Introduction
Originally planned as Toronto’s “new Rosedale” in the early 1900s, Leaside surpassed expectations to become a popular neighbourhood and high-end housing district. Leaside's schools, recreation, parks, boutiques and restaurants attract diverse clientele. The Canadian Pacific forms Leaside's south and easterly boundaries, extending from Bayview Avenue eastward to the tracks, and north to Eglinton, embracing Laird Drive and offering ravine views along the railway.
Lifestyle
Leaside offers plenty of places to work, play and relax – if you call playing ball, hockey, tennis, and skating, swimming and tending to picture perfect gardens relaxing! Walking dogs, babes in strollers and toddlers on trikes is a way of life. Raising a family, taking part in activities, shopping, dining and just enjoying life in the shadow of the city, is what Leaside living is all about.
The Vibe
Leaside is one of Toronto's poshest neighbourhoods and has become a dining destination for residents of mid-town Toronto and beyond. Once here, visitors are at the whim of a bustling stretch of Bayview bursting with antiques and specialty shops. As a family-centric community, there are organized activities and lessons for all ages. The neighbourhood is dotted with green spaces and sports parks with a focus on recreation and fitness for all.
Meet the Neighbours
Leaside garners high demand from upper-middle income families who value this neighbourhood as an ideal place to raise children, thanks to its abundant green space, fine selection of schools, and excellent access to public transit. Case in point: several Bayview shops cater to expectant moms.
In the Area
Recreation reigns supreme in Leaside with the multi-plex Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, Serena Gundy Park and Trace Manes Park. Pick your perfect picnic spot at Sunnybrook Park with its top-notch sports fields, an exercise trail, horseback riding stables and snack bar, or hit the baseball diamonds at Howard Talbot Park. Schools, churches and shopping at every turn ensure residents will never need to leave.
8 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Bus service winds its way through Leaside and connects to the St. Clair subway station on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line. Bus routes on Bayview and Eglinton Avenues connect to the Davisville and the Eglinton stations on the same line. Motorists can be downtown in 10 minutes via the Bayview extension that also links up with the Don Valley Parkway and a myriad of commuter highways.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
With demand comes high prices and real estate in Leaside is no exception whether buying or renting. While it creates exclusivity, because homes are generally single-family occupied, it also maintains a lower density of population and that means fewer cars and less traffic through residential areas. On the retail side, visiting shoppers fill the streets by day, and return them to the neighbourhood at night.
Dollars & Sense
Properties are commodity and sales fast, furious and competitive. Leaside’s eclectic mix of homes caters to a variety of needs from mid-century, classic singles, semis and bungalows to new homes with all the latest gadgets. Three bedroom semi-detached houses can sell in the $675,000-$950,000 price range, while older detached three-bedroom homes are attracting bids as high as $1.2 million. If a custom home is what you’re after, expect to spend $1.7-$2.7 million.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Whatever Lola Wants
Whatever Lola Wants…. is one of the reasons Bayview continues to be a destination for unique one-of-a-kind shops like this where gift items and gotta-have accessories have been handpicked, not mass-ordered, for the Lola in all women.
Sleuth of Baker Street
It’s no mystery where you’ll find Toronto’s best selection of crime and mystery books. It’s a little off the beaten track but worth the pursuit.
more infoAmaya
Its growing popularity and now widely appointed as one of the city's top Indian restaurants, Amaya has expanded into additional restaurants, catering, express service, food courts, retail products and a bread bar.
more infoTrace Manes Park
This centrally located park does its best to bring four seasons of activities to all residents with six tennis courts, green space, play park, baseball diamond, library and an outdoor rink to gather families and neighbours together.
Leaside Memorial Community Gardens
For six decades, Leaside residents have gathered here for skating, hockey, curling, indoor swimming and community events. Expansions over the years ensure the centre continues to grow alongside Leaside.
more infoThe Chocolate Messenger
The Chocolate Messenger boasts natural, preservative-free, Swiss-made chocolate with 5,000 molds for just about anything….. With one of the largest selections of chocolate in the city, it ensures this wonderful treat continues to vie for food group status.
more info