What and where is West End Toronto? These are among the top questions for anyone searching for a new neighbourhood. Fortunately, this area offers so many possibilities, whether you want tons of amenities right outside your door or you prefer a quiet, peaceful enclave away from the hustle and bustle.
Whatever kind of lifestyle you want to experience, one thing is certain: there’s a neighbourhood in Toronto’s West End to suit your needs perfectly. Here is everything you need to know about living in Toronto West!
What should you look for in your next home? Download our Complete Guide to Buying a Home in West Toronto to learn everything you need to know about the neighbourhoods, the market, the home-buying process, and a lot more!
Jump to Section:
- What Is the West End of Toronto?
- West End Toronto Neighbourhoods: An Overview
- High Park, Toronto
- Bloor West Village
- Baby Point/Old Mill
- Roncesvalles, Toronto
- The Junction, Toronto
- Parkdale, Toronto
- A Note for Home Buyers in Toronto’s West End
What Is the West End of Toronto?
If you’re new to the area, you might be wondering, what is considered West End Toronto? It’s a big city, so this is a fair question. While the official borders may be up for debate, most West Enders will agree that the neighbourhoods to the west of the downtown core, east of the Humber River and south of St. Clair Avenue are all part of the true West End.
If you go any further west of the Humber River, you’ll find yourself in Etobicoke. Here’s where it can be a little confusing. While Etobicoke is one of the suburbs of Toronto, and is technically considered part of the city, it’s still not the “West End” as we know it. To us, the West End is strongly rooted in “Old Toronto” before the amalgamation in 1998.
Are you searching for homes or condos for sale in Toronto’s West End? Start by browsing a few of our latest listings.
West End Toronto Neighbourhoods: An Overview
The neighbourhoods of Toronto West are known to be unique, and they all have their own personality, but they all have a few common threads between them. One of the primary defining features of each community is the vast amount of green space!
Whether we’re talking about expansive parks and trails or just the trees and foliage weaving around residential streets, there is one thing no one can deny: the West End is full of picturesque beauty.
The other characteristic all of our West End Toronto neighbourhoods share is convenience. Public transit is easily accessible from nearly every corner. And no matter where you are, you are never far from an abundance of shops, services, and restaurants. Beauty and convenience sum up Toronto life perfectly, and nowhere encompasses all of these attributes more than the West End!
Toronto West boasts a long list of amenities and fun things to do! If you’re looking for a way to create some memories, start with the posts below:
- Our Top Activities for Retirees in the West End
- Top Hiking Trails In The West End
- Five Best Skating Rinks in the West End
- Keeping Cool In The West End
High Park, Toronto
If someone is thinking about relocating to Toronto, there’s a good chance they’re Googling “High Park, homes for sale” as we speak. Who could blame them? With proximity to one of Toronto’s most beautiful green spaces and easy access to the best of everything the city has to offer, High Park is understandably one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods around.
High Park is located right next to Swansea. The two communities have slight differences, but are often considered interchangeable as the “High Park-Swansea” neighbourhood. Wherever you put down roots, you can be assured of a peaceful lifestyle within picturesque surroundings, all while being within a stone’s throw of great shopping and superb restaurants.
Then, just when you think life can’t get any more scenic, High Park cherry blossom season arrives, filling the area with thousands of stunning pink and white blooms. This is just one of the highlights of life in the West End.
Does all this talk about High Park and Swansea real estate have you thinking about your next move? Here are some related reads you are sure to love:
- 5 Reasons To Love Living in Swansea
- The High Park Neighbourhood Guide
- Spring in High Park: 5 Things to Do
Bloor West Village, Toronto
If you love to shop and then luxuriate in comfort afterwards, Bloor West Village might just be the place for you. What’s it like here? Imagine hundreds of businesses within a short distance. You don’t need a car or a bus pass; you don’t even need a bicycle (unless you’re a cycling enthusiast). You can just walk to get anything you need.
When someone from the surrounding communities is on the hunt for the best restaurants in West End Toronto, the perfect gift, a unique gourmet item, or the latest fashion, they come here.
Bloor West Village real estate prices can be on the higher side. Many homes are older, constructed in the early 1910s through the 1920s, but they are stunning and meticulously maintained.
As a well-established area, Bloor West Village features large, lush lots along streets lined with mature oak and maple trees. This setting is the perfect backdrop for those countless fruit stands we love so much!
With Swansea to the south, High Park to the east, and The Junction to the north, Bloor West Village offers a convenient and ideal location. Should you buy a house here? The posts below might give you ideas:
- Why Buy a House in Bloor West Village?
- The Ultimate Bloor West Village Real Estate Guide
- Why We Love Bloor West Village
- 5 Fun Activities for Families Near Bloor West Village
Baby Point & Old Mill, Toronto
Like High Park and Swansea, Baby Point and Old Mill are often thought of as one and the same. While they are often counted together by the City of Toronto under the umbrella of “Lambton Baby Point,” they are actually two distinct communities. However, these tiny, exclusive enclaves have one thing in common; they are incredibly picturesque!
Baby Point is nestled on a tiny peninsula on the Humber River, with stone gates that mark its grand entrance. Thanks to its higher elevation, residents enjoy spectacular views of both the ravine and the river. In this neighbourhood, you’ll find some of the most gorgeous real estate Toronto has to offer, with a collection of Georgian and Tudor homes on large lots with manicured landscaping.
Old Mill lies to the south on the other lower side of the peninsula, adjacent to Etienne Brulé Park. This breathtaking green space is one of Toronto’s most beloved landmarks, especially in the fall during the Salmon Run!
This area also features its share of upscale homes. However, a few lower-priced options, such as bungalows and semi-detached properties, make it slightly more affordable than the luxurious Baby Point.
Curious about the small but stunning communities of Baby Point and Old Mill? Learn more in the posts below:
- 5 Reasons Baby Point is an Incredible Place to Live
- Why the Old Mill Toronto is Perfect for Families
Roncesvalles, Toronto
Roncesvalles Village (“Roncy” to the locals) is yet another community with an exciting, youthful vibe. It’s as well known for its pleasant array of indie boutiques and coffee houses as it is for its fun and family-friendly environment!
High Park and the waterfront are both close by, and you know what that means! Sunny afternoons are all booked, sometimes months in advance, with hiking, cycling, jogging, or rollerblading along the boardwalk.
If you want to shop till you drop, take a stroll to the north, where all the shops in Bloor West Village await. This highly convenient, central location makes Roncesvalles the perfect fit for those who love non-stop outdoor adventures mixed in with a completely unique, unparalleled shopping experience.
When searching for “Roncesvalles homes for sale,” you’ll likely notice a few common trends. Nearly all residences are older, primarily Victorian and Edwardian century houses. As such, they tend to be larger than average for Toronto, which works out in your favour when searching for a home for a growing family.
Roncy is perfect for families, entertainment lovers, retirees, and pretty much anyone! Learn why in the posts below:
- Roncesvalles Village: a Neighbourhood Guide
- 5 Kid-Friendly Ways to Spend a Day in Roncesvalles
- Best Toronto Neighbourhoods for Entertainment Lovers
The Junction, Toronto
The Junction is known for its historical vibe and family-friendly atmosphere. However, you could argue that this sought-after West Toronto neighbourhood has a dual personality – in the best possible way!
By day, the quiet residential streets and many playgrounds are full of children laughing and playing. Adult children take their parents to brunch at one of the many cafes or restaurants along Dundas Street West. Groups of friends bond together as they walk along, chatting as they pop in and out of all of the little shops and boutiques. Alternatively, they might hop on a bus to High Park to explore nature.
At night, the Junction transforms, and Dundas Street West sparks to life, with an abundance of pubs, clubs, live music, DJs, and even a few high-energy karaoke performances. Ironic, considering the sale of alcohol was banned right up until 1998! A vibrant nightlife has helped The Junction gain a reputation as one of the most exciting neighbourhoods in Toronto, not just the West End.
Real estate in The Junction is as varied as its population. You’ll find everything from rental apartments and small Victorian houses to spacious Arts and Crafts and Queen Anne style residences, complete with gorgeous landscaping and larger-than-average lots. If you love the mix of peaceful scenery and big-city excitement, you are sure to feel right at home in The Junction.
Looking for more details about life in The Junction? Start by reading the related posts below:
Parkdale, Toronto
Parkdale is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets, and it doesn’t get nearly the attention it deserves. As home to numerous artists, musicians, and with a notably youthful demographic, this community shines with an energetic and welcoming vibe.
Let’s put this another way: If you already think highly of Parkdale, there’s a good chance you’re still underestimating it. There’s a “shop local” mentality, which, combined with the artistic, creative atmosphere, means you can always find what you need, when you need it.
The restaurants and pubs are anything but cookie-cutter. If you’re craving something a little different, try one of the Tibetan eateries – you will not be disappointed! Plus, the shopping district along Queen Street boasts a wide range of independent boutiques and quirky cafes.
Many people have tried to put Parkdale’s scenic beauty into words, but it’s indescribable. The southern border lies along the shores of Lake Ontario, providing those tranquil waterfront views that make it hard to believe you’re in a busy city.
Parkdale also features numerous parkettes, the streets are full of mature trees, and the grand Victorian architecture all around is something else altogether. Some of these older, majestic homes have been sectioned off into duplexes and triplexes for rentals. Many are still individually owned and well-maintained. If you’re looking for a supportive and convenient community full of character, Parkdale is it!
Do you want to know even more about the perks of living in Parkdale? The posts below will help satisfy your curiosity:
A Note for Home Buyers in Toronto’s West End
The purchase of a home is an exciting and ambitious milestone. If it’s your first home, take that exhilaration and ambition and multiply them exponentially! Nowhere is this fact more true than in Toronto, with its higher than average real estate prices. That said, the lifestyle really is incomparable if you can make it work.
Toronto, and the West End in particular, is known for outstanding schools along with an abundance of career opportunities. It’s really no wonder that so many people are looking to Canada’s number one city!
Are you looking for practical advice when buying your first (or next) home in Toronto? You’ll get plenty of insight into the local market by reading the posts below:
- What Are Toronto’s Most Affordable Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers?
- A Guide To Buying Your First Home In Toronto
- Why Do Families Love Rockcliffe-Smythe?
Do you want to know more about the process of buying or selling a home in Toronto? Our West Toronto real estate agents handle more transactions than any other team in the city. Reach out at 416-769-3437 or email info@sidorovainwood.com to learn more about how we can help.
