Has a move to the Roncesvalles neighbourhood ever crossed your mind? If so, welcome to one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in West Toronto! Here, you’ll find an exciting yet peaceful lifestyle unlike anything you’ll ever experience anywhere else. From beautiful parks to bustling pubs and the latest and greatest shopping opportunities, Roncesvalles has it all! In this post, we’ll highlight just a few of our favourite things about living in this thrilling West End community.
Are you wondering what types of homes are available in Toronto as we speak? Find out by visiting our featured listings right here.
The Epitome of Family Friendly
It’s only fitting that one of the hippest and most fashionable neighbourhoods in Toronto has a catchy nickname. Hence, you’ll often hear local residents refer to their beloved home as “Roncy.” This little hub of excitement nestled slightly to the east of High Park and south of the Junction Triangle is one of the most family-friendly areas you’ll ever encounter.
First things first, Roncesvalles offers access to excellent schools, such as Howard Junior Public School and Garden Avenue Junior Public School. Though not right in the neighbourhood, Ursula Franklin Academy is a few minutes away. This highly-rated secondary school consistently boasts an outstanding score from the Fraser Institute, and students are not limited by catchment area.
Now, on to more fun topics. The neighbourhood itself is full of playgrounds and green spaces, not to mention being right next door to Toronto’s largest public park! Kids and kids at heart have no shortage of outdoor recreation four seasons of the year, from games of tag and frisbee, hiking and cycling to skating and tobogganing.
If you need an escape from the chilly or rainy weather outside, there’s plenty of indoor fun, too. High Park Library awaits, with a full roster of programming encouraging people of all ages to explore new hobbies and form new friendships. Not that meeting people is difficult in a friendly neighbourhood like Roncy!
Do you want to know more about some of Toronto’s top neighbourhoods? Here are some related posts that may pique your interest:
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Top Dog-Friendly Neighbourhoods in the West End
A Coffee Lover’s Paradise
Much has been and will continue to be written about the coffee shops of Roncesvalles, and for a good reason. They are legendary! We’re not just talking about your usual chains, either
Our favourites are the cozy little shops you’ll find sprinkled along the neighbourhood streets, where you can warm up with an Americano in the winter or chillax with a cold brew when the mercury soars. Call a friend or grab a book and prepare for a peaceful afternoon at one of our local hotspots.
Even the names can inspire you to get in touch with your inner creativity – just think Cherry Bomb, High Notes, I Deal Coffee on the Park, Coffee and All That Jazz – there are far too many great options to name! Most also offer a host of baked goods and other treats, so you’ll be able to indulge your appetite as well.
We’re not saying that the coffee alone is reason enough to pack your bags and move to Roncy, but who are we kidding? That’s exactly what we are saying. We are sure the coffee enthusiasts in your life will also agree.
Shops, Shops, and More Shops
If the coffee and pastries aren’t enough, think of all the fantastic shopping opportunities that await. Your usual big box stores are close by, but there’s much more to Roncy than your typical franchise.
The gorgeous, historic buildings along Dundas Street West and Roncesvalles Avenue boast one of the most unique shopping districts in Toronto. Gourmet grocery stores, fashion boutiques, gift shops, salons, incredible restaurants, and more are just a few of the independent businesses waiting to welcome you and your family.
Whether you’re on the hunt for the ultimate gift or a little something for yourself (because you deserve it), you need not look any further than your own backyard. There’s no better place to get your dose of retail therapy than in the lively and happening Roncesvalles neighbourhood! If you need more stores to browse, you can always take a short trip to Bloor West Village, Roncy’s fun and trendy neighbour to the west.
Speaking of shopping, here are Our Top Boutique Shopping Experiences in Toronto.
Unparallelled Scenic Beauty
It’s hard to get better than living in a neighbourhood renowned for its fantastic food and great shopping, and you can expect no less from Roncy. We’ve already talked a little about the breathtaking scenic beauty, but a few words can hardly do it justice.
The bordering neighbourhood of High Park is within easy walking distance, where you’ll find Toronto’s most expansive green space complete with a playground, multiple hiking and cycling trails, a pond, and even a petting zoo. However, you don’t even have to go that far to revel in the splendour of nature.
Roncy’s own Sorenson Park is a natural oasis onto itself, which boasts a wide-open sports field, a tennis court, and a children’s playground. Dogs are also welcome at the leash-free zone, and the park even hosts movie nights and a farmer’s market throughout the warmer months.
Sorauren Park is one of the most well-known green spaces that brings the entire Roncesvalles community together. There are also many other smaller parks right around the corner where you can take the kids for an hour, an entire afternoon, or perhaps in between shopping sprees. Notable examples include Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, Charles G. Williams Park, and MacGregor Playground.
What is there to do for fun in Toronto? The list never ends!
- Top Family-Friendly Activities in Toronto for All Seasons
- Hiking in the East End: Our Favourite All-Season Trails
- Skating in Toronto: A Guide to the Our Favourite Rinks
A Varied Real Estate Market
For those who gravitate toward condo life, the lofts of Roncesvalles are what dreams are made of! Soft lofts, hard lofts – whatever you’re looking for, it’s all in Roncy. Here are some details in case your loft knowledge could use a refresher:
- A hard loft is a residential dwelling in a building that was once used for commercial purposes. High ceilings, exposed pipes, concrete floors, and large windows are a few defining features that add to the distinctive character of a hard loft.
- A soft loft is a purpose-built condo made to mimic the look and feel of a hard loft. However, it was never used for industrial purposes.
Roncesvalles may be known for its incredible lofts, but that’s far from the whole picture when it comes to your real estate options. Families with higher budgets will find a variety of spacious detached houses, from gorgeous century homes to modern new builds and everything in between.
Semi-detached residences and townhouses round out the mix to provide options for lower to mid-range budgets. When you’re ready, a local real estate agent can help you narrow it down to the perfect home for you and your family.
Curious about the real estate opportunities in Roncesvalles? We are happy to guide you from start to finish, whether buying, selling, or investing. Reach out today to 416.443.0300 or email Erica@EricaReddy.com to get started.
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