For years, Toronto has remained one of Canada’s most desirable places to live.
Despite its correction over the past year, prices in the Toronto real estate market are still higher than they were during the coronavirus pandemic. Moreover, with the population expected to grow, it is widely anticipated that North America’s fourth-largest city will come out of the downturn in even better shape, especially as more people come to Canada and seek to plant new roots in the provincial capital.
But while Toronto is perhaps one of the greatest cities in the world, what parts of the major urban centre are attractive neighbourhoods to live in? Indeed, there are many to choose from, be it close to Lake Ontario or just outside of the downtown core.
So, for families, what communities are the best? We have put together a guide to help you.
The Most Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Toronto
Here are the seven most family-friendly neighbourhoods in the Toronto housing market today:
#1 High Park
High Park is located in the west end of Toronto and is one of the most popular and family-friendly neighbourhoods in Toronto. As evident by its name, it is known for its vast parklands. In fact, High Park is one of the largest parks in Toronto and includes a zoo, swimming pool, hiking trails and several picnic areas. Families in this neighbourhood have no shortage of outdoor space to engage in recreational activities and family-friendly amenities.
High Park has excellent schools that provide high-quality education to children, easy and accessible public transit, a safe and vibrant community, and numerous family-friendly amenities. Local businesses especially thrive in this area as the number of people visiting High Park during summer and spring is quite high, and retail/local sales can be considerably high during the peak outdoor season.
#2 Davisville Village
Davisville Village is another popular neighbourhood in Toronto known for its family-friendly environment. This neighbourhood has several parks and playgrounds, sports facilities, walking trails, excellent schools with outstanding academic programs and extracurricular activities, and many housing options available for families of all sizes, including townhomes, condominiums, and single-family homes. It has plenty of parks and playgrounds, excellent schools, and diverse housing options. Davisville boasts several family-friendly amenities, such as libraries, community centres, local shops, and many restaurants offering different cuisines. The neighbourhood is known to be safe, with excellent public transportation options.
#3 The Beaches
The Beaches is a family-friendly and trendy neighbourhood in Toronto. As is evident from its name, the area is known for its beautiful sandy beaches. It has an extremely family-friendly vibe with many parks, recreational facilities, and a lovely waterfront. In particular, families can enjoy activities like biking and rollerblading, along with days on the beach and picnics with friends and family. Also, the neighbourhood is known for its charming houses and a very laid-back atmosphere. There are many parks and green spaces here, and the area also offers a variety of housing options and excellent schools. The Beaches are also close to downtown Toronto making it easy for families to commute, and the area is well connected to public transit.
#4 Leaside
Leaside is located in East York and is known for its excellent schools, parks, and green spaces. The neighbourhood is known for its strong sense of community and is ideal for families with young children. The traffic in Leaside is much lower than in other areas in Toronto, and the quiet streets are something most families enjoy. It also has a variety of family-friendly amenities, including community centres, pools, skating rinks, sports facilities, and local shops and restaurants.
This neighbourhood is located close to downtown Toronto making it easy for people to commute. Public transportation is also readily available.
#5 North York
North York is one of the most diverse neighbourhoods of Toronto, with plenty of parks, a variety of community centers and libraries, and many sports facilities. This neighbourhood is home to some of the best schools in Toronto, and families can take advantage of all types of options, including public schools, private schools, and Catholic schools. In addition, there are many shopping and dining options for families. The area is very safe, with a low crime rate.
Families from all cultures and backgrounds thrive in this neighbourhood, providing children a unique opportunity to learn and understand different cultures and perspectives.
#6 Leslieville
Leslieville is one of the more trendy neighbourhoods of Toronto. It is located in the east end and is famous for its artsy look and feel. The neighbourhood has excellent schools, many parks, and various shops and restaurants catering to families from diverse backgrounds. The streets of Leslieville are well-maintained, with low traffic volumes and quiet neighbours. Several local amenities cater to families, including community centers, gymnasiums, and pools. Public transit is accessible and reliable.
#7 Bloor West Village
Bloor West Village is another charming neighbourhood of Toronto located in the west end. Its name reflects the village-like feel of this neighbourhood, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and village-like feel. There is a strong sense of community, and the residents of this area enjoy many local events and activities throughout the year, including street fairs, festivals, and farmer’s markets. The area also has an abundance of excellent schools, several parks and playgrounds, local shops and restaurants, and easy and accessible public transport.