Elms-Old-Rexdale, Toronto

Elms-Old Rexdale, or The Elms, is a neighbourhood in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is more commonly referred to as the Elms. Elms-Old Rexdale is the formal designation in city planning and real estate, including ‘Old Rexdale,’ which connects the area to the broader Rexdale region in Toronto's northwest.

Known for its leafy streets and mid-century homes, Elms-Old Rexdale features a mix of houses, apartments, and townhouses and is attractive to families, professionals, and retirees. Its proximity to Highway 401 and the Humber River provides excellent connectivity, while public transit adds to its convenience for commuters.

Elms-Old Rexdale offers affordable and diverse housing options, a strong sense of community, and easy access to amenities, making it a great choice for settling in Toronto’s vibrant west end.

The Elms has a commendable livability score of 70 out of 100, reflecting its interest as a comfortable and convenient neighbourhood for residents.

Crime rates in The Elms are 12% below the national average, making it relatively safer than many other areas. Incidents involving violent crimes are 9% lower than the national average. Statistically, the likelihood of experiencing a crime in The Elms is 1 in 28. When compared to other cities in Ontario, The Elms ranks as safer than 25% of them. Additionally, Toronto has seen a notable 15% reduction in crime rates year-over-year.

The table below provides a detailed overview of the changing demographics and cultural landscape of Elms-Old Rexdale, a Toronto community.

The Elms neighbourhood's median household income falls approximately 15% below the national average. However, the area showcases a stronger employment rate, with unemployment figures sitting 22% lower than the national average. When it comes to income distribution, about 7.6% of residents earn $20,000 or less annually. A slightly larger portion, 11.5%, reports earnings from $80,000 to $100,000 annually. Meanwhile, a very small percentage, around 0.6%, of individuals in the community earn $300,000 or more annually.

• Rexdale-Kipling
• Thistletown-Beaumond Heights
• Humberlea-Pelmo Park
• Kingsview Village-The Westway
• West Humber-Clairville
• Willowridge-Martingrove-Richview

Schools

Elms-Old Rexdale is home to several schools that cater to students of all ages. Here are some:

• The Elms Junior Middle School
• Elmlea Junior School
• Braeburn Junior School
• St. Stephen Catholic School

Restaurants

Elms Old Rexdale has several restaurants and local food places. You can find various options, from quick snacks on the street to international dishes. Some popular restaurants in the area are:

• Daal Roti Etobicoke
• Holy Shakes Etobicoke
• Faley Restaurant
• Benin Cafe Restaurant
• Hamdi Restaurant Somali Cuisine

Shopping Malls

The Elms-Old Rexdale area in Toronto has multiple shopping malls. These malls cater to different needs and preferences and are:

• Woodbine Mall & Fantasy Fair
• The Albion Centre
• CF Sherway Gardens
• Rexdale Commercial Centre

Hospitals

Residents in Elms Old Rexdale can comfortably access multiple hospitals in and nearby neighbourhoods. These provide reliable healthcare and medical assistance and include:

• William Osler Health System - Etobicoke General Hospital
• Etobicoke Hospital
• Humber River Hospital
• West Park Healthcare Centre

Elms-Old Rexdale, located in Toronto's northwest, offers a variety of attractions that highlight its rich history, diverse culture, and natural beauty. Here are some notable places to visit:

Pine Point Park

Pine Point Park, a 39-hectare space near Highway 401 and Islington Avenue, features lit tennis courts, sports fields, a playground, and wooded trails linking to the Humber River Recreational Trail. It also houses the Pine Point Outdoor Pool and Arena, hosting community events and sports.

The Elms Park

Following Berry Creek, a tributary of the Humber River, Elms Park offers a serene park with a T-Rex-themed playground constructed in 2014 as part of the TVO show Giver. The park provides paved walking trails and a children's playground, making it a family-friendly destination.

West Humber Parkland

West Humber Parkland, near Highways 401 and 400, is the gateway to the Humber Recreational Trail. It features playgrounds, soccer fields, picnic areas, and trails ideal for wildlife and waterfowl spotting, offering a quiet escape in the city.

Humber River Recreational Trail

The Humber River Recreational Trail is a 19-km paved path that follows the Humber River, connecting several parks along the water. As part of the Pan Am Path, it includes forested areas and recreational spaces, making it a superb location for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.

Rexdale Mall

Rexdale Mall, built in the 1950s by developer Rex Heslop, was one of Toronto's first retail plazas. Initially an open-air centre, it was enclosed in 1972 but reverted to an outdoor format in 2003. It now hosts a range of local shops and dining spots.

Here are some enjoyable activities and things to do in Elms-Old Rexdale, Toronto, apt for exploring the local culture, nature, and community atmosphere:

Walk or Bike Along the Humber River Recreational Trail

The Humber River Recreational Trail stretches 19 kilometres along the river, winding through forests and linking local parks. It offers breathtaking views and abundant wildlife, suitable for walking, cycling, or enjoying nature. In the fall, its vibrant foliage makes it a photographer's dream.

Picnicking and Sports at Pine Point Park

Pine Point Park, nestled by the Humber River, is a lively spot for outdoor fun. With picnic areas, tennis courts, a soccer field, and a playground, it is perfect for families and friends. The Pine Point Outdoor Pool adds a refreshing summer escape. Whether it’s a picnic, a tennis match, or a soccer game, this park has something for everyone.

Explore the Elms Park and Dinosaur Playground

Elms Park is a family favourite with its T-Rex-themed playground, designed for the TVO show Giver. Kids can climb, slide, and explore dinosaur-inspired equipment while adults enjoy paved trails for a relaxing stroll. It makes for a perfect spot for a fun day outdoors.

Shopping and Entertainment at Woodbine Centre

Woodbine Centre offers a mix of shops and eateries, as well as Ontario’s largest indoor amusement park, Fantasy Fair. It is perfect for family fun with rides like a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, and the antique Looff Carousel. Shop for essentials, grab a meal, and enjoy a day indoors, especially in colder weather.

Here is a guide to the distance and commute from Elms Old Rexdale to popular shopping malls, schools, and airports. These estimates are based on average traffic conditions:

• Toronto Pearson International Airport is 8.7 kilometres from Elms Old Rexdale, Toronto, and it takes just 8 minutes to reach by car.
• Downtown Toronto is 20.8 kilometres from Elms Old Rexdale, Toronto, and it takes approximately 35-40 minutes to commute by car.
• North York is 14.2 kilometres from Elms Old Rexdale, Toronto, and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to commute by car.
• Scarborough is located 29.8 kilometres from Elms Old Rexdale, Toronto, about a 20-25 minute drive by car.

Elms Old Rexdale is home to several popular markets that offer a wide range of local produce, artisanal goods, and unique shopping experiences. Here are some of the top markets:

Rexdale Market Place Inc

Rexdale Market Place Inc., at 2267 Islington Avenue in Etobicoke, is a hub for the local community. It offers clothing, financial services, and portrait studios to cater to the area’s diverse and multicultural needs.

Dr Flea's Flea Market

Dr. Flea’s Flea Market, near Elms-Old Rexdale, is one of Toronto’s largest indoor markets. With over 400 vendors, it offers a diverse range of new and second-hand items, including South Asian, African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern goods.

Downsview Park Merchants Market & Farmers Market

Downsview Park Merchants Market & Farmers Market in North York, near Elms-Old Rexdale, is a go-to spot for unique finds, fresh produce, and delicious food. With vendors offering clothing, electronics, home goods, and collectables, it is perfect for bargain hunters and those seeking diverse shopping options.

Elms-Old Rexdale has a population density of 26% lower than the Toronto average, with a total population of 9,821. The neighbourhood’s median age is slightly younger, 3% lower than the city’s average. Moreover, 58% of residents are married couples, and 24% of households include children living at home, reflecting a family-oriented community.

Elms-Old Rexdale, Toronto, offers a variety of activities and destinations for families with kids and pet owners.

Explore The Elms Park and Dinosaur Playground

The park features a T-Rex-themed playground constructed for the TVO show Giver. It is perfect for young dinosaur enthusiasts and provides plenty of space for imaginative play.

Enjoy Pine Point Park

Pine Point Park is a spacious recreational area with sports facilities, a children’s playground, and a seasonal outdoor pool.

Visit West Humber Parkland

Elms-Old Rexdale stands out as a more budget-friendly neighbourhood compared to others, with the cost of living 12% lower than Toronto's average. While the area is generally affordable, utilities, transportation, and goods and services remain some of its higher-priced sectors. The table below offers a detailed breakdown:

Elms-Old Rexdale, located in Toronto's northwest, presents a diverse real estate market with a mix of housing options, including detached houses, condos, and townhomes. The average home price in Elms-Old Rexdale is approximately $837,000, which is about 41% below Toronto's overall average. This indicates relative affordability within the city's housing landscape. The market has experienced a slight decrease in property values, with a 2.55% decline over the past year. Homes in this area spend an average of 24 days on the market, with a selling-to-listing price ratio of 99%, suggesting a balanced market with steady demand. The neighbourhood's affordability and proximity to amenities and transportation make it an attractive option for buyers, from first-time homeowners to investors seeking value within Toronto's dynamic real estate environment.