4 Park Vista Drive

A swanky glass tower — oh, what’s that? It’s not a glass tower? It was built in the 90s and looks like an old apartment building? Well then…

So, Park Vista isn’t a sparkling new residence and it doesn’t have the flash of high end condos that make headlines in downtown Toronto. For many buyers, one look at this building would be enough to rule it out of a condo search — but that would be a monumental mistake.

Park Vista is located at 4 Park Vista in the East York area, within the O'Connor-Parkview neighbourhood — a slower paced area with a family friendly feel. Because of the location, this building is best suited to established professionals, couples, families, and empty nesters; those who are seeking a vibrant nightlife, will need to seek it elsewhere.

East York condos for sale are often larger than those found downtown, and amenities are ample in this building — outdoor swimming pool, on-site playground, sauna, fitness centre, party room, security guard, and parking garage.

At one point in time, a building like this would have been hard to sell, but as the modern condo crunch sees floor plans shrinking and prices rising, buildings like Park Vista are suddenly desirable. There are 168 units in this building ranging in size from 699 square feet for a 1 bedroom — yes almost 700 square feet for a 1 bedroom — to 1206 for a 3 bedroom condo.

The building was completed in 1991, and as such, many units have seen their share of upgrades over the years. Prospective buyers can expect to find hardwood or parquet flooring, modern kitchens, and large bedrooms. These suites don’t have private balconies, by many units have solariums.

Units in this building have great value and are on the lower end of price per square foot out of GTA condos, which means that buyers get more bang for their buck. For investors, these spacious suites generally sell for less than modern condos, and although property values are rising everywhere, a renovated spacious suite here is sure to bring a nice return in the future.

Nature enthusiasts take note — this is your reprieve from city life. Vista Park is surrounded by green spaces to the south, and residents of 4 Park Vista are mere minutes from Tailor Creek Trail, where you can enjoy a scenic walk along Massey Creek. Taylor Creek Park is just next door for picnics, and Donora Park has grassy fields for the kids to burn off some energy.

For dining out, there are several restaurants nearby; you can walk to Duffy's Restaurant for a burger or Dawes Café for coffee. If you continue north to Victoria Park Ave for Amaro pizzeria, The Gingerman Restaurant, MEXITACO, McDonald’s and Subway. To the south you have Diamond Pizza and countless restaurants on Danforth Ave.

Those who are looking to be entertained might find the area lacking, but residents can make their way to Danforth Ave for pubs and bars. For family options, Crescent Town Club has facilities and children’s programs, Dentonia Park Golf Course is around the corner for a day on the greens, and at Stan Wadlow Park you have curling, a skating rink, baseball diamonds, and a dog park.

4 Park Vista boasts a 73 Walk Score, allowing residents to run the majority of errands on foot. For grocery pickups, there’s Danforth Market, L B Supermarket, Banahaw Food Mart, all just a short bus ride or drive away,

While this location doesn’t pack the same punch as many urban condos, it is certainly commuter friendly; public transit users have north and southbound buses on Dawes Rd, and route 23 has service to Main Street Station for subway lines.

Car owners have to navigate their way through some city streets, but there are major highways close-by; drivers can go north on Victoria Park Ave and then east on Eglinton for the Don Valley Parkway. Once there, you can head north for the 401 or south for the Gardiner Expressway.