Introduction
More than just the elaborate “house on the hill” for which it was named, this neighbourhood is a treasure trove of fairy tale houses built on a smaller scale. From its southern boundary at the CNR line/MacPherson street in Toronto’s independent “Republic of Rathnelly,” Casa Loma rises as far north as Lonsdale in Forest Hill Village (a few blocks above St. Clair) and from Bathhurst to Avenue Road.
Lifestyle
“Good people with money” is how one local resident who preferred to remain anonymous describes the typical Casa Loma resident. From the proliferation of “Children at Play” signs to the banners and posters hanging on neat public display, it’s obvious that this is a neighbourhood that cares. Even city construction workers appear delighted to be here, beckoning bicyclists with babies carefully through complicated summer mazes of ripped-up streets and greeting their parents by name.
The Vibe
A haven for working professionals and their families, Casa Loma isn’t really a hotbed of nightlife activity. The community has more of an “enchanted forest” feel, with whimsical houses dotting the winding roads. Residents are more likely to recommend the ravines, gardens and trails as reasons to visit over the local shops or restaurants. Frisbee players, runners, bird watchers and dog walkers keep the parks buzzing with activity winter and summer.
Meet the Neighbours
Relatively young and affluent, the residents of Casa Loma are active people – you’d probably have to be to get up and down that hill regularly! But despite its steep inclination towards youth, there’s also a significant senior presence, with people over 65 comprising around 20% of the population. As far as Toronto neighbourhoods go it’s not the most culturally diverse, with most residents (or at the very least their children) speaking English as a first language.
In the Area
Casa Loma is definitely upscale; looking around it isn’t surprising to note that even some of the baby strollers sport BMW logos. But as the neighbourhood’s population skews younger, the prices, while “up there,” aren’t Toronto premium. Rental costs are in line with most of the city’s trendy neighbourhoods; home ownership is quite a more expensive story.
4.5 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
It’s not a terrible place to drive, but as with many older neighbourhoods, roads here aren’t always as wide as modern cars, so some patience is required on these serpentine streets. The TTC runs the 512 streetcar long St. Clair, and both St. Clair and St. Clair West subway stations are within walking distance; to the south there’s the Davenport bus (127) and Dupont Station.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Catering to the needs of its upscale residents, Casa Loma boasts an abundance of quality private schools, from the very traditional (Bishop Strachan) to the more experimental (Waldorf Academy). Holy Rosary Catholic School Clair is just behind the massive Loblaws/LCBO shopping complex on St. Clair. George Brown College has a Casa Loma campus. Recreationally, the massive block of greenery offers great opportunities for outdoor sports, hiking, and nature activities.
Dollars & Sense
The sleepy, storybook vibe of this moneyed little enclave isn’t for everyone, but will undoubtedly appeal to those who are looking to settle down in a truly livable neighbourhood to raise a family. There’s a very distinct separation between the residential streets and business areas here, and residents complain that a lack of corner stores makes it more difficult to indulge late-night chocolate cravings – but that’s not necessarily a bad thing!
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
The Toronto Archives
The Toronto Archives is worth a visit for the thousands of students, teachers, historians and researchers who make use of the city’s extensive collection of artifacts and records from the past 3 centuries.
more infoLoblaws/LCBO complex
The opening of this complex was huge for residents who used to have to travel much farther to access the amenities this location offers, including a large caf?, party rooms, a cooking school and Joe Fresh.
more infoThe Village Chill
This extremely popular storefront on Lonsdale in Forest Heights Village is unpretentious and reasonably priced, serving hand-scooped and custom-mixed soft serve ice creams and yogurts to frozen treat lovers of all ages and backgrounds.
more infoNordheimer Ravine/Sir Winston Churchill Park
This vast greenspace is actually three parks, joining Roycroft Park towards the bottom of the hill, and includes multiple playing fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and a trail system that runs around a reservoir.
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This independent bookstore is a tremendous draw for families. Offering a great selection of books, there’s also a heavy emphasis on the aesthetic aspect of reading, and the window displays alone are worth checking out.
more infoAroma Espresso Bar
Offering the only real alternative to Starbucks for coffee lovers in the area, this Forest Hill Village outpost of the Aroma chain features a large sidewalk patio and a liquor license for those who need their coffee just a little stronger.
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