In the late 1990s major and minor renovations appeared here and there across Leslieville, raising the hope that this dowdy, downscale, downtown, east-of-the-Don neighbourhood was renewing its housing stock and heading toward a happier future. In the past, an area this close to industry (the Lakeshore industrial strip forms Leslieville's southern boundary) wouldn't have had a chance of gentrification, but today the search for livable and affordable close -to-downtown space is so urgent that it opens possibilities for Leslieville. Adding to the cachet is the recent consumer explosion on Queen East, where interior design hot spots, vintage boutiques and fashionable restaurants are drawing customers traditionally attracted to Queen Street's trendy west side. Clearly the new allure has drawn young families of all nationalities. The arrival of the film studios south along Eastern Avenue has given rise to a new breed of professional, with economic clout. With it's improving housing stock, close proximity to downtown and it influx of professionals combined with the relative affordable housing make Leslieville a real up and coming neighbourhood and good buy from a real estate perspective.