Ornate lamp-lined sidewalks, idyllic streets and beautiful buildings can be found in Toronto’s Palmerston neighbourhood. While Koreatown and Little Italy to the north and south are always bustling, the area in between is largely residential and peaceful. Palmerston can be found south of Bloor, west of Bathurst, north of College and east of Clinton.
Palmerston is an ideal neighbourhood to raise a family or for those seeking a quiet spot in the city. Plenty of parks and peaceful streets make this area a fun and safe place for kids to play. Older houses and a few lowrise apartment buildings dominate the area, however, a new development in Mirvish Village will add 1,000 rental units and a significant commercial footprint.
Considering the neighbourhood’s proximity to the downtown core, transit lines as well as safe, clean and beautiful streets, Palmerston’s housing for rental or ownership is priced above average. Basement apartments and smaller units are more affordable but still expensive. A range of excellent food and beverage options along Bloor, Bathurst and College cater to a variety of budgets.
Palmerston offers the best of both worlds – recreational amenities and beautiful streets in a quiet enclave with great food and shopping along more bustling, busy strips. These attractive points make Palmerston properties for sale and rent extremely competitive. Motorists that frequent other areas of the city and GTA will find Palmerston a challenge as there's no easy access to highways.
Palmerston is well-connected by public transit with Bathurst Station, the Bathurst Streetcar and College Streetcar servicing the neighbourhood’s boundaries. The 94 Wellesley bus supplements service along Harbord. Dedicated bike lanes along Harbord and an upgraded bike intersection at Palmerston and Harbord make the neighbourhood cycle-friendly. Several one-way streets and traffic-calming speed humps deter thorough fare traffic.
Plenty of excellent schools can be found in Palmerston, like the Harbord Collegiate Institute and the Clinton Street Junior Public School. There's no shortage of parks, splash pads and parkettes for children to play. The Church of St. Mary Magdalene offers a place for the religious community to congregate, while the building itself adds beautiful character to the neighbourhood.
A mix of homeowners and renters reside in Palmerston. Lowrise apartments attract students and Millennials that appreciate their buildings’ old charm and history. The neighbourhood is ideal for young families, however, a competitive housing market means only affluent homebuyers can afford property in the area. You will also find long-time homeowners in Palmerston that are undeterred by the extended neighbourhood’s increasing density and gentrification.
Many residents of Palmerston enjoy the warm community feel of the neighbourhood. Young urbanites are attracted to the area’s proximity to Bathurst and College lined with hip juice bars, cafes and restaurants, while Palmerston proper retains a quiet and calm atmosphere. Gates and ornate lampposts line Palmerston Ave., giving this enclave a stately and slightly historic feel.
Owner Cher Thornton helps brides-to-be find unique, one-of-a-kind vintage wedding dresses that date back to the late 1800s. Vintage Bride also stocks a variety of headpieces, jewellery and other bridal accessories full of classic charm.
more infoResidents saved this small strip on Markham St. from becoming a parking lot. Mirvish Village is now home to unique boutiques and artist studios, but an upcoming development will dramatically change this charming enclave.
more infoThis centrally-located park is perfect for kids at play, with playground fixtures and gently-used toys that remain in the park. A wading pond operates in the summer for children seeking respite from hot weather.
more infoMade fresh daily, the Village Juicery is 100 per cent organic, raw, nutritionist-approved and cold-pressed. Freshly-squeezed citrus juices, alkaline water and handmade nut milks accompany their signature line of cold-pressed juice blends.
more infoLineups frequently extend out The Big Chill’s door. Try Mickey’s Birthday Cake — a delightfully fun and sweet flavour. Freshly-baked waffle cones, Belgian waffles and ice cream sandwiches round out this retro-inspired shop’s offerings.
more infoThis popular Toronto coffee shop is the perfect spot to pick up a cup on the go. While seating is limited, patrons often linger at the bench outside on sunny days.
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