway suites on most residential lots.
- Condos: always review the status certificate, reserve fund study and any upcoming special assessments before you firm up an offer.
- Non-Canadian buyers: check the federal foreign-buyer rules and Ontario’s 25% Non-Resident Speculation Tax and Toronto’s 10% Municipal Non-Resident Speculation Tax before making an offer.
Buying or selling in Leslieville with Irina
I’m a RE/MAX Realtron Realty Sales Representative and Senior Real Estate Specialist (SRES®). Whether you’re buying your first semi, upsizing to a family home or selling a renovated row house, I’ll give you honest, local advice about Leslieville, in English or Russian.
- Buying with Irina: how I help buyers find the right home and negotiate well
- Selling with Irina: pricing, preparation and marketing that gets results
- Free home evaluation: find out what your home is worth today
Call or text 416-846-8064 or email irina@loveurlife.ca, or send me a message below.
Leslieville real estate FAQ
How much does a house cost in Leslieville?
Leslieville is part of TRREB district E01. In August 2026, the benchmark price for a typical semi-detached or row house there was $1,228,200, and a typical detached home was $1,434,400.
Is Leslieville a good place to live?
For people who want a walkable neighbourhood with great restaurants and character homes close to downtown, it’s one of Toronto’s most popular choices.
Will Leslieville get a subway?
Yes. The Ontario Line, now under construction, will include a Riverside–Leslieville station near Queen and Carlaw.
What is the difference between Leslieville and Riverside?
Riverside is the western end of the area near the Don River and Broadview Avenue; Leslieville covers the stretch of Queen Street East further east toward Coxwell.
Do you pay two land transfer taxes in Leslieville?
Yes. Leslieville is in the City of Toronto, so buyers pay both the Ontario and Toronto land transfer taxes, with rebates for eligible first-time buyers.
Useful links
Official sources and local resources I recommend (links open in a new tab):
- City of Toronto
- Toronto property tax rates: 2026 rates
- Toronto municipal land transfer tax
- Toronto first-time buyer land transfer tax rebate
- Ontario first-time buyer land transfer tax refund
- Toronto Vacant Home Tax
- MPAC: look up a property’s assessed value
- TDSB school locator
- Toronto Catholic District School Board
- Fraser Institute school rankings
- TTC: subway, streetcar and bus routes
- Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
- TRREB Market Watch
- Metrolinx: Ontario Line: project updates for new east-end stations
Explore nearby areas
- Riverdale and the Danforth: just north
- The Beaches: just east
- East York: further north
- Downtown Toronto: a short streetcar ride west
- All area guides: every neighbourhood guide in one place
- Interactive map: see every area on one clickable map