Introduction
Identified by the three lofty condo towers, Bayview Village is an uptown neighbourhood lying within the convenient confines of Finch Avenue in the north, Bayview Avenue to the west, Leslie Street in the east and the 401 Expressway in its backyard. This is an area that has responded willingly and well to the ever-increasing demand for an upscale condo lifestyle outside of the downtown core.
Lifestyle
Bayview Village affords a chic environment to its residents, who rarely feel the need to traverse to downtown hangouts in order to enjoy the vibrancy of big city Toronto life. Despite having a high traffic artery like Sheppard Avenue East running through its midst, his neighbourhood is quietly residential on weekends. Almost a quarter of its area is dominated by lush green parks, parkettes, and the majestic East Don Parklands.
The Vibe
Bayview Village is replete with live-work-play-shop alternatives. The roads see busy office traffic during the morning hours, which gets replaced by trendy mall traffic in the evening hours. The resident parks, parkettes, tennis clubs and library see a healthy flow of families, young professionals and active elderly/retired folks. Restaurants and shops, despite being expensive, are full to the brim.
Meet the Neighbours
According to a 2011 social study conducted by the city of Toronto, 47 per cent of Bayview Villagers belong to 25-64, with seniors 65 + years a close second at 17 per cent. The working adult population is characterized by second and third generation Persian, Chinese and Korean immigrants, coming from single to single-family homes that consist of 1-5 family members. Average household incomes range upwards from $50K – $150K.
In the Area
Life for Bayview Villagers revolves around the Bayview Village mall with its own Loblaws supercentre and LCBO; a Canadian Tire, and the North York location of IKEA. The neighbourhood is home to the Bayview Village Residents Association, The Bayview Village Park, Rean Park and the North York General Hospital. Kids go to excellent institutions like the Earl Haig Secondary School and the Elkhorn Public School.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Bayview Village has three subway stops east of the Yonge-University-Spadina line, along Sheppard Avenue East. TTC buses regularly ply on route 85 between Yonge Street in the west end and Don Mills in the east. From any given point in this area, access to the highway 401 ramp is a paltry two minute drive away. Oriole Go station is another option for area commuters who work in distant GTA locations.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
It's hard to find something wrong with Bayview Village, there is something for everyone. The area propounds the haute lifestyle, offering not just options for shopping, but also safe and clean walking spaces, or to meet peers for relaxed brunches and coffees. The one issue to mention would be the noise pollution from the Sheppard Avenue East traffic.
Dollars & Sense
Prices in Bayview Village range from affordable to luxury. A small condo goes for a premium – and the same goes for rental. Local eats like The Origin North, and the O&B cafe pack a mean punch to the wallet. Shopping at Bayview Village mall isn't meant for the budget-conscious, while grocery options vary between generic Loblaws prices to more exclusive, gourmet offerings like those found at Pusateri’s.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Bayview Village Shopping Centre
This ritzy 440,000 square ft. mall ushers you in with flattering greeting signs, contains over 110 haute retail options, and was dubbed “the toniest mall north of Hazleton Lanes” by Toronto Life.
more infoOliver and Bonacini Café Grill
This North York location of the O & B chain is famous for its weekend brunches. A great spot to meet, it offers patio seating both inside and out of the mall area.
more infoOrigin North
This multi-cuisine offering by restaurateur Claudio Aprile is one for the lists. Dishes are beautifully crafted and generously portioned, with the claim to fame being the frozen ice creams made at your table.
more infoYMCA
This North York location of the YMCA is open 24 hours. It is a regular haunt for Bayview Villagers, who enjoy the flexibility and community feel of this family centre.
more infoIkea
This branch of IKEA on Leslie Street is a valuable area amenity, especially for the up and coming condo owners. As the first in the city, this IKEA is an urban landmark.
more infoCanadian Tire
This sprawling retail staple is located right next to the Ikea and comes with a garden centre.
more info