383 Sorauren Avenue as a condo development is basically still a fetus. The sales office just opened last weekend, and the condos themselves won't be ready for moving day until fall 2016. As the city expands ever outward, though, condo life is getting pushed farther west. Behold: the latest condos in family-focused Roncesvalles.

SPECS

Address: 383 Sorauren Ave.
Floors: 11
Total number of units: 161
Elevators: 2
Types of units: studio, one bedroom, one plus den, two bedroom, three plus den, townhouses on the first floor, penthouses.
Unit sizes (in square feet): 470 to 1500
Ceiling heights: 9'0" to 10'0"
Prices from (available units): $250,000
Maintenance fees: $0.48
Developer: Gairloch and Centrestone Urban Developments Inc.
Amenities/building features: Fitness room, outdoor lounge, guest suite

THE GOOD

The developers have paid attention to the importance of outdoor space here. Every unit will be equipped with a balcony of sorts, and there's a communal outdoor space as well. And while these condos are definitely, um, condo-sized, their stark whiteness comes off as more gallery-esque than boring and drab. There's also en-suite laundry, and en-suite baths off of the master bedrooms. Ceilings will be exposed concrete, and there's a choice of interior finishes.

As for the neighbourhood, it has most of the amenities of downtown living, minus a little noise, the hectic atmosphere and subways (do I sound like Rob Ford?). Mitzi's and Balluchon are just down the street for brunch and coffee dates. There are countless awesome fruit and veggie markets on Roncesvalles, just a main street over. Even with all of this, the area is quiet enough that you can hear birds singing and children playing other such things that make people feel happy and warm inside.

THE BAD

These condos run the risk of feeling very cell-like. The washrooms look like they belong in a middle-of-the-road hotel. The suite pictured goes for $391,900. If I'm spending $391,900, I don't want to feel like I'm chillin in a HoJo. The model kitchen is also rather anonymous (read: I almost walked through without noticing it). There are condo-sized appliances and very minimal counter space. In fairness, though, this is a pretty common issue when it comes to condo living, and unless cooking is a major hobby, the space is serviceable. But then there are the terribly teensy closets, and that, ladies and gentlemen, could be a deal-breaker for the fashion-inclined.

The model I toured is really light on storage. Other than the aforementioned narrow bedroom closets, there's a hall closet, and that's about it. (Again, a common hazard with condos, and could be remedied by vertical storage solutions). The gallery-esque appearence I refer to above also just might have something to do with the fact that the model suite I visited was fully outfitted by an interior designer. Your unit might not look so pretty.

For some, the family vibe of this neighbourhood might actually be a bad thing, as well. The 'hood is pretty tame. There are a few bars nearby on Roncesvalles, but most spots close pretty early, and the area can be pretty dead by 11 p.m. or so.

OUR TAKE

If you want a relaxed space in a sought-after neighbourhood, and you're not an aspiring chef or a snob for lovely washrooms, then this place is..alright. It just depends on what you're after. Some people are into the plain Jane condo feel, but overall this place seems like it's coming up short of its potential.

Read other posts in this series via our Toronto Condos and Lofts Pinterest board

Photos by Andrew Williamson.