Is there any neighbourhood in downtown TO or east/west end (South of Bloor St.) that has a fair amount of "desi" population? Are there any townhouses available in those areas? Are there any such locations where desi/regular grocery stores are accessible without a car?

I've lived in many different parts of the west end and there are grocery stores available but I don't know of specifically desi or Indian ones. I have desi neighbours but aside from the Chinese and elderly Portugues populations in my current area everyone seems fairly assimilated, I think most are second or third generation Canadians. There are large Metro grocery stores by College & Ossington and in Liberty Village. There's a Price Choppers at Gladstone and Queen. There are grocery stores in Parkdale, but I'd caution you not to move there (it is more diverse but less safe than most of the west end).

In the east end there is the Gerard area. My grandparents live there (they are not desi) and go to the Indian/Pakistani grocery store. I don't personally like Gerard much but the residential area nearby, particuarly to the south before Coxwell, is fairly nice and affordable. From Gerard and Greenwood you can get downtown by streetcar in 20 minutes. Some areas by Queen are not as nice because of some motels and shelters (closer to downtown).

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My prayer to you
Is that you do all the things you set out to do
And live your life the way you love

Thurston Moore, Psychic Hearts