Playter Estates is a community of residences situated to the east of the Don Valley area, in the Toronto City Centre area.. This area boasts qualities such as charming houses, luxury shopping options, along Danforth Avenue and easy reach to Toronto’s public transportation network.
History Of Playter Estates, Toronto
Playter Estates got its name from the Playter family who owned the land parcels on both banks of the Don River close to Bloor Street.Captain George Playter,the head of the family, was a Loyalist of the United Empire who moved to Canada from Pennsylvania in the 1790s.
Georges son James Playter was the owner of the land that eventually became known as Playter Estates today; however it was James older brother John who first settled on the property.John Lea Playter, the grandson of John set up the Playter Homestead on 28 Playter Crescent in the 1870’s.This lovely brick house is still, in possession of members of the Playter family. The land surrounding the homestead was utilized for farming activities until 1912 when the present neighbourhood was constructed.
Lifestyle
Living in Playter Estates offers a benefit, with its proximity to the wonderful shopping options along Danforth Avenue, where you can discover a variety of offerings such as trendy boutiques, cozy coffee shops and top notch Greek eateries that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. The Carrot Common located on Danforth at Jackman Avenue showcases stores with a focus on nature and health products with the Big Carrot, as its attraction—an organic market that draws in shoppers from various parts of the city.
“Have you heard about ‘The Danforth’, in Toronto’s East end? It’s actually the community in North America. The Greek influence and culture there can be felt in ways – from touches to more obvious displays – creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. With its location near downtown and easy subway access along, with a blend of classic shops plus an array of amazing restaurants to choose from. There’s plenty of reasons to check out the Danforth.”
During the summer months when the sun shines bright and warm over the city streets adorned with an array of planters and fresh local fruits and vegetables, for sale – a lively scene unfolds along the Danforth strip where you’ll see couples leisurely walking hand in hand as parents playfully chase after their little ones while singles ride by leisurely cycling past and friendly dogs pause for a quick drink, from welcoming bowls of water set out by caring locals.
Playter Estates, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Riverdale Park East is situated south of the Danforth. Stands out as a park, in Toronto with an array of recreational amenities to offer visitors—such as seven tennis courts for sports enthusiasts and an artificial ice rink for winter fun activities alongside sports fields and a swimming pool for leisurely pursuits along with a scenic walking or running track to enjoy outdoorsy moments in the parks serene surroundings.
Additionally providing access to the Don Valley Ravine—a retreat within the city limits—the ravine boasts a bicycle trail that winds its way southwards through Toronto alongside the west side of the Don River before linking up with the Martin Goodman Trail along the scenic waterfront area. For enthusiasts or those seeking a reading spot amidst nature’s beauty nearby Pape/Danforth stands as a convenient location hosting the nearest public library, for avid readers and knowledge seekers alike. It provides a range of programs for kids.
There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy at the parks in this area! This neighbourhood boasts four parks with a total of four facilities combined among them—a good average of one facility, per park.
- Number of Parks: 4
- Number of Recreation Facilities:4
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playground – 1
- Trails – 2
- Arts/Performance Facility – 1
Playter Estates, Toronto Transit
The Broadview and Chester subway stations, along the Bloor Danforth line are conveniently close to the residences in the Playter Estates neighbourhood. For drivers commuting in and out of the city can easily hop onto the Don Valley Parkway via the Broadview Avenue entrances.
In Playter Estates Danforth area there are 35 transit stops, with Chester Station being one of the rail stations available for commuters to use in their travels around the city; residents here mostly rely either vehicles or public transit for their commute, within the city. Their commutes are typically of medium length.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 89%
- Commute to another city – 10%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 30%
- Transit – 51%
- Walk/bike – 14%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 34%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 36%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 11%
- 60 minutes and over – 8%
- Less than 15 minutes – 9%
Playter Estates, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
The local area boasts secondary educational institutions along with specialized programs for elementary and secondary high school including French Immersion and Gifted/Talented Program options available in both public and Catholic schools, within Playter Estates Danforth neighbourhood.
- Public Schools: 16
- Catholic Schools: 4
Public
- Riverdale Collegiate Institute
- Jarvis Collegiate Institute
- ÉÉ La Mosaïque
- Jackman Avenue Junior Public School
- ÉÉ Gabrielle-Roy
- ÉS Michelle-O’ Bonsawin
- Chester Elementary School
- Leaside High School
- East York Collegiate Institute
- Westwood Middle School
- Bennington Heights Elementary School
- Rosedale Junior Public School
- Earl Grey Senior Public School
- Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School
- Collège français secondaire
- Deer Park Jr and Sr Public School
Catholic
- ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
- ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
- Holy Name Catholic School
- ÉÉC Georges-Étienne-Cartier
Playter Estates, Toronto Homes
Playter Estates consists of detached and detached houses designed in the Edwardian and Victorian architectural styles constructed primarily from 1912 to 1930. The houses typically exhibit a size and design aesthetic; however each residence boasts decorative elements, like slate roofs, fish scale shingles, stone gates and charming front porches of various styles.