Summerhill

When the North Toronto Railway Station opened on Yonge Street in the 1880s, a small community began to grow around it. Now known as Summerhill, the neighbourhood has blossomed into one of the most charming areas of the city. The railway station has since been converted into one of Toronto’s most beautiful (and well-stocked) LCBOs.

Summerhill is a Central Toronto neighbourhood located primarily along Yonge Street, just south of St. Clair Avenue. Known for its prestige, incredible heritage homes, and quaint boutiques and restaurants, it’s one of the most highly-coveted neighbourhoods in the city.

In recent years, renovations have beautified many landmark businesses (including a row of specialty food stores frequented by local gourmands).

Whether they live in one of the area’s exclusive condo residences or along the scenic side streets, residents of Summerhill have no problem paying for this neighbourhood’s fabulous homes. You’ll find plenty of well-established professionals and affluent retirees here.

Summerhill is also home to many families who enjoy its abundance of generously-sized detached and semi-detached homes, along with its great selection of local schools.

Summerhill residents enjoy the area’s fun community vibe. There’s a selection of shops, restaurants, cafes, and specialty grocers that line the strip of Yonge Street running through Summerhill’s core.

Local food lovers are big fans of Pisces Gourmet Seafood Specialty Shop (the freshness is unbeatable) and Olliffe Butcher (which sells only the finest cuts of meat). For a perfectly-crafted coffee or some wine to enjoy with dinner, they head to Boxcar Social (a charming cafe that features a bottle shop). Simply put, everything local residents could ever want is just a short walk away!

For outdoorsy types, David A Balfour Park and its accompanying ravine allow residents to immerse themselves in nature. The area’s quiet residential streets, which are filled with stunning homes and heritage architecture, also make for some fantastic walks.

Kids living in Summerhill don’t have to travel far to get to class, given that most of the neighbourhood’s local schools sit between Yonge Street and Avenue Road.

For elementary students, Brown Junior Public School and Cottingham Junior Public School are two of the area’s most popular options. De La Salle College is also ideal for students in grades 5 through 12. Alternatively, Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School (which sits just east of Yonge along St. Clair Avenue) is perfect for kids from kindergarten through grade 8.