For a place with such an enviable lakeside location Mimico went under the radar in Toronto for a long time. The gateway to Toronto’s west end, however, is experiencing a bit of a rebirth in the last few years, as families flock to this working-class community, drawn in by affordable bungalows and sizeable lots. Let the gentrification begin!

Some seriously scenic parks have been revitalized up in this area such as Colonel Samuel Smiths Park and Cliff Lumsden Park. Two major commercial areas, Royal York and Lakeshore, continue to blossom with cafes, restaurants, coffee shops, and all the other amenities its friendly local residents could need.

Families, active young couples, and empty nesters are all flocking to this up-and-coming area. You’ll still meet lots of long-term residents and renters as well.

That outdoor lifestyle! From lakeside parks, to yacht clubs, to the rolling golf courses of Etobicoke, it’s ideal for active young couples and empty nesters alike. Quick highway access is a major plus as well.

Named after the Village in Swansea in wales, this hilly section of Toronto shares many of the same contours as its namesake. Not actually annexed as part of the city of Toronto until 1967, this residential area has an enviable geographic location. With High Park on its East Side, and the Lake to the South, this area covers everything along the Humber River all the way up to Bloor Street. Eastern Europeans originally settled in this area, building most of the homes there between 1900 and 1935. Many people think that Swansea feels like the suburbs, but with the convenience of the city.

There are a number of popular parks in the area, such as the revitalized Rennie Park, and enviable schools such as Swansea Public School, and other close options in Bloor West Village.

Families, couples, and long-term residents – the sheer geographical spread means you’ll find you’ll find a bit of everything in this semi-secluded neighbourhood.

An active community centre (they still have a legitimate Town Hall!), natural beauty, and a quick one-two step from the thriving Bloor West Village.

Swansea Public School is the only option technically within the borders of Swansea, but there are lots of options in the neighbouring High Park and Bloor West Village.

If there were ever a testament to the power of green space, the community around High Park would be it. With Bloor West Village to the west and glorious High Park right in the middle, this in-demand neighbourhood attracts an eclectic and respectful mix of families, couples, and empty-nesters. Quieter than Bloor West Village and considerably more central, High Park is in the enviable position of feeling like somewhere else while still being incredibly central. Broad lawns and distinct brick houses line the winding roads that surround the park. There are some great schools in the area as well, a huge plus for families.

There’s a little bit of everything in this leafy locale. From double income families with kids, to empty-nesters, to single or coupled professionals who just want to live near the park.

Beautiful walks, steps from the park, and respectful, friendly neighbours. You’re also steps to the TTC, and in an ideally central location.

There are a ton of great schools to choose from in this neighbourhood including:

• Runnymede Junior & Senior Public School
• Annette Street Public School
• Garden Avenue Public School
• Howard Public School
• Keele Street Public School

This might just be the most sought after locale for families in Toronto. With the stunning 399-acre High Park and top-notch schools all within walking distance and, it’s not hard to see why families flock to Bloor West Village.

Historically this downtown west area was driven by large populations of Easter European immigrants that built up their ‘village’ with a thriving retail area along the main area of Bloor. That sentiment remains, and Bloor West Village has a thriving shopping area and active BIA. Bloor Street is chocker block full of specialty shops and delis, restaurants, bakeries, shopping, spas and more, with a good mix of independent retailers and the unavoidable chain stores. The residents who frequent these stores generally have money to burn and choose to spend it at home. The retail strip is so well known you’ll also see visitors from all parts of the city.

Double income families with kids, as well as the quieter working professional. (It’s about a 25-minute subway ride downtown)

Big houses with yards. Great schools within walking distance. A 400-acre park in your backyard. Easy access to the TTC. If you can afford it, what’s not to love about Bloor West Village?

Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave Junior and Senior Public School
St. Pius X Catholic School

The working class grit of Parkdale is still pretty in your face, despite some of the stunning mansions that are selling for a pretty penny. Once upon a time in the 1800s Parkdale was home of the Toronto elite, and the size of the houses is a testament to that. Despite a lackluster stint that took it downhill, the neighbourhood has picked up in the last few years, although not as holistically as many others. Walk west along Queen and you’ll see the new breed of coffee house or gallery popping up between the ever-present dollar stores. Some of West Queen West’s most popular bars (The Cadillac Lounge, Wrongbar, & Stones Place to name a few) are technically within the borders of Parkdale.

There’s some considerable diversity to the population—close to 56% of the population are visible minorities, and there are established Tibetan and Ethiopian communities, amongst many other new Canadians. The proximity to the ever-popular West Queen West and the cheaper rent means you’ll find lots of young people looking to save a buck as well. There are also plenty of families who live in those large Victorian mansions.

Location. Steps away from West Queen West, and a walk from trendy Roncesvalles, it’s not hard to find your way to a completely gentrified area. There are still very large houses to be found, which will only increase in value as the area continue to improve. Some people wonder if Parkdale will ever completely gentrify. In the mean time, it could be a savvy investment opportunity for those willing to wait it out.

• Queen Victoria Public School
• Holy Family Catholic School
• Garden Avenue Public School
• Parkdale Public School
• Fern Avenue Public School

It is pretty much the standard in a major city metropolis that the waterfront rules. While our own Harbourfront is still an area in transition, and a little behind by big city standards, it’s still extremely in-demand. Who can argue with the view from a Queens Quay condominium unit?

There’s something about having the lake directly in front of you that’s inherently calming. Homeowners here are frequent users of the trails in the area, and the surrounding marinas do draw quieter crowds than other central neighbourhoods.

At the present time, the Harbourfront is largely a tourist draw. In summer you’ll see people out everywhere, catching the ferry to the island and walking the trails along the lake. However, The City of Toronto and the Ontario government have some pretty grand plans for the waterfront. Waterfront Toronto is an organization dedicated to the revitalization of the Harbourfront. The plans are major, long-term infrastructure developments that include everything from green space, to residential units, to community resources. In fact, the organization’s CEO has likened the future Toronto Harbourfront to that of the Champs-Élysées in Paris. Lofty goal? Perhaps. But in the meantime, it could be an interesting shift in the next 15 years for those living in the area.

The Harbourfront still has the highest concentration of luxury condos in Toronto, even after all these years. You’ll find lots of older, retired empty nesters, mixed in amongst young-ish professional types.

Convenience counts in this area. Steps to the TTC. A jaunt to catch a GO Train. Access to the Gardiner. Oh, and did we mention you can walk to the airport? There’s also nothing quite like the breathtaking views.

Although most residents do not have children, there are a number of schools along the Harbourfront such as The Waterfront School, and Island Public / Natural Science School.

Liberty Village is one those perfect Toronto examples of a neighbourhood that came up quickly, making its investors a mint. Truly an urban ‘village’ in every sense of the word, this pocket of the city stretches between the Gardiner and King and Dufferin, running east to Strachan, including the rail lands that run South of the major routes.

A planned community from the get-go, you’ll find a good mix of residential, commercial, and retail space. Everything you need (and lots you simply enjoy) is available within a small, walkable radius; from a 24-hour grocery store, drycleaning, a gym, an LCBO (finally!), to the popular pub (The Brazen Head) and coffee shop right in the middle.

In the 1800s the area was home to a prison, and Liberty Street, the main east-west thoroughfare, is said to be named as such because it was the first steps of freedom taken when a prisoner was released. The area’s rail paths, originally built around the 1850’s, led to the industrialization of the area (i.e. factories and warehouses). Liberty Village remained in that state until fairly recently, as development really only took off in the last 10 years.

As is the case in many revitalized Toronto communities, remnants of its industrialized era can be seen in the architecture, and a walk through its now heavily populated streets will take you around exposed brick heritage buildings and loft conversions. Slightly removed from the downtown core by rail tracks, it can be nearly impossible at peak times to catch transit into the downtown core. You’ll see many residents opting to walk, or cycle, to their jobs downtown. Besides, if you’ve got everything you need in your own little hood, you don’t really have to go elsewhere, do you?

Young professionals, the vast majority of whom are in their 20’s and 30’s, many of whom work in the neighbourhoods many media, production, and advertising companies. There’s a huge singles scene in this hood; they’ve even got speed dating nights at the gym! It’s not uncommon for owners to eventually rent out their places and move to more family-friendly areas, so there is an even split between renters and homeowners.

Super convenient, one-stop-shopping at your doorstep. They weren’t kidding when they called it a village!