Which one do you think would be the best investment for a first time home buyer, while also being enjoyable as a place to live for at least a few years?
Location. Location. Location. Strictly looking at things in terms of investment, if prices are the same then Trinity Lofts hands down. East is the new West and, in particular, the Corktown/West Donlands area is going to be the neighbourhood that everyone will rush to once the development starts taking form. With the 2015 Pan-Am Games, there will be less red tape to slow things down too.
Today, the neighbourhood lacks charm, is kind of gritty, and there isn't a lot of retail. But charm and density can be found a walk away at the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market. I strongly considered the Corktown District phase 2 condo that's being built around the corner. But eventually I chose to purchase right in St. Lawrence Market taking me back to my initial plan. I veered off a bit going past Parliament, but from King & Sumach it's just an 8 minute streetcar ride to Yonge. So while there isn't much there now, it's only a stone's throw away from where everything is and in time it will develop heaviliy. However, another part of the equation is how enjoyable it will be for a few years... for a few years, you'll see a lot of cranes, trucks, and construction all around you. If you see it as progress taking form around you then you'll be just fine, but it is something to seriously consider.
Queen and Broadview is already an established neighbourhood and there are quite a lot of charming shops along that stretch on Queen. I'm reminded of being in a small city (in a good way) while walking down there. The Ninety wouldn't be a bad investment at all. But in terms of strictly financial investment, I think anything in Corktown/West Donlands is going to be the investment opportunity for the next few years to come.
Smartly, as one who will live there, you are considering both investment and liveability. On more than one or two occassions, take a casual but thorough walk around both neighbourhoods and get a good feel for both of them. Let the choice come to you. Since neither are bad investments and you plan to live in it, choose where you'd prefer to live all things regarding your lifestyle considered.