308 Palmerston Avenue

Built in 2007, the 7-storey building is robust, although it is prominent without towering too high over its neighbours in Trinity Bellwoods. The Europa Condos is located on a corner lot at 308 Palmerston Avenue North, and while the building takes plenty of space along College, the entrance is on Palmerston. This way, residents don’t have to scurry through foot traffic in order to reach the front doors of the building.

Also, instead of the front entryway being sandwiched between doors to busy shops, the developers were being nothing less than thoughtful when they decided to place a landscaped garden on either side.

The elegant yet classic façade is unassuming — just what one wants from a new building entering an older neighbourhood. Without intruding on long standing neighbours, the stone base, red brick, and black window finishes provide just the right amount of freshness to the area.

While the list of amenities isn’t superfluous, there are just enough extras to supply residents with comfort and convenience. Those living at 308 Palmerston North can make use of the building’s party room, gym, concierge service, and underground parking.

The 113 units at the Europa Condos range in size just enough for a variety of buyers to find the Toronto condos for sale they're looking for. Suite sizes range from around 500 to 1,300 square feet, and vary from bachelor units to three bedroom plus den units.

Size aside, the homes at 308 Palmerston North are all finished with luxurious materials, including hardwood, granite, and stainless steel. Track lighting is a common feature, as are chef’s kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, and Juliet balconies or terraces.

In terms of aesthetics, the open concept suites are modern, without being too minimalist. Some even cover two storeys, for those looking for additional privacy. Penthouses will be most appealing to those looking for a spacious place for their family to call home, and even furry friends are welcome thanks to the pet friendly policy at the Europa Condos.

While Toronto doesn’t always evoke feelings of Europe, Palmerston | Little Italy is something of an exception. The streets may not be as small as those in charming European towns, and the history may not reach as far back, but the food is almost as good.

While residents of this building technically live in Trinity Bellwoods, they're just steps from College Street, which is home to some of the best — and most authentic — Italian restaurants in the city. And while that doesn’t seem too remarkable, it becomes more impressive once you learn that the area has been home to some of these businesses since the 1920s. Between Grace and Clinton, visitors to this area can even check out the Italian Walk of Fame.

Entertainment is also abundant in the area. Those in need of a relaxing evening can head over to the Royal theatre, which screens independent and global films, as well as Hollywood hits, and even 35mm films. Numerous bars are also scattered around Little Italy, from dive bars to clubs and everything in between. Sneaky Dees is just a few blocks away, where residents can munch on what are arguably the best nachos in the city.

A number of independent fruit markets can be found along College, while a large Metro is just a 10-minute walk away, at College and Shaw. Alternatively, a great spot for groceries is the nearby Kensington Market. Here, residents can find specialty shops selling global cheeses, artisanal breads, and fresh meat and fish.

Traveling to and from 308 Palmerston is simple, thanks to its close proximity to the major intersection of Bathurst and College. Those without cars have their pick between east-west streetcars that offer transfers onto the Yonge-University-Spadina line at Queen’s Park Station, or north-south streetcars that land passengers at Bathurst Station on the Bloor-Danforth Line.

Drivers can head out of the house using these two arterial roads as well. Continuing south on Bathurst will land one as far as Lake Ontario, where drivers can drop travelers at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, or connect onto the Gardiner Expressway. Alternatively, driving north up Bathurst is a great way to reach the 401 for those heading to Pearson International Airport or into the suburbs.

Even cyclists can get around with ease — and peace of mind. The small, one-way streets in the area are great for biking, while Harbord and Spadina are both equipped with bike lanes as well.