People of all ages are flocking to Toronto in record numbers. Of course, we can’t say that we blame them. What’s not to love about Canada’s largest city? Toronto residents enjoy some of the best amenities in the country. It’s a spectacular mix of modern technology and old but well-maintained architecture. You’ll find so much green space at every turn that you might forget that you’re actually in the most populated city in Canada.
Looking for just a few more reasons for families to love Toronto? Here are just a few of the amenities and activities:
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Young families, in particular, are seeing the value of life in Toronto. There are beautiful parks and top-notch schools, both private and public. Throughout the year, it’s easy to find swimming, skating and team sports to keep the young ones busy.
Here are a few of our favourite up-and-coming neighbourhoods for families to watch.
North Toronto
The abundance of high-quality schools available makes North Toronto very popular with families with school-aged children. It’s close to downtown but much quieter, and the houses are larger than average for the city.
One highlight of North Toronto that you don’t want to miss is the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens. Step through the decorative gateway, and you’ll find yourself facing the breathtaking monument to the composer Alexander Muir, for who the park is named after. Once inside, prepare to be dazzled by the blooming flowers, sunken gardens and beautiful archways.
If you have time to spare, put on your hiking shoes because the garden is a gateway to some of Toronto’s best walking trails!
The Junction Triangle
Although made up of mostly long-term residents, the Junction Triangle is starting to attract the attention of young families. It’s a tiny neighbourhood tucked right between the Junction and Bloordale, and is one of the more affordable areas in Toronto. The proximity of public and Catholic schools nearby only increases the appeal of the Junction Triangle for families.
The real estate opportunities are vast. Many of the old factories and warehouses have been turned into desirable lofts. You’ll also find townhouses, semi-detached and older Victorian homes, many of which have been beautifully renovated and modernized.
The neighbourhood exists on an old industrial site that is now surrounded by parks, playgrounds and splash pads.
The highlight of the Junction Triangle is the West Toronto Railpath, an abandoned rail line that runs from Dupont to Dundas. Cyclists, skaters and hikers enjoy the trail all year long. The path provides a beautiful ecosystem of colourful plants for visitors to enjoy in the spring.
Are you ready to start searching for a home that’s good for families? This article will help.
Mimico
With a broad mix of housing options that fall far below Toronto’s averages, Mimico is the place to be for a young family. It is modern, safe and scenic. Public transit and easy highway access make getting to downtown Toronto a breeze. Not that you’ll have to go very often, as you’ll find everything you need nearby.
Mimico has so many convenient amenities that it is hard to pick a highlight. However, families with young children will appreciate the Children’s Urban Enrichment Studio. This 4000 square foot recreation centre offers play-based education programs to help children develop character, confidence and leadership skills. The “play” isn’t just for toddlers, either. School-aged children can enjoy dance parties, paint sessions and brunch and munches in the before and after school programs.
Of course, the real draw of Mimico is the waterfront. Many residents spend as much free time as they can spare strolling, cycling or skating down the beautiful boardwalk.
Danforth Village
This east-end neighbourhood is very family-friendly, with relatively affordable prices attracting many first-time homebuyers to the city. The residential landscape consists of condos, bungalows, Victorian semis and modern townhouses along tree-lined streets. There are plenty of parks and playgrounds for children to enjoy. You’ll also have access to a public library that offers free reading programs to all ages throughout the year. Young children will love visiting the nearby Riverdale Farm, an actual working farm located right in the city!
You’ll find mom-and-pop dining options and unique shops to browse any night of the week.
What is the real highlight of Danforth Village? The Taste of the Danforth is Canada’s largest street festival. It began in 1994 as a celebration of Greek cuisine. Local restaurants participated by offering their specialties for a very low cost to encourage visitors to sample new dishes. To this day, you can taste a wide variety of delicious treats, and nothing costs more than $6. It may be hard to believe, but the food isn’t everything! The whole family will find something to enjoy, from music and art to sports and a kid’s fun zone.
Leslieville
It’s hard to imagine a more family-friendly neighbourhood than Leslieville. This east-end area is quiet and peaceful, which may make it hard to believe that you’re only 15 minutes away from the busy downtown core. Leslieville is a hip, trendy neighbourhood with some of Toronto’s tiniest bungalows, sometimes called “condo alternatives.” Other real estate options are condos, townhouses, Victorian semis and new-built, creative lofts.
What makes Leslieville such a great place for families?
Take Greenwood Park, for starters. This is just one of many parks in the area, and it provides three baseball diamonds, a splash pad, a skating rink and a playground.
The nearby recreation centre offers an indoor pool and a gymnasium to help youngsters stay active during the colder months. You’re also close to a public library with various programs for children of all ages.
The highlight of the neighbourhood is the Leslie Street Spit, a manufactured peninsula made up of discarded bricks and debris. It may have a funny name, but the Spit (as the locals call it) has turned into a nature lovers’ paradise. As soon as the nice weather hits, you’ll see dozens of happy families hiking, rollerblading and cycling along the breathtaking trail.
A real estate agent who is also a neighbourhood expert is your best resource for finding the perfect home for your family. You can find out more about our Toronto home buying process right here.
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