Introduction
The main body of Lawrence Heights in Toronto is bordered by Jane Street in the west, the Allen Road in the east, Willson in the north, and Lawrence Avenue West in the south. A small chunk has been taken out of the northwest corner of the neighbourhood as the boundary turns west along Yorkdale Road to Dufferin and runs up Dufferin to Wilson.
Lifestyle
This quiet neighbourhood is home to a close-knit community made up of both young families and seniors, often all living together in the same household. There aren’t a lot of restaurants or nightlife, but the area has some excellent shopping, both for people on a budget and those with money to spend, and it is well-serviced by transit.
The Vibe
Walking down the residential streets of Lawrence Heights, you feel like you’re in a close-knit community. It’s the kind of place where people know their neighbours and stop to talk with them while walking down the street. The area is quiet at night with the exception of Yorkdale, where the movie theatres are open until later in the evening.
Meet the Neighbours
Lawrence Heights is a relatively elderly neighbourhood, with a signifiacnt proportion of residents over the age of 65. This is a relatively low-income neighbourhood, but with a strong working class and a slow-encroaching gentrification process starting to become apparent. This gentrification process is bringing more young families to the area.
In the Area
Lawrence Heights is a very convenient area to live in, with schools, libraries, and lots of greenspace. There is plenty of shopping, particularly at Yorkdale, Orfus Road, and Lawrence Square, although the shopping areas are mostly clustered at the eastern end of the neighbourhood. There are a couple of community centres, and also a couple of retirement homes.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
It’s very easy to get around this neighbourhood or to go from Lawrence Heights to other parts of the city. The northeast and southeast corners of the neighbourhood are anchored by two subway stations, and buses run along the neighbourhood’s boundaries as well as along main and side streets through the area. The Allen Road is a convenient north-south corridor, and the 401 runs through too.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Lawrence Heights is a relatively inexpensive neighbourhood to live in. It is well serviced by public transit, has good shopping, and has some lovely parks and residential areas. However, the main streets are not always pleasant to walk on, as there can be long stretches of empty road between shops and plazas. The area also has relatively high rates of robbery, theft, and vehicle theft.
Dollars & Sense
Lawrence Heights is a very affordable area. Housing prices are low, with both rental and buying costs below the city average. Most of the shops in the area have reasonable prices to appeal to people shopping on a budget, and there is excellent outlet shopping along Orfus Road. The major exception to this is Yorkdale Shopping Centre, which is a high-end mall with many expensive stores.
Featured Homes for Sale in Lawrence Heights
A hand-picked selection of new home and condos for sale in Lawrence Heights. For those who love the thrill of anticipation of getting into a brand new home or condo.
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Neighbourhood Hotspots
Columbus Centre
This large community centre has fitness facilities and programming, an Italian restaurant, child care, and art and cultural programs. You can also rent rooms for weddings, parties, and other events.
more infoLa Pupusa Loka
La Pupusa Loka is known for having great-tasting and authentic Salvadoran food at excellent prices. Service can be slow at times, but regular customers feel it’s well worth the wait.
more infoNorth Park
Tucked away in a residential area, North Park is a popular spot amongst local families, couples, and joggers. The park has bike and walking trails, tennis courts, and a playground.
more infoRustic Bakery
The Rustic Bakery is more than just a bakery. In addition to delicious breads and baked goods (nutella croissant, anyone?), they also have a hot lunch counter, a coffee bar, gelato, and Italian groceries.
more infoYorkdale Shopping Centre
With over 200 stores selling clothing, jewellery, tech, health and financial services, and more, Yorkdale is a draw for shoppers across Toronto. The mall also has movie theatres, restaurants, and a newly-renovated food court.
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