Riverdale serves as the entrance to the neighbourhoods of Toronto boasting a community with unique shopping areas and charming Victorian houses that are widely recognized for their charm and character. Nestled within this bustling setting is an array of spaces offering residents a peaceful retreat from the busyness of city life; among them Riverdale Park stands out as one of the city’s extensive parks featuring popular tobogganing hills that attract visitors during winter months. With its bustling farmers market and reputation as a community gathering spot Withrow Park has become a sought after neighbourhood for families thanks to its top notch schools, variety of shops and easy access to transportation.
History Of Riverdale, Toronto
Riverdale used to be a quaint country town until the Grand Trunk Railway started passing in the 1850’s bringing along with it jobs and new industries to the area. The railway also drew in a workforce that constructed the houses in Riverdale located south of the railway tracks. The northern part of Riverdale, above Queen Street mostly remained untouched until 1884, when it became part of Toronto after being annexed by the city. During that period Riverdale was known as Riverside. The name was likely altered to Riverdale as a nod to the city park with the name that has been a feature, in this region, for quite some time.
Riverdale saw growth in 1918 when the construction of the Prince Edward Viaduct. Toronto’s bridge. Was completed.This viaticum established a connection for Riverdale to Toronto city, on the side of the Don River and symbolized a milestone in the neighbourhood’s evolution.
Lifestyle
Riverdales famous shopping area can be found on Danforth Avenue to the east of Broadview Avenue. An area that truly captures the essence of Toronto’s Greek community with its top notch Greek eateries and a wide variety of shops offering both modern and classic goods alongside a plethora of fantastic dining options to choose from. During the summer months, the Riverdale neighbourhood in Danforth is bustling with planters lining the sidewalks and filled with fresh local produce!
It’s a sight to see couples taking leisurely walks together while parents keep an eye out for their ones running around and singles enjoying bike rides in the area. Even dogs can be seen stopping for a refreshing drink of water from friendly bowls along the way! Riverdale also boasts a Chinatown shopping district at Gerrard and Broadview known for its bakeries and bustling grocery stands as well as popular eateries that draw in locals and visitors alike!. Lets not forget Queen Broadview Village which’s another favorite shopping spot among Riverdale residents, for all their needs. This charming shopping area features antique and collectible shops while Gerrard Square, situated at the intersection of Pape Avenue and Gerrard Street stands out as a bustling indoor mall housing more than 70 stores.
Riverdale, Toronto Parks & Facilities
Riverdale boasts a variety of parks and small park areas scattered throughout the community’s vicinity. The top three sizable parks include Riverdale Park East, Withrow Park and Jimmie Simpson Park. Within these parks are amenities such as tennis courts, a wading pool, a hockey rink and a baseball field. Additionally Riverdale Park features a pool and a running track. At the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre visitors can enjoy a swimming pool, a room for games and a gymnasium. The Pape Recreational Centre offers facilities, like a gymnasium, a swimming pool, a weight training area and meeting spaces. There are four libraries in Riverdale that provide a variety of programs for kids as well as adults and older individuals.
Having time is pretty simple, at the parks around here! Riverdales parks offer playground areas for children and sports grounds well. There are a total of four parks in Riverdale. They boast a combined 21 facilities. On average each park has 5 facilities to enjoy.
- Number of Parks: 4
- Number of Recreation Facilities: 21
Recreation Facilities in Neighbourhood Parks
- Playgrounds – 3
- Pool – 1
- Basketball Courts – 4
- Ball Diamond – 1
- Sports Fields – 4
- Community Centre – 1
- Splash Pad – 1
- Sports Courts – 3
- Outdoor Games Facility – 1
- Trail – 1
- Gym – 1
Riverdale, Toronto Transit
Riverdale is a spot for people who commute regularly with access to major routes like the Don Valley Expressway and the Gardiner Expressway as well as Lake Shore Boulevard nearby. Moreover Riverdale also boasts public transportation options with bus and streetcar services available along Broadview, Carlaw, Jones and Greenwood Avenues as well as Queen and Gerrard Streets. Furthermore the Bloor Danforth subway line has five stations, in Riverdale. Broadview, Chester, Pape, Donlands and Greenwood. Making it easy to get around via transit.
Riverdale has a total of 48 transit stops where predominantly people who drive cars reside and usually travel within the city for their commutes.
Commute Destination for Residents
- Commute within the city – 68%
- Commute to another city – 32%
Commute Types
- Vehicle – 78%
- Transit – 11%
- Walk/bike – 7%
Commute Times of Residents
- 15 to 29 minutes – 36%
- 30 to 44 minutes – 20%
- 45 to 59 minutes – 7%
- 60 minutes and over – 11%
- Less than 15 minutes – 24%
Riverdale, Toronto Elementary, Secondary, High Schools
In Riverdale there are programs, in both elementary and secondary high school with a total of 7 public schools and 4 Catholic schools catering to the communities educational needs.The local schools in Riverdale offer a variety of programs such as Advanced Placement and French Immersion courses.
- Public Schools: 7
- Catholic Schools: 4
Public
- Glendale SS
- Lake Avenue PS
- Collegiate ES
- Orchard Park SS
- ÉS Georges-P-Vanier
- ÉÉ Pavillon de la jeunesse
- Eastdale PS
Catholic
- St. John Henry Newman Catholic HS
- ÉSAC Mère-Teresa
- St Agnes Catholic ES
- ÉÉC Notre-Dame
Riverdale, Toronto Homes
Riverdale features houses spanning two to three stories constructed from 1880, to 1924 with several of them undergoing substantial renovations to embrace spacious open concepts over the years. There’s a trend of adding walkouts to decks from floors that offer views of the lush Riverdale tree canopy. South Riverdale stands out for its older homes that come at a lower price point compared to North Riverdale residences. Parking arrangements are typically at the laneways for Riverdale homes, with street parking permits easily accessible.