When looking for a family-friendly neighbourhood, some things are just a given. For starters, a safe and engaging environment is non-negotiable. From there, you may also factor in what amenities are nearby, and what family-friendly activities you can all enjoy together.
When looking for a new home, the list of reasons to consider Toronto is almost endless. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of our favourite neighbourhoods for families of all types.
The Beaches
A name like The Beaches says it all! This highly sought-after community feels like a vacation destination, particularly during the warmer months.
Located right on the shores of Lake Ontario, The Beaches takes its name from its proximity to some of Toronto’s best waterfronts. Woodbine Beach lies to the West, Balmy Beach falls to the East, and Scarboro Beach and Kew Beach are nestled right in the middle. As you might expect from a waterfront neighbourhood, the streets are lined with independent shops, cafes, and boutiques.
Any day is the perfect day for a family outing, whether you want to stroll along the boardwalk or enjoy an ice cream on a patio overlooking the water. The Beaches is about more than fun in the sun, however. If you want a break from swimming and building sand castles, you’ll also find stunning parks and playgrounds nearby. Woodbine Park, Ashbridges Bay, and Glen Stewart Park are all popular attractions for families living in and near The Beaches.
With numerous public and private schools nearby, The Beaches is also highly sought after for families who value education. The Cole Academy of Toronto, Kew Beach Junior Public School, and Boardwalk Montessori School are just a few notable examples.
The Beaches offers a wide variety of architectural styles. Housing structures range from heritage homes constructed in the late 1800s to custom new builds with the latest modern technology. Numerous condos are sprinkled throughout, making the possibility of living in a resort-style neighbourhood more accessible than you think.
Riverdale
The scenic and vibrant neighbourhood of Riverdale has the honour of being one of the greenest in the city. That is high praise, given all of the breathtaking parks and trails found all over Toronto.
If fast access to some of the best recreation in the city doesn’t make Riverdale family-friendly, we don’t know what world. During the warm weather, children (and the young at heart) can be found outside playing baseball, soccer, or just running around in delight. With an outdoor pool in the summer and a skating rink in the winter, there is always something fun on the agenda.
If you feel for a more relaxed form of recreation, you and your family can get out to explore the beautiful, naturalized trails. Riverdale is also home to a fantastic dining and shopping district, as well as numerous reputable schools, such as Frankland Community Junior School, Pape Avenue Junior Public School, Withrow Avenue Junior Public School, and several others.
If you love classic architecture and spacious living, Riverdale’s diverse real estate landscape will make you feel right at home. Many of these two and three-storey Victorian houses have been extensively renovated to feature the open-concept plans modern families love.
Are you thinking about buying a home in the next few months? The posts below can help you get off to a great start:
Bloor West Village/Swansea
Though considered separate neighbourhoods, Bloor West Village and Swansea are just minutes apart. These two West End Neighbourhoods are among the most desirable in Toronto for many reasons.
Swansea features stunning natural beauty, with a lake, a river, and a pond making up the borders. Minutes to the north, Bloor West Village offers a vibrant shopping and dining district that is the envy of Toronto. Here, you will find a vast array of European delis and bakeries. Public libraries and community centres provide superb recreational activities for families. Most importantly, several of Toronto’s top schools are nearby, including Ursula Franklin Academy, Humberside Collegiate Institute, Swansea Junior and Senior Public Schools, and Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School.
The real estate landscape in Bloor West Village and Swansea is varied, with high-end residences overlooking Grenadier Pond, an abundance of semi-detached houses and bungalows, and a few new condo buildings throughout the area.
High Park/Roncesvalles
Are you looking for a family-friendly area full of beautiful scenery while also being one of the trendiest areas around? Either High Park or Roncesvalles fit the bill perfectly!
Both neighbourhoods are within easy walking distance of each other. High Park lies right next to Toronto’s second-largest park, hence the name. Nearly 400 acres of stunning green space make High Park the choice neighbourhood for many families, especially those who love the great outdoors.
Amenities include a fishing pond, multiple playgrounds, a cafe, flower gardens, an outdoor pool, a rink, and much more. Imagine living next to a lush forest retreat while also being minutes away from all of the perks of the city!
A few minutes away lies the trendy neighbourhood of Roncesvalles (or “Roncy,” as the locals know it). With parks, coffee shops, and restaurants galore, it’s easy to see why so many young and hip families have their eyes on the West. Bloor West Village is also minutes away, where you can easily spend a day popping in and out of a multitude of fascinating boutiques.
Highly rated schools include Howard Junior Public School, Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School, and Garden Avenue Junior Public School. Once again, Ursula Franklin Academy is close by and open to all students across Toronto.
Though High Park and Roncesvalles are often considered upscale, a variety of housing styles are available. Turn-of-the-century heritage homes adorn tree-lined streets, with large front porches perfect for family quality time. Semi-detached homes and townhouses are also available, which may be ideal for younger buyers starting out on the property ladder..
Lawrence Park
Quiet luxury is perhaps the best way to describe the peaceful, upscale Lawrence Park neighbourhood. Upon its establishment in 1907, the first advertisement for Lawrence Park hailed it as an “aristocratic neighbourhood.”
Today, the area is home to some of Toronto’s wealthiest residents, some of whom have been in the area for generations. A peaceful lifestyle, picturesque setting, and access to outstanding schools make Lawrence Park one of the most family-friendly places in the city.
The park the neighbourhood is named after features tennis courts, scenic gardens, and access to the Lawrence Park Ravine Footpath. The shopping district of Yonge Lawrence Village is also within walking distance, which makes getting out with your family easy and fun.
For families, the schools alone make it worthwhile to put down roots in Lawrence Park. Highly rated options include Lawrence Park Collegiate and Blythwood Junior Public School, as well as some of the most exclusive private schools in Toronto, such as Blyth Academy. As an upscale neighbourhood, Lawrence Park features primarily detached homes in a variety of classic architectural styles. Expansive square footage and premium lot sizes make these homes ideal for growing families.
Want to know even more about what makes Toronto a world-class city? The posts below will give you some insight:
- Top Ten Luxury Neighbourhoods In Toronto
- How Toronto Compares To International Cities
- Why Toronto Is Fantastic For Pet Owners
Allenby
The uptown neighbourhood of Allenby is another excellent choice, especially for families with young children. Located just southwest of Lawrence Park, Allenby also offers access to above-average schools and spectacular green spaces, such as Eglinton Park and the 7 km Beltline Trail. The shopping district along Eglinton Avenue boasts a wide array of boutiques and fantastic restaurants, many of which specifically cater to families.
A strong education system is the primary attraction, especially at the elementary level. Well-regarded schools include Allenby Junior Public School, St. Clement’s School, and Marshall McLuhan Catholic Secondary School.
Allenby real estate consists of numerous two-storey detached homes and bungalows. Generous lot sizes providing plenty of space for outdoor play are yet another draw for families.
Rosedale
Rosedale has long been considered one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods, with a wide array of upscale heritage homes and a peaceful setting. Quiet streets surrounded by breathtaking ravines also make it a top choice for affluent families.
Living in Rosedale also means numerous entertainment centres and shopping districts are close at hand. Rosedale Park and Ramsden Park offer access to a host of outdoor activities, including tennis, soccer, and ice skating. Multiple ravines provide breathtaking natural beauty, where you can relax on a bench to take in the scenery or get your heart pumping with a daily sprint along the trails.
Rosedale schools are as prestigious as the neighbourhood itself. A few of the highly rated facilities include Rosedale Heights Public School, Rosedale Junior Public School, and The Linden School.
Rosedale real estate is known for its architectural charm and meticulous detail. Many Victorian, Georgian, Tudor, and Edwardian-style estates were constructed between 1840 and 1940 and have been lovingly maintained and cared for ever since.
Leaside
Leaside is a high-end neighbourhood in East York that is particularly popular with families. Plenty of parks and green space balanced off with convenient amenities makes for one of Toronto’s most expensive real estate markets.
Bayview Avenue is Leaside’s predominant shopping district, where you’ll find a variety of antique shops, specialty stores, and outstanding family restaurants. Local amenities include an indoor ice arena and swimming pool, as well as a curling rink.
Sunnybrook Park is a short drive away, where you and your family can enjoy an afternoon surrounded by nature. You can even go horseback riding, which is a fun activity you’re hard-pressed to find anywhere else in Toronto!
Leaside also boasts a selection of outstanding schools, such as Leaside High School, Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School, and Northlea Elementary and Middle School.
The houses of Leaside may as well have been built with families in mind, with spacious two-storeys, bungalows, and semi-detached homes. Expansive lot sizes also tend to feature private driveways and garages, which makes these homes even more appealing in Toronto.
Once you find your perfect new home, it’s time to make it uniquely yours! The posts below will inspire you with some decorating ideas:
Mimico
Located a short drive or train ride from downtown Toronto, Mimico offers a luxurious waterfront lifestyle at a far more reasonable cost of living than other lakeside neighbourhoods. The community spirit is almost irresistible to families who can’t get enough of the exciting events that roll in every year. The Mimico Festival, Lakeshore Community Festival and Lakeshore Christmas Parade are just a few examples.
Waterfront Park is a top favourite for current residents and newcomers alike. With stunning fields and green spaces on one side and the gorgeous waterfront on the other, it’s hard to say which is more breathtaking. In addition, the boardwalk is a beautiful place anytime you want to get outside and enjoy nature.
Vibrant shopping areas along Lakeshore Boulevard and Royal York Road feature an array of unique shops and restaurants. Everything your family needs is right around the corner, whether you’re making a quick pit stop for a few groceries or taking the family out for a night of fun and games.
Parents of young children will be ecstatic to know that schools such as John English Junior Middle School and Mimico High School are right nearby, as are a selection of private and Catholic Schools.
Real estate options in Mimico are wide and varied, making them more accessible for your family than you may realize. New condos and townhouses are interspersed with older homes and smaller bungalows, making Mimico the ideal neighbourhood for families at all budgets.
Markland Wood
Green space, green space, and then some more green space are a few things that spring to mind when you think of Markland Wood! For families who love spending time outdoors, it’s hard to beat this neighbourhood on the Western border of Etobicoke.
Bloordale Park offers a host of exciting activities for residents of all ages. Amenities include a baseball diamond, tennis facilities, and a playground that will keep the little ones busy. Beautiful walking paths through forested trails are a wonderful escape from the busyness of life, where you can hike, cycle, or grab a pair of binoculars to spot some wildlife. Markland Wood schools include Bloordale Middle School, Quo Vadis Elementary School, Millwood Junior School, all within easy walking distance.
The neighbourhood has one of the most robust homeowner’s associations in Toronto, which includes more than 1,000 homes. The association has a high percentage of approval from homeowners, which helps to ensure a high standard for the elegant homes of Markland Woods.
The Kingsway
The Kingsway is one of the most prestigious communities in Etobicoke, known for its natural beauty, expansive parks, and stunning architecture. Large lots and stately homes lend an English countryside feel to the neighbourhood, making it easy to forget that you’re located in Ontario’s most populated city.
However, the Bloor West Village shopping district lies to the East, just over the Humber River, providing convenient access to some of Toronto’s top amenities.
Beautiful landscapes dotted with towering maple and oak trees are a majestic sight no matter what season you’re strolling through. This picturesque setting makes The Kingsway an ideal neighbourhood for families who want to stay close to nature without sacrificing any modern conveniences of city life. The Humber River Recreation Trail leads to Lambton Golf and Country Club and provides scenic views of the river along the way.
Top-notch education is the main attraction for families. The Kingsway offers access to some of the best public and private schools in Toronto, including Lambton Kingsway Junior Middle School, Bishop Allen Academy Catholic Secondary School, Prince Edward Montessori School, and the highly reputable Kingsway College School.
The real estate in The Kingsway often features larger-than-average homes on supersized lots, perfect for those who enjoy a serene and luxurious space. Its stone mansions are a majestic sight at any time, whether you’re out for an afternoon of errands or simply taking in a leisurely stroll. These safe and quiet streets where children can safely play outside also make The Kingsway an ideal neighbourhood for families.
Do you want more advice on finding the right Toronto neighbourhood for your family? Your experts at the Tanya Crepulja Team are happy to help! Reach out to tanya@tcteam.ca or call 647-293-3785 for a complimentary consultation.
