Top 8 Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Toronto

Toronto is well-known as a hotspot for easy access to a wealth of cultures, food, retail and entertainment in each corner of the municipality. With over 140 vibrant and diverse communities to choose from, there’s a reason Toronto is called a “city of neighbourhoods”. However, for a young family looking to move into the big city, navigating Toronto real estate can be a challenge when it comes to finding the best family-friendly communities that will suit your needs. 

Factoring in access to amenities, green space, parks and top rated schools, we’ve pulled 8 of the top family-friendly neighbourhoods in Toronto along with the average price of a semi-detached house, detached house and condo apartment as of September 2020.

In these neighbourhoods the average detached house price ranged from $908,082 to $4,453,101 while the more affordable condo options ranged from $535,357 to $1,080,333. The following list is sorted from the most affordable to the least affordable neighbourhood based on the price of an average detached house.

1. Rockcliffe-Smythe (W03)

Rockcliffe-Smythe is probably the best bet when searching for an affordable detached home close to downtown; the neighbourhood is almost deceptively well-connected, with close access to the St. Clair streetcar line, which runs across town. It was ranked number six on Airbnb’s “Hottest Neighbourhoods of the World” list in 2017 and is renowned for its peaceful residential streets, and large swaths of green space along the Black Creek Valley. This neighbourhood is a rare find for families looking for a house with parking and a backyard in the big city.

• Average Detached House Price: $908,082 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: $923,112 (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $535,357 (Sep 2020)

See homes for sale in Rockcliffe-Smythe.

2. Riverdale (E03)

Located east of the Don River, Riverdale is one of Toronto’s biggest neighbourhoods and with its abundant green space (Riverdale Park) and quiet streets, unsurprisingly appeals to a mix of homeowners. Riverdale boasts a mix of the old and new – its architecture often features brick houses with a modern flair. This neighbourhood also has convenient and good eats being close to the Danforth and also great schools in the area including Withrow Avenue Junior Public School and Montcrest School, and Riverdale Collegiate Institute high school). On the east end of the neighbourhood, Chinatown is a popular visit for fresh produce and authentic Chinese restaurants.

• Average Detached House Price: $1,286,988 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: $1,144,328 (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $519,561 (Sep 2020)

See homes for sale in Riverdale.

3. Leslieville (E01)

Once hailed by the New York Times as the Williamsburg of Toronto, Leslieville is a family-friendly neighbourhood situated on the east side of downtown Toronto. The area has undergone a major revitalization in recent years, becoming a hip enclave that’s chock-full of artisanal coffee shops, trendy cafes, and retail stores. It’s also a magnet for young millennial families, drawn to its urban, yet small-town, vibe. Typical homes in Leslieville include mid-rise condos and apartments, townhouses and older detached properties. The area also has easy access to downtown via the Line 2, Bloor-Danforth subway line. A fun fact: this neighbourhood was historically known as Toronto’s Film District and continues to draw in the likes of film makers, artists, and designers.

• Average Detached House Price: $1,445,056 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: $1,257,925 (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $810,190 (Sep 2020)

See homes for sale in Leslieville.

4. Danforth Village (E02)

A pocket for first-time buyers, Danforth Village is a growing hot spot for shopping, dining and culture. Characterized by its authentic Greek restaurants, fresh produce markets and unique front porches, this neighbourhood has attracted buyers from all segments of the market. Over the last few years, the neighbourhood has transformed but is still considered to be an “affordable” area of the city, making it a very attractive option for homebuyers looking to purchase a house but still be within reach of downtown. 

The neighbourhood also has lots of recreational activities nearby such as The Danforth/Coxwell Public Library and Monarch Park, as well as easy access to the TTC Bloor-Danforth line and the Danforth GO Station. With a close community and peaceful streets, the charm of neighbourhood lies in the feeling of living in a small village with the access to amenities of a big city.

• Average Detached House Price: $1,654,992 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: $1,151,145 (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $770,418 (Sep 2020)

See homes for sale in Danforth Village.

5. Davisville Village (C10)

Nestled in Toronto’s midtown, Davisville Village offers a variety of housing options and highly-ranked schools – such as Maurice Cody Junior Public School, one of midtown’s highest ranked public schools. Houses here carry age-old charm, which is evident in the architecture and easily recognized by their Edwardian-style features and high-rises provide the option for young families who prefer condo living. Thes central location of the neighbourhood is ideal for transit and driving from downtown, being close to both Davisville and Eglinton subway stations.. 

Davisville’s main shopping district is Mount Pleasant Road, which hosts a variety of shops specializing in antiques and collectibles. Moreover, it is home to excellent recreational facilities and parks with tennis courts like June Rowlands Park, and the Appletree farmer’s market, available spring through fall..

• Average Detached House Price: $1,930,219 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: $1,428,414 (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $692,215 (Sep 2020)

See homes for sale in Davisville Village.

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6. Bloor West Village (W01)

Families who enjoy the historic look of the classic Toronto house will find their ideal property in the neighbourhood of Bloor West Village. Known for its family-friendly community and tree-lined streets, this neighbourhood is located west of downtown and borders High Park, the second largest municipal park in Toronto covering 161 hectares of nature, playgrounds and Grenadier Pond. With direct access to the TTC Bloor-Danforth line, homes here are just steps away from Bloor Street, which features a shopping district of over 400 shops, restaurants and services. With decent space for kids to play outdoors, the neighbourhood is also known to be one of the safest in Toronto.

• Average Detached House Price: $1,936,368 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: $1,546,429 (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $640,000 (Sep 2020)

See homes for sale in Bloor West Village.

7. Leaside (C11)

Notably one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Toronto, Leaside is well-known for being one of the most upscale and high-end pockets in the city. There is no shortage of luxurious properties, private driveways and garages. The homes in this neighbourhood typically come at a higher price tag but it makes it a great area to raise kids. The neighbourhood is also easily accessible with 3 Eglinton Crosstown LRT stations in the area as of 2021.

Shops along the Bayview Avenue feature antiques, specialty goods and children stores. Recreational activities in the neighbourhood span from an indoor ice area, to indoor swimming pools to a curling rink. Most notably, the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens and Sunnybrook Park are popular spots with residents. 

• Average Detached House Price: $2,272,400 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: $1,372,000 (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $617,689 (Sep 2020)

See homes for sale in Leaside.

8. Lawrence Park South (C12)

Lawrence Park South is one of the most exclusive and wealthy neighbourhoods in Toronto. It is a neighbourhood that has some of the best properties, attractions and greenspace in the city. It comes with no surprise that the average price of homes in this area are in the millions. With the steeper prices come quiet and safe streets with rolling hills. Located north of the midtown area, the neighbourhood has good transportation, most notably Line 5, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Some of these parks in the neighbourhood include Lytton Park, Chatsworth Ravine,Lawrence Park and Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens. Addtionally, there are options for schools, both public and private.

• Average Detached House Price: $4,453,101 (Sep 2020)
• Average Semi-Detached House Price: n/a (Sep 2020)
• Average Condo Apartment Price: $1,080,333 (Sep 2020)