Each neighbourhood in Toronto has its tale to share showcasing community, culture and individuality. Runnymede Bloor West Village serves as an example of dedication and enduring allure. In the 1970s a collective of business owners united to establish Canada’s BIA transforming the area into a yet cozy centrer that strikes a delicate balance between urban vibrancy and suburban tranquility.
Nestled away from downtown, Runnymede Bloor West Village offers residents a mix of yet grounded atmospheres and refined yet affordable housing options. Its safety, accessibility and charming residences draw in newcomers seeking proximity to bars rated schools and the expansive greenery of High Park.
Venturing eastward leads us to North Riverdale where breathtaking vistas from Riverdale Park East paint a picture of life. This lush neighbourhood thrives on camaraderie with dining establishments along Danforth Avenue, hidden gems on Gerrard Street East and esteemed educational institutions like Withrow Avenue Public School and Montcrest School. Despite disruptions from film productions North Riverdales kept streets and diverse housing selections offer residents a serene sanctuary devoid of concerns related to circus performers.
Amidst developments lies Mount Pleasant East eagerly anticipating what the future holds. The neighbourhood’s appeal stems from its emphasis on quality education, low crime rates and convenient access to the LRT.
Even though green spaces are scarce, taking a stroll through the cemetery offers a retreat from the city’s busy atmosphere blending harmoniously with the charming boutique lined streets and welcoming community vibe.
Heading towards the west Danforth shines with resilience despite its challenges. The community comes together showcasing its scene and close knit neighbourhood that continues to thrive. Offering housing options for all income levels and excellent transit connections Danforth stands as a symbol of strength and unity.
Runnymede Bloor West Village
In 1970 a few business owners in Bloor West Village joined forces to create Canada’s BIA out of concern about losing customers to malls. They adorned their shops with string lights, planted flowers and laid the foundation for what has evolved into Toronto’s premier neighbourhood five decades later. For locals it’s like the Goldilocks zone; lively yet secluded from downtown, trendy but not overly like Roncesvalles, sophisticated yet not as pricey as Baby Point.
It excels in every aspect. Safety and convenience (with Jane and Runnymede stations close by) while offering homes at relatively affordable prices (you can still find one for, under $1 million).The main street has a charm, than being bustling with activity but the trendy bars and restaurants along Bloor and Dundas West are just a short stroll away. You can also find schools nearby as well as the expansive High Park.
North Riverdale
(Encompassing parts of Greektown, East Chinatown and Riverside)
Some of the sought after and views in Toronto can be found in homes located on the edge of Riverdale Park East, which serves as the grand centrepiece of this lush neighbourhood. The park boasts soccer fields, tennis courts, a track and a swimming pool. Residents of Riverdale take pride in their community for a reason; there are lively dining spots on Danforth Avenue, plenty of shopping options on Gerrard Street East and excellent schools like Withrow Avenue Public School and Montcrest School.
While there may have been some complaints about filming activities at a mansion on Pape Avenue recently, most of the area’s detached houses are peaceful, well maintained and free from any clown related incidents.
Mount Pleasant East
(Encompassing parts of Davisville)
Currently undergoing some chaos due to construction, along Eglinton Avenue Mount Pleasant East is expected to transform into a location once the LRT project is completed in 2021.
Affluent young parents who reside in this area are particularly fond of it, due to the presence of top notch schools like Maurice Cody and Sunnybrook along with a crime rate. Additionally the neighbourhood boasts a range of health services and a community filled with residents. Residents also enjoy access to the Yonge subway line and charming boutiques lining Mount Pleasant Avenue. While some may criticize the area for its spaces, taking a leisurely walk through the nearby cemetery is known to offer one of the most serene experiences in the city.
Moving on to Danforth (which includes parts of Greektown) this community has faced challenges over the years. However despite adversity its resilient spirit shines through as locals continue to cherish its streets, culinary scene and close knit community atmosphere. Residents from income brackets call Danforth home residing in a mix of second floor apartments and modest houses that remain affordable for Torontonians. One of the neighbourhood’s attractions is its proximity to five subway stations, including Pape station which holds promise as a potential terminus for a relief line (a hopeful aspiration indeed!).
Now onto Lawrence Park North (encompassing parts of Wanless Park and Teddington Park). Let’s start with some drawbacks; this neighbourhood is quite a distance from downtown Toronto.
News; The neighbourhood boasts a prosperous community with 37 percent of households earning over $200,000 explaining why homes fetch prices exceeding $2 million. It attracts off families looking for safety and top notch schools such as Bedford Park and Blessed Sacrament. Suburban residents rely on their Audis to access anything beyond groceries.
Lawrence Park North
(Encompassing parts of Wanless Park and Teddington Park)
Starting with the downside; Lawrence Park North is quite a distance from downtown. On the side it’s home to an affluent population with 37 percent of households earning more than $200,000 (which explains the high property values). The area is filled with families who prioritize safety and rated schools like Bedford Park and Blessed Sacrament. Essentially considered an area, residents often use their Audis to travel for anything beyond groceries.
Rosedale Moore Park
(Encompassing parts of Summerhill)
Rosedale embodies an image; individuals owning grand estates frequenting golf courses and tennis clubs and sending their kids to prestigious private schools, like Branksome Hall.
The data supports that claim. It also indicates a changing community; Half of the residents in the area now reside in condominiums and tall apartment buildings enjoying perks such as access to the subway and the picturesque Rosedale Valley. The neighbourhood struggles with crime due to burglaries targeting jewelry-filled estates and lacks shopping and entertainment options though a quick trip to Yorkville can easily remedy that.
Playter Estates Danforth
Situated adjacent to Danforth and North Riverdale, this area offers similar advantages as its neighbours; excellent dining options, immediate access to public transportation and stunning views of the city centre from homes and apartment buildings overlooking the Don Valley. It boasts its advantages like medical facilities, clinics and mental health services but faces challenges such as low homeownership rates and declining housing prices year over year. The area could benefit from spaces; however a brief stroll to Riverdale Park can address this issue promptly.
Trinity Bellwoods, which includes parts of West Queen West, is known for its park that attracts a crowd of young individuals who enjoy spending their days playing Frisbee and sipping drinks. The neighbourhood boasts coffee shops, unique stationery stores and cozy dive bars that cater to its community. Despite some safety concerns such as a rate of incidents like assaults and thefts property prices continue to rise each year.
Leaside Bennington stands out as a location in Toronto for families raising children. The area offers rated schools like Leaside High School along with family attractions such as the Science Centre, Sky Zone trampoline park and Evergreen Brick Works just a short distance away. A variety of big box retailers like Sobeys, Best Buy, Home Depot and the new Costco provide convenience for parents. With a sense of homeownership and consistent seven percent annual growth in property values residents here enjoy a return on their real estate investments.
However there are some drawbacks to the area; the subway system can be quite a journey and dining choices are limited although meat lovers do flock to Adamson Barbecue.
Yonge St. Clair
(Covering parts of Deer Park)
Many affluent residents living in condos opt for Yonge St. Clair over CityPlace and Liberty Village due to its status as a centre where 62 percent of inhabitants reside in luxurious high rise buildings. The appeal lies in its transportation links (with three subway stations). Abundant green spaces like the nearby wooded ravines. With an aging population of condo dwellers the area’s proximity to top tier schools such as De La Salle, St. Michael’s College and Upper Canada College becomes increasingly valuable.
Wrap up; The Best Neighbourhoods, in Toronto, Ontario
Toronto boasts a range of neighbourhoods each with its charm—from the upscale ambiance of Lawrence Park North and Rosedale Moore Park, to the family friendly atmosphere of Playter Estates Danforth and Leaside Bennington. Trinity Bellwoods radiates energy around its park while Yonge St. Clair caters to upscale condo residents looking for public transport options and lush surroundings. Toronto’s diverse communities beckon exploration, providing residents with an opportunity to immerse themselves in its tapestry.