Humbermede, Toronto

Humbermede, also called Emery, is named after the Humber River that flows on the neighbourhood’s west. The foundation of Humbermede was laid as a farming hamlet at the crossroads of Weston Road and Finch Avenue in 1870. The area was then known as Dayton, a name changed later as people were confusing it with Ohio’s Dayton. During the late 1950s, Humbermede was incorporated in North York and urbanization started in full swing. It is now a low-density suburban with semi-detached houses. On the south-western part of Weston Road and Finch, high-rises are present. The industrial area lies eastwards along the railway line towards Highway 400. Highway 400, Finch Avenue West, and Sheppard Avenue West border the area on the east, north, and south respectively.

Let us check out the overall livability and lifestyle score of Humbermede. Humbermede’s crime rate is 14% less than the national average. The locality is generally peaceful as incidents of violent crimes are 10% lower than that of Canada’s average. Here, the chances of falling prey to criminals is just 1 in 28 which spells a sense of security for inhabitants. Humbermede’s safety record is better than 27% of Ontario's cities, making it a safe and serene place.

Humbermede plays host to people from different ethnic and cultural backdrops. They live peacefully in the vibrant neighbourhood, celebrate events together, and stay by each other’s sides through thick and thin. In Humbermede, the median household income is almost 17% lower than the national average. However, this doesn’t reflect a gloomy economic picture as the unemployment rate is 23% lower than in the national area. This highlights the fact that people are gainfully employed and can fend for their regular needs. A modest 7.4% of residents earn $20,000 or less whereas 11.4% of Humbermede’s population earns between $80,000 and $100,000. Moreover, 0.7% of people earn $300,000 or more in the area. A diverse cultural background characterizes the community of Humbermede. South Asian and Black people constitute the majority of the population with 23.04% and 23.53% shares respectively. 11.85% of people hail from the Latin American nations of Ecuador and Salvador. Filipinos and Vietnamese people make up 4.9% and 6.7% of the population respectively. The diverse cultural influences make Humbermede a thriving locality. Linguistically, Humbermede displays the same diversity as its population. People speaking different languages co-exist harmoniously. The majority of people communicate in English.

Humbermede is a welcoming locality in the vicinity of nature’s bounties. All social amenities including good schools, medical centres, shopping malls, and restaurants are present here. The area is well-connected to Toronto and other Canadian regions.

Schools

The secular TDSB (Toronto District School Board) and the catholic TCDSB (Toronto Catholic District School Board) run public elementary schools in Humbermede. Secondary students often attend schools in the neighbourhood. Humbermede students have seats reserved in French first language public secular schools run by Conseil Scolaire Catholique MonAvenir and Conseil Scolaire Viamonde boards. Some popular schools are:

• Jude Catholic School
• Daystrom Public School
• Gulfstream Public School
• Emery Collegiate Institute

Restaurants

Some good restaurants cater to the taste buds of people with a fusion of indigenous and exotic delicacies. Major restaurants are:

• Adel’s Kitchen
• Jamaica House
• Banh Mi Huong Que
• Malado Restaurant
• Panino Cappuccino
• Pho Dau Bo Restaurant
• The Joneses

Shopping Malls

Humbermede enjoys proximity to some good malls and plazas where everything ranging from groceries to top brand products are available. These are within walking distance from residential areas. Some good centres for shopping include:

• Finchdale Plaza
• Terrace Square Plaza
• SmartCentres Toronto

Hospitals

Humbermede is a small locality near Toronto, Canada. It has a good hospital and other well-equipped healthcare centres that cater to the medical needs of the residents. Some hospitals and medical centres in the neighbourhood are:

• Humber River Hospital
• Trillium Health Partners Foundation
• Reactivation Care Centre
• William Osler Health System

Humbermede is an ideal residential locality because it enjoys proximity to places of attractions and natural hotspots with spellbinding beauty. There are thrilling experiences all around waiting to be explored.

Canada’s Wonderland

This premium destination for thrilling entertainment and fun with family is just 13.5 km away. The 4-season world-class amusement park has over 200 attractions. The water park spread over a 20-acre area is ideal for frolicking with family and enjoying water games. Special events and live shows like WinterFest and Halloween Haunt are organized in summer, winter, spring, and fall.

West Humber Parkland

If you like to hike or bike in nature’s lap, this parkland is for you. There is a 10-kilometre-long trail and many arterial ones that go past five ponds. You can catch sight of waterfowls like swans, geese, and ducks in their natural abodes. Soccer lovers can enjoy a bout of football on any of the five soccer fields and two playgrounds. The outdoor area is ideal for picnicking.

Black Creek Pioneer Village

This open-air heritage museum, just 6.6 kilometres away, overlooks the Humber River’s tributary Black Creek and recreates 19th-century life in Ontario. The rural setup of the bygone era has been meticulously erected. Schoolchildren often come here for field trips.

Aviva Centre

This tennis stadium can seat 12,500 spectators. ATP World Tour’s professional National Bank Open tournament and WTA circuit matches are organized here every year. One can take training in lawn tennis here. Located inside York University’s grounds, seasonal concerts are frequently held here.

James Gardens

The mesmerizing botanical garden lies on the western bank of the Humber River 8 kilometres from Humbermede. There is an abundance of natural bounties like spring-fed pools, sparkling clear streams, flower gardens, old trees, and pathways with stone terracing. The historic James Gazebo is perfect for sitting and gazing at the Humber Valley. There are options for cross-country skiing and lawn bowling.

Humbermede has much to offer in terms of manmade attractions as well as natural spaces. There is no dearth of recreational activities. Here are a few recommendations -

• Stroll in The Lap of Nature: Humbermede is surrounded by green spaces and parks like Habitant Park, Bluehaven Park, Summerlea Park, etc. The area of Humber Valley is very beautiful. One can commune with nature, stroll at a leisurely pace, and enjoy boating.
• Shop and Dine: Humbermade has many exotic restaurants where the gourmet cuisines of Asia, Africa, and Latin America are available for savouring. The shopping malls nearby are good venues to grab the essentials at competitive prices.
• Local Sightseeing: There is an amazing collection of natural and manmade wonders around Humbermede. These include Canada’s Wonderland, West Humber Parkland, Black Creek Pioneer Village, etc.
• Breweries and Wineries: Toronto is famed for its wineries and craft breweries. A few of the local wineries or breweries are within walking distance or just a short drive away.

Humbermede is well-connected to other locations in Canada through roads, railway lines, and public transportation facilities.

• Toronto Pearson International Airport is the nearest airport situated just 11.6 km from the area.
• TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) operated buses connect Toronto and other major locations through roads that pass through the area. These include the North-South Highway 400 and Weston Road, Finch Avenue West Road, and Sheppard Avenue Road.
• Habitant Drive and 3395 Weston Road railway stations which are just 1-2 minutes’ walk from Humbermede.

Residents and visitors can choose from Humbermede's markets offering fresh produce, locally produced goods, and other retail items for all their daily necessities and shopping needs.

Finchdale Plaza

This community shopping center sprawling over 1,00,000 square feet has retail stores and shops that cater to all the needs of Humbermede residents. It is conveniently located in a prime area just 3.6 kilometres away. Some major marketing brands here are Centra Food Market, TD Canada Trust, and The Beer Store. Drug marts, the Bank of Montreal, and hair salons are also present.

Terrace Square Plaza

This shopping mall maintained by the famed Terrace Square group has everything from groceries to top-branded products. Located just 1.4 km from Humbermede, the plaza is a bustling marketplace offering farm products, dairy items, fruits, vegetables, medicines, etc.

The population density in Humbermede is 20% lower than Toronto. The neighbourhood boasts a slightly younger demographic, with the median age being 5% lower than Toronto’s average. These unique characteristics confer Humbermede its distinct identity that is conducive to a peaceful neighbourhood with all social amenities.

Humbermede has a wide range of activities for families to enjoy with their children and pets:

• Visit the Amusement Park: Canada’s Wonderland, a 4-season amusement park, has children's areas, water parks, 25+ fun rides, special events, Halloween haunts, and much more to enjoy with kids. Kids can play with Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and other members of the Peanut Gang.
• Go For A Picnic: The West Humber Parkland has a large space for picnicking with your kids. The hiking trail, the sight of exotic waterfowl, dedicated playgrounds, and the overall natural ambience would make your day.
• Read Books At The Public Library: Canada’s largest library, Toronto Public Library, has a functional branch in Humbermede’s Woodsview. There is a large array of books on various topics.
• Explore History: Humbermede has many historical landmarks and places that you can explore with your kids and pets.

Enjoy Cultural Events: At the community centre, different ethnic groups host cultural events that you can participate in. Witnessing the traditional grandeur of various cultures will make for a joyous outing with your family.

The cost of living in Humbermede is 10% lower than Toronto’s average but 1% higher than the national average. The price of goods and services is 8% higher than the Canadian average, and housing is 19% lower than the rest of the country. The general sales tax in Ontario is 33% higher than the national average.

Humbermede, Toronto, has a diverse array of real estate offerings. The market is cool, as there are real estate inventories of 7 months or more. Semi-detached homes, condos and detached homes are up for sale or rent. Semi-detached houses make up 51% of sales. The property prices usually range from $750,000 to $10,00,000. Houses are offered for rent in the price range of $2,500 to $4,000 monthly. The average days on the market for a typical house is 31 or more.