If you find yourself strolling past the bright lights and towering facades of Yonge/Dundas, we recommend strolling a bit further. Past the bustling street corners, the crowds will start to thin out as you head east. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, you might even think you’ve gone too far – that you’ve hit a wall of sleepy residential space.

Then bam, you emerge in the heart of Cabbagetown, like Dorothy awaking in Oz. The first thing you’ll encounter is the Parliament strip: a charming, eclectic enclave of buzzy businesses and friendly community members. And if that doesn’t stop you in your tracks, you’ll head east to discover side streets flush with heritage homes and one of Toronto’s premier parks.

It’s all part of the Cabbagetown experience, a neighbourhood perched just on the outskirts of the action with its own swagger and self-contained universe. It’s neighbourhoods like Cabbagetown that make Toronto what it is: a city of charming neighbourhoods collected into a ragtag bundle that’s more than the sum of its parts.

In this article, we’re shining a well-deserved spotlight on Cabbagetown. Below, learn the history of Cabbagetown and the features of this one-of-a-kind neighbourhood. Then, discover how Harvey Kalles’ expert Toronto real estate services can help you land a home here.

Cabbagetown at a Glance: Location, Layout, History, and Accessibility

Per its traditionally defined borders, Cabbagetown cuts a hammer shape across the downtown east side (it actually looks more like a blow dryer, but we aren’t splitting hairs, ahem). At its widest point, the northern end abuts Sherbourne to the west and the Don River to the east. At the slim southern section, Cabbagetown is nestled between Sherbourne and Parliament.

Contained within these borders is a study in contrasts: lively business areas and quiet residential streets, hip new establishments and centuries-old rowhouses. The neighbourhood is centred on Parliament Street, which runs the length of its west side. But most residents live in the eastern portion, a network of pristinely preserved Victorian homes.

The neighbourhood gets its unusual name from the Irish immigrants who first settled there in the mid-1800s. These immigrants grew cabbage in their front yards, a practice the community lovingly replicates in public sidewalk planters.

While the commuting in Toronto is reliably good, Cabbagetown’s accessibility is especially good. Parliament and Gerrard are serviced by a frequent 506 streetcar and several buses. Plus, both Castle Frank and College stations are a short walk away.

The Core of the Cabbage: Parliament Street’s Rennaissance

There’s no sense in hiding it: at one time, Parliament Street looked a bit rough. But over the years, an influx of community attention, dedicated business owners and Cabbagetown appreciation have morphed the strip into something magical.

Mainstays like House on Parliament form the beating heart of the dining scene, while scrappy newcomers like Super Bargain add some hipness to the nightlife. Cafes, brunch spots, beer halls, grocery stores, hardware stores, fashion outlets, bike shops, banks, gyms, butchers and antique dealers round out the portrait of a thriving community. The streets are clean, the people are cheery, and the Cabbagetown shopping is top-notch – all you can ask for in a Toronto neighbourhood.

Cabbagetown’s sheer density of amenities makes it the perfect location for young professionals. You don’t need to walk far to find what you need on Parliament.

Heritage Homes Aplenty: Exploring the Eastern End of Cabbagetown

Thanks to the ongoing efforts of the Cabbagetown Preservation Society, the neighbourhood is officially recognized as “the largest continuous area of preserved Victorian housing in all of North America.” It’s also a Heritage Conservation District.

That fact is immediately apparent as you wander through streets like Sackville, Millington and Amelia. The architecture seems lifted from a Dickens novel, interspersed here and there with newer multi-family residences. Squint, and it can feel like you’re living in a new city.

It’s a brilliant counterpoint to the urban buzz of the Parliament strip. Picture yourself picking up groceries and small-batch espresso beans on the main drag before heading through stately brick-lined streets to your charming townhouse. That’s the Cabbagetown dream.

Open Features: Riverdale Park West and St. James Cemetery

Lastly, on our tour of Cabbagetown, we reach the green fringes of the neighbourhood. In true, enviable Cabbagetown fashion, these are lovely areas to spend time.

At the eastern end, butting up against the Don River, you have Riverdale Park West. The park is pristinely maintained, with ample opportunities for activities. But the main draw here is the farm – yes, a farm smack-dab in the middle of downtown Toronto. Riverdale Farm features gardens, livestock viewing, picnic areas and all-ages programs, making it an indispensable weekend refuge if you’re moving here with little ones.

Further north, you’ll find St. James Cemetery, “Toronto’s oldest operating cemetery.” As both a functioning place of rest and a national historic site, the cemetery sees all kinds of visitors. Provided that you remain respectful and mindful, St. James is a beautiful place for an afternoon walk – its Gothic Revival church, towering spire, and tree-lined paths are an evocative experience.

Claiming Your Piece of Cabbagetown with Harvey Kalles Real Estate

Because of its central location, gorgeously preserved Victorian homes and tight-knit community feel, Cabbagetown’s real estate is competitive. But once you break through and find Cabbagetown houses for sale, you won’t want to leave.

If you can see yourself in this charming neighbourhood, come speak with the skilled agents at Harvey Kalles Real Estate. We’d be thrilled to show you Cabbagetown and other similar neighbourhoods in Toronto on your quest for a dream home. We’d be honoured to hunt down Cabbagetown deals and pursue leads. And when it comes time to bid, we’ll be your fearless tactician, helping ensure you beat out the competition.

Even if you aren’t a fan of cabbage, we’re confident you’ll be a fan of Cabbagetown. Tour Parliament Street, the surrounding Victorian streets and charming parks, then speak to our winning agents to make Cabbagetown your new home.