Introduction
With great schools, retail convenience and transit options, Pleasant View is home to many North Toronto families. The neighbourhood consists of mostly older homes built more than 50 years ago. Its boundaries are McNicoll to the north, Victoria Park to the east, Sheppard to the south and Hwy. 404 to the west.
Lifestyle
With plenty of large parks and quiet streets, Pleasant View residents can enjoy a slower pace of life with the city hustle and bustle just streets or a bus-ride away. This neighbourhood definitely appeals to families or retired citizens. Food and retail options are reflective of Pleasant View’s multicultural background, with Jamaican kitchens next to Chinese bakeries and European markets.
The Vibe
Wide streets and older homes give Pleasant View the feeling of a long-established neighbourhood. The area is very family-centric with a few seniors that have lived in their properties for many years. Pleasant View was traditionally a Greek and Italian community, however in recent decades Asian residents as well as other cultures now call Pleasant View home.
Meet the Neighbours
Pleasant View residents are very multicultural, with Greek, Italian and other European residents intermingling with Asians and East Asian residents. Families are definitely attracted to the neighbourhood with great schools and expansive parks to enjoy. Seniors also enjoy the peaceful community and often live with their children and grandchildren under one roof.
In the Area
This neighbourhood has plenty of great schools, including Cherokee Public School, which was given a perfect score by the Fraser Institute, which ranks Ontario’s elementary schools. Several parks not only offer playgrounds and equipment but a significant amount of greenspace for sports or gatherings. A centrally-located community centre features a swimming pool, arena and library for area residents to enjoy.
20.8 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Pleasant View is accessible by several bus routes on Sheppard, Victoria Park, Finch and Van Horne. The Finch bus route connects to Finch Station with a trip downtown clocking in at slightly more than an hour. Many Pleasant View residents own vehicles and rely on them to get around. Hwys. 404, 401 and the Don Valley Parkway are very easy to reach by car. Cyclists in Pleasant View are rare.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
While the inner neighbourhood is peaceful and calm, traffic on Pleasant View’s major streets like Finch, Sheppard and Victoria Park can be a frustration for many. Otherwise, residents enjoy the great family-oriented atmosphere in the neighbourhood and many stay in the area for decades. Homes do not come up for sale often in Pleasant View and are purchased quickly, making this neighbourhood difficult to get into.
Dollars & Sense
The majority of properties in Pleasant View are detached homes with a few semis, townhomes and highrises. Given the neighbourhood’s proximity to Finch Station on the TTC’s Yonge subway line, housing prices are higher here. Food and retail options are more on the cheap and cheerful end. Pleasant View can be an affordable place to live.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Chocol’art
Traditional biscotti and truffles combine with innovative modern creations like chocolate sushi with dried coconut rice. It’s the perfect place to grab some delicious desert and satisfy your sweet tooth.
more infoSashimi House
A spacious interior, great presentation and deliciously fresh fish have made Sashimi House a very popular neighbourhood joint. Bento box lunches are a big hit with the lunchtime office crowd.
more infoMercator Euro Mini Mart
The specialty European grocery items at this small store cater to Eastern European populations. Alongside spreads, cookies and deli items, there are also delicious hot meals like barbecued meats and smoked sausages on offer.
more infoPeter’s Reggae Kitchen
Enjoy some authentic Jamaican cuisine at this small but friendly Pleasant View eatery. The jerk pork and chicken are must-haves and aren’t complete without a side of rice and peas.
more infoRosemary & Thyme
You will likely see plenty of regulars at Rosemary & Thyme lingering over delicious comfort food with generous portions. The all-day breakfast is not only tasty, but a stellar deal.
more infoRed Sail Boat Bakery
Soft and sweet Chinese buns and loaves can be found at this neighbourhood bakery, popular with the Asian community. Hot beverages such as milk tea and coffee, making this spot perfect for a morning pick-me-up.
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