Best Family-Friendly Neighbourhoods in Toronto

Park by Henry Scott

Raising kids is probably the most responsibility demanding task most of us experience in our lives. Choosing the right neighbourhood in which to do so can turn into a rather challenging decision-making process, as we all want only the best for our loved ones. In this article, we will provide you with a few tips for Toronto neighbourhoods that seem more than fit for young families with children that may help you to get oriented in the city as seen through the caring eyes of parents.

1. North Toronto

The neighbourhood arose from three separate villages that have since grown together, as most of the buildings were constructed in the first half of the 20th century. The area is home to schools of all types and full of parks (try exploring Sherwood Park with your little Robin Hood and his merry men) and offers plenty of choice for sport and recreational activities (such as the North Toronto Community Centre and Eglinton Park). Another benefit of living in North Toronto is its almost perfect accessibility from the city centre, which can be easily reached within ten minutes.

2. Hillcrest

Please Keep Out by Loozrboy

Built on irregular terrain, the lovely streets of the neighbourhood provide a wide choice of homes in terms of styles and prices. Families may enjoy their leisure time at the Hillcrest Community Centre, which offers pools, playgrounds, and tennis courts as well as a gym for keen athletes. The area is full of tiny grocery stores and restaurants with cuisines from many countries (look for St. Clair Avenue) that give the neighbourhood a charming multicultural atmosphere. Schools include Public and Catholic institutions.

3. Allenby

Homes in the area are primarily larger and often bear signs of Tudor style, which was fashionable before WWII, when the neighbourhood was mainly built. The area is not only home to a variety of public and private schools, but also to the famous Allenby Public School with a French Immersion program for younger kids. A wide choice of sporting facilities is provided by the North Toronto Memorial Community Recreation Centre (they even keep ice rinks, which are created on the tennis courts during the winter). Eglinton Avenue West acts as the main shopping hot spot in the area (toy shops included!).

4. Bedford Park

Bedford Park is located close to the North Toronto neighbourhood and is mostly composed of detached and semi-detached houses, making the streets look like a perfect place to teach your kids how to ride a bike. Wanless Park is the biggest park in the area and, together with the nearby Bedford Park Community Centre, it offers plentiful leisure opportunities. The neighbourhood is also home to a beautiful library (George Locke Public Library) set in the lush green, inviting you to grab a book and spend your day reading on one of the picturesque benches.