Toronto is a sprawling metropolis with so much to offer, especially in terms of encompassing a variety of areas that offer something for everyone. 

For families in the city, the needs and most-immediate wants on the wishlist will generally include things like community safety, good schools, affordable housing, grocery stores, local recreational opportunities, public transportation - all the common essentials that take priority when families consider a move. These are all major components that contribute to family-friendly communities. 

The neighbourhood experts at Royal LePage Connect Realty have compiled the following list of Toronto’s eight most family-friendly neighbourhoods with all of these factors - and more - in mind. Making our list is Riverdale, Bloor West Village, Allenby, The Beaches, Leslieville, Danforth Village, Davisville Village, and Rockliffe-Smythe. So read on for the inside scoop on what neighbourhoods topped our list for you and your family’s next move! 

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Riverdale

Best known by its namesake of Riverdale Park, this widespread community to the east of Toronto’s midtown provides families with the unique pairing of a true tight-knit community feel set against a vibrant urban backdrop. This allows residents to feel as though they truly have the best of both worlds, a quality families appreciate when looking for communities that will provide them with a close knit community feeling, without having to compromise on access to amenities and urban conveniences. 

This much-loved neighbourhood is well known for its vast arts scene, which includes several popular art galleries situated on Queen Street East. The multicultural influence is another major factor in this area, which accounts for points of note, such as North America’s most extensive Greek neighbourhood. 

Bloor West Village

Bloor West Village makes our list as one of the most charming neighbourhoods for families in the city. An energetic locale that offers just enough of an escape from the bustle of the city without losing any points for atmosphere and activity. Here you’ll find families of all ages, pets of all breeds and sizes trotting alongside happy owners, quaint restaurants and cafes - and so much more. Picturesque and vibrant, this neighbourhood boasts plenty of local parks, nearby school and daycare centers. 

Allenby 

Quaint and close knit, the community of Allenby is located to the west in Midtown Toronto. This residential neighbourhood has access to schools, shopping and an abundance of local dining and cafes.  It’s also just a 20-minute drive to the downtown core. 

Schooling in particular is one of the major draws for families, with Allenby Public School and a local French Immersion program as highly-reputed in the area.

The Beaches

One of the city’s most popular areas, The Beaches is where you’ll get a lakeside small-town feel in a central location just a short distance to Toronto’s downtown core. Residential streets reveal some of the most beautiful and unique homes in the GTA, this locale offers everything from the obvious (hello, beaches!) to an abundance of parks, trails and unique events such as their annual Beaches Jazz Festival, which draws in over 1,000,000 attendees throughout the month of July.  

As far as recreation in the area, just a few of the local hotspots include: the Martin Goodman Trail, Kew Gardens, Donald Summerville Pool and Ashbridges Bay Park. 

Leslieville

South of Riverdale on the east end of the city, Leslieville is popular and best-known for its ample green space and excellent local school system. Younger families flock to this trendy locale where foodies can indulge in the hip restaurant and bar scene complemented by its much-loved vintage shopping along Queen Street East.

Danforth Village 

A vibrant community blended with residents at all stages in life, Danforth Village is where you’ll find students and young professionals alike. Reputed as one of the best shopping locales in the city, Danforth Village also has bragging rights as the home of Toronto’s Greektown. There is a lot to see and do in this area, not to mention a true feel of community against a backdrop of tree-lined streets and beautiful homes. 

Davisville Village

Davisville Village is situated in Toronto’s Midtown and extends from Mount Pleasant Cemetery to Eglinton Avenue East, up to Yonge Street to the east and Bayview Avenue to the West. Davisville Villages is home to popular parks and recreation spaces like the Appletree Farmer’s Market and June Rowlands Park, to name a few. Thanks to its convenient location and accessibility and a mix of housing opportunities from detached homes to high-rise condominiums, this growing community continues to climb the ranks as one of the city’s best family-friendly neighbourhoods. 

Rockcliffe-Smythe

To the west of the city, the relatively newer community of Rockcliffe-Smythe continues to draw attention for its affordability for renters and proximity to all the amenities a family could want or need. With plenty of surrounding parks and greenspace, this picturesque area comprises mainly single-family detached homes, also offers a multitude of recreation and nature to satisfy every outdoor enthusiast. Beyond its impressive ravine system, here you’ll also find Smythe Park Recreation and Community Centre, the York Community Centre, and the Smythe Outdoor Pool. Factor in the easy-access to the local transit network and the 401 and you’ve got a community with everything you might need in reach. 

When it comes to family-oriented communities, it’s all about finding an area that offers as much value and convenience as possible for the highest quality of life for yourself and your family. Affordability, access to local amenities, schooling and recreation are just a few of the major factors that will affect the decision on where to move your family next, but we know that finding a home is never one-size-fits-all. At Connect Realty, we look forward to finding out how we can best serve you and your family’s unique needs and help you find a home and community that checks off everything on your wishlist! 

Royal LePage Connect Realty is an independently-owned Royal LePage franchise, with locations to serve you and your clients. 

Curious to know more about the many communities that Connect Realty serves? Check out our Community Information page for more information and active local property listings today!