Best neighbourhoods for families in Toronto

Toronto is a large, diverse city with family-friendly communities scattered across its geographic area — not just on the outer edges, but close to and sometimes within the downtown core. Excellent schools, green space, and strong community character can be found in neighbourhoods at a range of price points. This guide covers eight of Toronto's most family-friendly neighbourhoods.

For current average rent figures by neighbourhood, see the Toronto Rent Report.

Riverdale

On Toronto's east side, Riverdale is bordered by the Don River to the west, Danforth Avenue to the north, and Lakeshore Boulevard to the south. Riverdale Park, split into east and west halves, is the neighbourhood's centrepiece, with baseball diamonds, an outdoor ice rink, a children's play area, and open space for picnics and sports. Withrow Avenue Junior Public School, Montcrest School, and Riverdale Collegiate Institute are all close by. The neighbourhood has a strong community feel with quiet streets and older homes. Pape and Chester subway stations provide transit access to downtown in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Bloor West Village

A quintessential "small village in a big city" neighbourhood in Toronto's west end, Bloor West Village is lined with fruit stands, local cafes, restaurants, and boutique shops. High Park — the city's largest public park — borders the neighbourhood, offering trails, off-leash dog areas, sports facilities, and lakefront access. Nine public schools are within the area including King George Junior Public School and Humberside Collegiate Institute. Runnymede and Jane subway stations connect to downtown in about 25 minutes, and driving takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Allenby

A small, tight-knit residential neighbourhood in Toronto's Midtown west end, Allenby is centred around Allenby Public School, which has a well-regarded French Immersion program. Eglinton Avenue West provides shopping, cafes, and dining nearby, and the North Toronto Memorial Community Recreation Centre is close by for family activities. Buses along Avenue Road and Eglinton Avenue connect to Eglinton Station and the subway downtown in about 35 to 40 minutes, with driving taking about 20 minutes.

The Beaches

Known locally as "The Beach," this east-end neighbourhood along Lake Ontario is one of Toronto's most sought-after family communities. Four namesake beaches line the south end of the neighbourhood, with Woodbine Beach being the most family-friendly. Eleven parks and recreation facilities are scattered along the lakeshore, and thirteen public schools serve the area including Williamson Road Junior Public School and Balmy Beach Community School. Annual events including the Beaches Jazz Festival and Winter Stations outdoor art exhibit give the neighbourhood a strong community identity. Downtown is about 20 minutes by car or 45 to 55 minutes by transit.

Leslieville

Just south of Riverdale on Toronto's east end, Leslieville is a trendy, community-oriented neighbourhood popular with young families. Queen Street East runs through it with restaurants, bars, vintage shops, and boutiques. Greenwood Park has a playground, pool, baseball diamonds, and an ice rink, and Jonathan Ashbridge Park has tennis courts and a wading pool. Eighteen schools are within range, including Kew Beach Junior Public School, Queen Alexandra Middle School, and Monarch Park Collegiate. Downtown is about 15 minutes by car or 35 to 45 minutes by the 501 or 506 bus routes.

Davisville Village

In Toronto's Midtown, Davisville Village stretches from Eglinton Avenue East to Mount Pleasant Cemetery between Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue. It has a mix of detached homes and high-rise apartment buildings, and a strong school presence including Maurice Cody Junior Public School, Hodgson Senior Public School, and North Toronto Collegiate Institute. June Rowlands Park has baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and a popular summer farmers' market. Eglinton Station provides transit access downtown in about 25 to 35 minutes, and driving takes about 20 minutes.

Danforth Village

A diverse, vibrant community in Toronto's east end, Danforth Village is centred on Danforth Avenue — both a premier shopping district and the heart of Toronto's Greektown, with restaurants, cafes, and grocers of all kinds. Tree-lined residential streets run off the main avenue, and Monarch Park provides an ice rink, wading pool, and swimming pool for families. Eleven public schools are within range including Chester Elementary School and East York Collegiate Institute. Downtown is about 15 to 20 minutes by car or 30 to 40 minutes by transit.

Rockcliffe-Smythe

An up-and-coming neighbourhood on Toronto's west side, Rockcliffe-Smythe is a nature-lover's community with parks throughout including Smythe Park, Dalrymple Park, and Cayuga Park, along with easy access to the 401 and nearby trails. Schools include Cordella and King George Junior Public Schools, Rockcliffe Middle School, and George Harvey Collegiate Institute. The neighbourhood contains micro-communities like Syme and Harwood that are particularly family-oriented. Runnymede Station is the most convenient transit option, with downtown accessible in about 35 to 45 minutes by transit or 25 to 35 minutes by car.

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