Popular neighbourhoods in Toronto, Canada

Bloor West, Baby Point and Old Mill

A popular family neighbourhood, Bloor West has excellent schools and incredible shopping district along Bloor Street. The small neighbourhood is bordered on the west by Old Mill area, sloping down towards the Humber River. Immediately north of that area lays Baby Point bordered by the Humber ravine, with its tall trees and fine homes. Etienne Brule Park provides fantastic walking, biking and jogging trails along the river, that are enjoyed by the residents and visitors alike.

High Park North

High Park is an attractive neigbourhood, with its winding streets, gently rolling hills and towering oak trees. It contains a mix of single family homes, multi-unit properties, condominium buildings and a few rental high-rise buildings. The neighbourhood schools, including Humberside Collegiate, are highly regarded and attract families with school-age children.

Roncesvalles Village and High Park

Roncesvalles Village has become a desired location for home buyers who notice how well serviced and how attractive this area has become. High Park, south of Bloor, enjoyed popularity for many years as a family-oriented neighbourhood with numerous fine homes, good schools, short stroll to High Park and fantastic shopping nearby.

Roncesvalles Village is also home to several old factory buildings, and some of them have been converted into very attractive lofts. A beautiful church building on Sunnyside Avenue has also been converted into condominiums. There are new lofts being built presently at the top of Roncesvalles Avenue.

Swansea

Swansea Village owes its popularity to the amenities it has to offer. The relatively small area has its own recreation centre, an excellent school on Windermere, easy access to Bloor West fabulous shopping and the subway, and fantastic parklands, with the Grenadier Pond along the border of High Park, and a small West Pond between Ellis Avenue and Coe Hill Drive.

Majority of Swansea homes are small bungalows. Many of these houses are being renovated with an addition of a second floor. There are new condos being built at Bloor and Ellis Park, on Southport, and at the bottom of Windermere, between the Queensway and Gardiner.

The Kingsway

The Kingsway is the most prestigious and elegant community in Toronto's west end. Its streets are lined with majestic oak and maple trees, shading stately residences. The Kingsway's properties are good size, and homes are well built, many featuring stone exteriors and leaded glass windows. Schools and shopping are within walking distance, and the subway line along Bloor provides easy access to downtown.

The east boundary of the Kingsway is a lush Humber River ravine, and magnificent residences back onto it. The owners enjoy privacy and beautiful views in all seasons.

The Valley

Located in the Humber River valley, north of prestigious Baby Point, this small neighbourhood consists mainly of two-storey, semi-detached homes. Although similar in style, these homes differ in quality. Some of them were meticulously renovated in recent years. Humber Valley parkland provides magnificent walking trails, grocery shopping is easy at the large Loblaws on Dundas, and the neighbourhood is quiet and friendly.

The Beaches (or Beach)

The Beaches have become a favourite neighbourhood for families with young children. The area looks and feels more lake a resort town than a big city neighbourhood. Mature trees shade residential streets that, in most cases, slope steeply towards the lake.

The difference in elevation allows for lake views from homes even fairly distant from the lake. Balmy Beach junior school is highly respected. The boardwalk along the lake is a magnet for both residents and visitors, and Kew Gardens, the social centre of the Beaches hosts many annual events, including a Jazz Festival.

Upper Beach Estates

Located immediately north of Gerrard, between Main Street and Victoria Park, Upper Beaches Estates is just minutes from excellent grocery shopping at the recently opened Loblaws Market, short ride to Union Station from Danforth GO, and close to Ted Reeves Arena and Beaches Alternative and Kimberley schools.

Upper Beach Estates homes are fairly recently built.

Riverdale and Playter Estates

Riverdale, with its great schools, towering trees, friendly atmosphere and art-loving inhabitants has enjoyed popularity for many years.

One-way streets and many stop signs calm the local traffic. Danforth shopping and dining is extraordinary, and there is easy access to public transport, as well as a short drive to Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner.