Toronto Real Estate - Cabbagetown
By Andrei Zaretski - New Dream Homes and Condos
Living in Toronto allows you to meet a variety of different people and experience a variety of different cultures. Cabbagetown, located in the eastern part of the downtown area, is a good place to experience both of those things.
Some people believe that the neighbourhood’s unique name was credited to the large number of Polish immigrants who occupied the area in the 19th century and were forced to eat nothing but cabbage due to their low income, thus giving the area a constant odour of the vegetable. Although a popular explanation, it is in fact a myth.
In the middle of the 19th century, when that area of Toronto was mostly a rural community, a harbour factory and a rail complex were constructed at the end of the Don River. These developments provided jobs, and attracted urban workers who settled in the area. A residential neighbourhood was quickly established as a result.
Around the time of the First World War in the beginning of the 20th century, residents began moving upward and away from the area. People with lower incomes took advantage of the vacancies and moved in to these houses. The morale of the neighbourhood grew increasingly lower, and the area became a slum by the time of the Great Depression.
Although these residents lived in poor condition, working in factories and other manual labour establishments, the community spirit was high and the friendly families took care of each other. It is likely that the name Cabbagetown was established after the Irish residents began growing the vegetable in their yards and neighbouring plots and fields.
A famous novel by Canadian writer Hugh Garner, entitled Cabbagetown, depicted life in the Toronto neighbourhood during the Great Depression.
The majority of the original Cabbagetown was torn down in the late 1940s as the Regent Park housing project began to develop.
By the 1970s, the community was gentrified by urban professionals who moved into the area and constructed Victorian houses that can be seen today along with wrought iron fences, stone walkways and beautifully kept gardens. It is said that Cabbagetown is home to the largest collection of Victorian homes in North America.
The neighbourhood has many attractions and amenities, including close proximity to the heart of downtown Toronto and Cherry Beach. Other attractions include the Riverdale Farm, Allan Gardens, The Don River and surrounding parks, as well as the Cabbagetown Festival. To satisfy the shopping spirit, Parliament and Carlton Streets offer a great variety of shops, restaurants and pubs with a great atmosphere.
History and culture come together in Cabbagetown, so don’t miss out!
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