With roots dating back to the 1790s, the Old Mill in Toronto is one of the city’s most historic neighbourhoods. Originally an industrial-capacity lumber yard in the late 18th century, today Old Mill is a highly-desirable residential neighbourhood.
We love this exciting west end Toronto neighbourhood because of its beautiful homes, access to public parks and local amenities, as well as it’s proximity to schools. The Old Mill in Toronto is also the perfect neighbourhood for families to live in for those reasons.
If you are looking for an ideal neighbourhood to live in with your family, look no further than Toronto’s Old Mill. Find out what makes it so family-friendly by reading our blog post below.
Family-Sized Homes
Considering the size, location, neighbours, and surroundings, it’s safe to say the homes in Old Mill are perfectly made for families.
Though there is a bit of variance in sizes and prices, the homes in Toronto’s Old Mill are generally quite similar. Tudor-styled detached single-family homes built between 1920 and 1940 dominate the Old Mill market. These character-filled homes are scattered with heritage details like leaded glass windows, original wood trim, and luxurious hardwood floors, and boast fantastic views of nearby ravines and public parks.
From smaller bungalows to larger multi-room mansions, there’s a home for you and your family in Toronto’s Old Mill neighbourhood, no matter how many of you there are.
The Green Space
Growing families need space to roam. Luckily, there is no shortage of space in Toronto’s Old Mill neighbourhood. While many of Old Mill’s residential streets are tree-lined and have ample back and front yard space, larger green spaces can easily be found in parks nearby.
Just south of Old Mill Station and along the Humber River, Kings Mill Park is a vast, wide-open publi park. This forested green space branches off into several different pathways and trails for locals to walk, run, and bike along.
Old Mill residents also enjoy taking advantage of the numerous trails that follow the Humber River in Etienne Brule Park. This is a great spot to stop for a family picnic in the summer or to go wildlife spotting all year round.
Local Schools
Being such a family-friendly neighbourhood, the Old Mill in Toronto also has easy access to lots of local schools. Along with many alternative learning institutions, like Montessori and Arts schools, there are some fantastic local public institutions that cater to Old Mill’s school-age children.
If your child is three years old or younger, the Bloor West Nursery School provides a holistic approach to early childhood education within the area.
The Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School is a natural next step, accommodating children from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. Should you want to send your children to Catholic School, Saint Pius X Catholic School is just a short walk north of Jane subway station.
Heading into secondary school, Humberside Collegiate Institute is a public high school not too far from home, situated just east in High Park north.
Amenities in the Area
Life with kids can get hectic — that’s why it’s always worth it to have what you need close by. While most of Old Mill belongs to residential areas, there are more commercial strips within walking distance. Smaller boutique shops can be found running along Jane Street, however, the most inspiring shopping district in the area is located in Bloor West Village.
Just a short 10-minute walk from Old Mill, countless cafes, bakeries, delis, specialty shops, and restaurants make up one of Toronto’s most diverse and inspiring food neighbourhoods in Bloor West Village. Here, you’ll also find an eclectic mix of independent boutiques, mom and pop stores, and larger chain businesses that will cover all of your lifestyle needs.
Should you want to venture out further than BWV, both Old Mill Station and Jane Station are conveniently close, providing public transportation along the Bloor-Danforth subway line.
Do you see your family’s future in Toronto’s Old Mill neighbourhood? Learn about how we can help you settle in and find your dream home there, click here to contact us today. Then, take a look through our current listings to see if your Old Mill dream home is already on the market.
