Is the East Side the New West Side?

For years, it wasn't much of a contest. Queen West vs. Queen East? Come on. Bloor West Village vs. The Danforth? Please. Trinity Bellwoods Park vs. Moss Park? Not even close. The West side has consistently come out on top in the battle of the most desirable 'hoods in the City to call home. Come on now, all you East Siders. Admit it - the West Side has had our number for quite some time.

But consider yourselves on notice West Siders, because several developers are betting that the East Side will be taking some huge strides over the next few years.

Anyone who has gone couch shopping recently can attest to the phenomenal level of change that has occurred on the King Street East strip in the last 4 or 5 years, and there are no signs that the pace is slowing down. The original City in the Sky, St. James Town, will soon be surrounded by its own set of condo towers on two sides. Even Leslieville now has a Starbucks, and you know what that means.

There was a comment on my last post that once a neighbourhood is considered 'up and coming', it's already too late to get in on the action. I think it's safe to say that Queen and Sherbourne (aka Crack Corner) has never been voted the neighbourhood 'Most Likely To Succeed' by its peers. Yet, several condo projects are in various stages of development just steps from the notorious corner including the one whose signage is pictured with this post.

While Parkdale needs a plan, Regent Park already has one. You've been warned West Siders. You've been warned.