Best Neighborhoods for Families in Toronto

Toronto, is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers a high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads with families. With numerous neighborhoods to choose from, we've compiled a list of the best areas for families to live, considering factors such as schools, parks, safety, and amenities.

The Beaches

The Beaches is a charming and family-friendly neighborhood located on the shores of Lake Ontario. Families enjoy spending time at the beach, boardwalk, and numerous parks. The area boasts excellent schools, a public library, and community centers offering various programs for children. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like volleyball, soccer, and ice hockey at the local facilities.

Location: East of downtown Toronto, along the shores of Lake Ontario

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,500, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,200,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 1,500,000.

International Schools: Keystone international schools (JK to Grade 8, International Baccalaureate curriculum)

Where to Eat: Enjoy brunch at Lady Marmalade, grab a burger at The Burger's Priest, or savor Italian cuisine at Il Fornello.

Interesting History: The Beaches was a popular resort area in the early 20th century, and remnants of this era can still be seen in the historic buildings along Queen Street East.

Parks: Kew Gardens, Woodbine Park, and Ashbridges Bay Park are popular green spaces in the area, with the latter being the most visited for its beach and recreational facilities.

Leaside

Leaside is a peaceful and affluent neighborhood known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and strong community spirit. Families can enjoy various recreational activities, such as swimming, skating, and organized sports at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: Northeast of downtown Toronto, bounded by Eglinton Avenue East and the Don Valley Parkway

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,300, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,200. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,100,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 1,400,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Lycee Francais de Toronto (PK to Grade 12, French curriculum) and German International School Toronto (PK to Grade 8, German curriculum).

Where to Eat: Try the classic Canadian dishes at The Leaside Pub, enjoy Italian cuisine at Zucca Trattoria, or grab a coffee at The Good Neighbour Espresso Bar.

Interesting History: Leaside was founded as a town in 1913 by the Canadian Northern Railway and was later amalgamated with East York in 1967.

Parks: Sunnybrook Park, Serena Gundy Park, and Trace Manes Park are popular green spaces in the area, offering various recreational facilities.

Davisville Village

Davisville Village is a vibrant and family-oriented neighborhood known for its excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Families can enjoy various activities, such as tennis, baseball, and swimming at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: Midtown Toronto, bounded by Eglinton Avenue East, Mount Pleasant Road, Bayview Avenue, and Moore Avenue

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,400, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,300. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,200,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 1,500,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Lycee Francais de Toronto and German International School Toronto.

Where to Eat: Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Tabule Middle Eastern Cuisine, try the Japanese dishes at Sushi Supreme, or grab a coffee at JJ Bean Coffee Roasters.

Interesting History: Davisville Village was named after John Davis, who immigrated to Canada in the 1840s and played a significant role in the area's development.

Parks: June Rowlands Park, Mount Pleasant Cemetery, and Moore Park Ravine are popular green spaces in the area, offering various recreational facilities.

Roncesvalles

Roncesvalles is a lively and family-friendly neighborhood known for its Polish influences, beautiful parks, and excellent schools. Families can enjoy various activities, such as cycling, soccer, and ice hockey at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: West of downtown Toronto, bounded by Bloor Street West, Queen Street West, Roncesvalles Avenue, and the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,200, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,100. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,000,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 1,300,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Keystone International Schools and Toronto French School (PK to Grade 12, French curriculum).

Where to Eat: Try the Polish dishes at Cafe Polonez, enjoy Mexican cuisine at La Cubana, or grab a coffee at The Roncy Bean.

Interesting History: Roncesvalles was named after the Battle of Roncesvalles in Spain, and the neighborhood's Polish influences can be traced back to the early 20th century when many Polish immigrants settled in the area.

Parks: High Park, Sorauren Avenue Park, and Charles G. Williams Park are popular green spaces in the area, with High Park being the most visited for its various recreational facilities and attractions.

Lawrence Park

Lawrence Park is an upscale and family-friendly neighborhood known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and elegant homes. Families can enjoy various activities, such as tennis, swimming, and organized sports at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: North of downtown Toronto, bounded by Yonge Street, Bayview Avenue, Lawrence Avenue East, and Blythwood Road

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,500, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,500. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,300,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 1,700,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Lycee Francais de Toronto and German International School Toronto.

Where to Eat: Enjoy Italian cuisine at Il Mulino, try the Greek dishes at Mezes, or grab a coffee at Zaza Espresso Bar.

Interesting History: Lawrence Park was founded in the early 20th century as an exclusive residential enclave, and many of the original homes still stand today.

Parks: Lawrence Park, Sherwood Park, and Blythwood Ravine Park are popular green spaces in the area, offering various recreational facilities.

The Annex

The Annex is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and cultural attractions. Families can enjoy various activities, such as visiting museums, attending performances, and participating in sports at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: Downtown Toronto, bounded by Dupont Street, Avenue Road, Harbord Street, and Bathurst Street

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,600, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,600. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,400,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 1,800,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Toronto French School and Keystone International Schools.

Where to Eat: Try the Korean dishes at The Fry, enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at Byblos, or grab a coffee at Ezra's Pound.

Interesting History: The Annex was developed in the late 19th century as an exclusive residential neighborhood, and many of the original homes still stand today.

Parks: Christie Pits Park, Jean Sibelius Square, and Taddle Creek Park are popular green spaces in the area, with Christie Pits Park being the most visited for its various recreational facilities and attractions.

Forest Hill

Forest Hill is an affluent and family-friendly neighborhood known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and elegant homes. Families can enjoy various activities, such as tennis, swimming, and organized sports at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: Midtown Toronto, bounded by Eglinton Avenue West, Avenue Road, Bathurst Street, and Spadina Road

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,700, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,700. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,500,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 1,900,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Toronto French School and Lycee Francais de Toronto.

Where to Eat: Enjoy Italian cuisine at Pizza Banfi, try the Jewish deli dishes at Pancer's Original Deli, or grab a coffee at Aroma Espresso Bar.

Interesting History: Forest Hill was developed in the early 20th century as an exclusive residential enclave, and many of the original homes still stand today.

Parks: Cedarvale Park, Eglinton Park, and Forest Hill Road Park are popular green spaces in the area, offering various recreational facilities.

Rosedale

Rosedale is an upscale and family-friendly neighborhood known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and elegant homes. Families can enjoy various activities, such as tennis, swimming, and organized sports at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: Downtown Toronto, bounded by the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks, Yonge Street, Bloor Street East, and Bayview Avenue

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,800, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,800. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,600,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 2,000,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Toronto French School and Lycee Francais de Toronto.

Where to Eat: Enjoy French cuisine at Le Cafe Michi, try the Italian dishes at Terroni, or grab a coffee at Cafe Doria.

Interesting History: Rosedale was developed in the late 19th century as an exclusive residential neighborhood, and many of the original homes still stand today.

Parks: Rosedale Park, Craigleigh Gardens, and Chorley Park are popular green spaces in the area, offering various recreational facilities.

Yorkville

Yorkville is a vibrant and upscale neighborhood known for its excellent schools, beautiful parks, and cultural attractions. Families can enjoy various activities, such as visiting museums, attending performances, and participating in sports at the local community centers and sports facilities.

Location: Downtown Toronto, bounded by Bloor Street West, Avenue Road, Davenport Road, and Yonge Street

Real Estate: Average rental price of a 2-bedroom apartment: CAD 2,900, 3-bedroom apartment: CAD 3,900. Average purchase price of a 2-bedroom house: CAD 1,700,000, 3-bedroom house: CAD 2,100,000.

International Schools: None in the immediate vicinity, but nearby options include Toronto French School and Keystone International Schools.

Where to Eat: Try the Japanese dishes at Miku, enjoy Italian cuisine at Sotto Sotto, or grab a coffee at Dineen Coffee Co.

Interesting History: Yorkville was founded in the early 19th century as a separate village and was later annexed by the City of Toronto in 1883.

Parks: Ramsden Park, Jesse Ketchum Park, and Town Hall Square are popular green spaces in the area, offering various recreational facilities.

These neighborhoods offer a mix of urban and suburban living, with excellent schools, beautiful parks, and numerous amenities for families. Whether you're looking for a vibrant downtown experience or a peaceful residential enclave, Toronto has something to offer every family.