Living in Cabbagetown
Cabbagetown’s evolution into a culturally dense neighbourhood has transformed the region into one of Toronto’s most desirable locations to live. With a unique mix of residents, from artists to lawyers, the neighbourhood attracts many based on its eccentric environment. Cabbagetown has continuously been praised for its strong sense of community among residents which likely can be attributed to the diverse population living within the region. Laced among the neighbourhood, discover countless trendy cafes, restaurants, and bars. Catering to the culturally diverse residents, enjoy a variety of cuisines, and atmospheres. Located in prime location to the core of downtown Toronto, residents benefit from seamless transportation in and out of the city, negating the need for a personal vehicle.
Carlton St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Cabbagetown (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Winchester St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Winchester Junior and Senior Public School (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
History of Cabbagetown
In the 1840s the region of Cabbagetown saw an influx of migration from Irish immigrants who fled Ireland escaping the potato famine crisis. In order to eat, these new residents used the front yards of their homes as gardens and grew cabbages to feed themselves and their families. The region was soon after coined Cabbagetown as a result of this phenomenon.
In the 1930s, Cabbagetown was severally affected by the Great Depression and much of the working-class community shifted into poverty. The region soon became one of Toronto’s most poverty-stricken areas and as a result, Toronto Community Housing developed Regent Park Public Housing to combat the overabundance of homelessness.
In the 1970s and 1980s, the neighbourhood of Cabbagetown began to revitalize when a new wave of homeowners bought, restored and moved into many of the large Victorian homes. With this shift of dynamic in the neighbourhood, a strong sense of community among residents quickly formulated which the neighbourhood has continued to uphold ever since. Cabbagetown is now considered one of the city’s most gentrified neighbourhoods with a plethora of affluent residents and businesses.
Homes in Cabbagetown
The majority of properties in Cabbagetown were built between 1860 and 1895 mainly consisting of Victorian-style architecture. Cabbagetown was described by New York Times as having the largest collection of Victorian homes in North America, demonstrating the dense Victorian presence. In the late 1980s, the neighbourhood established the Cabbagetown Preservation Association which is comprised of local residents who ensure that the neighbourhood preserves and maintains its heritage beauty. Any developments or renovations within Cabbagetown must pass through this group in order to verify that the alterations stay in line with the Cabbagetown heritage.
Carlton St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Carlton St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Woodstock Pl (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Rose Ave (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Wellesley St E (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Lifestyle in Cabbagetown
Cabbagetown’s lifestyle provides an ideal balance between work and play. Being in close proximity to the downtown core, the neighbourhood allows residents to minimize their working commute. The neighbourhood also offers a plethora of trendy shops, restaurants and bars catering to the residents of Cabbagetown. Parliament street is one of the most prominent locations to enjoy the nightlife, good food and a lively atmosphere. Explore a rich social scene in Cabbagetown with numerous annual festivals and the weekly farmers market on Winchester Street. Find plenty of opportunities to gather with friends and family when living in the neighbourhood.
Parliament St (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Cabbagetown Organics (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Recreation in Cabbagetown
Enjoy several recreational offerings in the neighbourhood of Cabbage town. From lush green parks to community-engaging facilities, find yourself connecting to the tight-knit community of Cabbagetown. Riverdale Farm, a 7.5-acre outdoor space in the heart of Cabbagetown houses a unique rural atmosphere. With many farm animals, this outdoor setting provides a chance to get a taste of farm life directly in the heart of the city. Unique to the neighbourhood, discover countless outdoor parks loaded with several amenities. Across Riverdale Park West, Winchester Park and Wellesley Park, find volleyball courts, playgrounds, splash pads, baseball diamonds, wading pools, picnic areas and bike trails all offered to support the community dynamic and atmosphere. Beyond outdoor parks, the neighbourhood also houses many communal facilities including the Cabbagetown Library and the Cabbagetown Youth Centre.
Sprucecourt Public School (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Riverdale Farm (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Riverdale Farm (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Riverdale Farm (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Riverdale Farm (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Riverdale Farm (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps
Transportation in Cabbagetown
Centrally located in the city, Cabbagetown residents enjoy easy access to the entire downtown core. For motorists, both the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway are within minutes’ drive allowing residents to enter and exit the city promptly. Also, by car, access the business and entertainment districts in under 10 minutes, demonstrating the agility of the neighbourhood. The Yonge-University-Spadina subway line also runs through the neighbourhood, providing a great option for commuters who work in the downtown core. Discover numerous bus routes that run throughout the neighbourhood connecting Cabbagetown to the rest of Toronto.
Don Valley Parkway (c) Photo by SHANE Maps exclusively for SHANE Maps