Introduction
Riverdale lies east of the Don Valley Parkway, covering the area south of the Danforth, west of Greenwood and west along the train tracks down to Lake Shore Boulevard. Riverdale’s well-maintained homes and its proximity to downtown Toronto make it ideal for residents that want more room to grow while maintaining easy access to the city’s core.
Lifestyle
Mature trees, large parks, great schools and beautiful homes make Riverdale an ideal neighbourhood for new and growing families. Dogs and strollers are a common sight. Riverside, the south end of Riverdale, has gentrified significantly in the past decade, with new condos and townhouse projects welcoming young urbanites drawn to the cafes and boutiques that have recently opened up on Queen Street.
Dollars & Sense
Homes in Riverdale are largely well-maintained. Coupled with easy access to the downtown core and the Don Valley Parkway, Riverdale’s housing market is expensive and competitive. There are affordable dining options on The Danforth and in Chinatown East, but gentrification in Riverside has driven up pricing in shops, restaurants and cafes along Queen Street.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
This is a hot neighbourhood for families looking for a place to root while still being in proximity to the city core. This has caused housing prices to soar, making the neighbourhood’s real estate market extremely competitive. In Riverside, gentrification and new housing projects have increased the area’s density, which is an attractive point for some and a negative for others.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Riverdale is well-connected by public transit, with the Bloor-Danforth line to the north, and streetcars servicing Broadview, Gerrard and Queen. Busses supplement service along Pape, Jones and Greenwood. For drivers, the Don Valley Parkway offers easy access in and out of the city. There’s often traffic along Broadview and Queen, but the area is largely easy to navigate by car.
In the Area
Riverdale Park and Withrow Park are the neighbourhood’s prime recreation spots, outfitted with soccer fields, baseball diamonds and running tracks. The Withrow Park Farmer Market’s is popular in the summer. At the south end of Riverdale Park, the Bridgepoint Health Hospital offers complex care and rehabilitation services, while schools such as the Quest Alternative Senior School and the First Nations School of Toronto cater to the city’s niche populations.
Meet the Neighbours
Riverdale is home to many young middle-to-upper class families who are looking to the neighbourhood’s great schools and supportive community as an ideal environment to raise their children. There are long-time homeowners in the neighbourhood, but gentrification in Riverside has pushed some out of the area, encouraged by the competitive housing market driving up the value of their homes.
The Vibe
Families are aplenty in Riverdale, enjoying the great amenities that the neighbourhood offers and promoting a warm community feel. Many residents of Riverdale have lived in their properties for decades and intermingle with newer families looking to root. Queen Street’s hip eateries, Little Chinatown East at Gerrard and Broadview and Greektown on The Danforth offer a variety of options for shopping, dining and socializing.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Ruby Watchco
Owned by celebrity chef Lynn Crawford, guests may come for the star power but stay for the incredible Prix Fixe menus which change daily, showcasing local ingredients and Canadian recipes.
more infoMerchants of Green Coffee
This hip cafe and coffee bean supplier is located in a former jam factory. Large windows let in plenty of sunlight. Be sure to grab some single origin beans on your way out.
more infoMary Macleod’s Shortbread
Handmade and freshly baked in the store each morning, Mary Macleod’s Shortbread tops several of the city’s best-of lists. The Chocolate Crunch is her signature cookie and an absolute must-try.
more infoBatifole
Located in Chinatown East, this charming yet casual French restaurant offers authentic meals without the high prices normally associated with French fare. Grab a spot on the front patio for the full French bistro experience.
more infoChinatown East
Also known as Little China, Vietnamese and Chinese eateries and supermarkets are constantly buzzing with patrons looking to take advantage of low pricing. Smaller than the main Chinatown along Spadina, Torontonians often overlook Chinatown East.
Riverdale Park
Residents flock to Riverdale Park in warm weather, while the park’s natural bowl and large hills attract tobogganers in the winter. The top of Riverdale Park offers a breathtaking vantage point to view the skyline.
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