North-Riverdale, Toronto

On the east side of Toronto, North Riverdale is a lively neighbourhood that blends modern urban lifestyle with historical charms. This neighbourhood is renowned for its Victorian and Edwardian-style homes, making it a desirable property among those seeking residence. Its proximity to Downtown Toronto and efficient connectivity with public transport make it a popular destination among families and young professionals.

North Riverdale offers several essential amenities and services, from grocery shops and medical facilities to fine dining options. It’s also home to several parks, notably Riverdale Park, which provides ample green space, sports facilities, and stunning views of the Toronto skyline. The area’s strong sense of community is further enhanced by its schools, community centres, and recreational spaces, which cater to residents of all ages. Its strong emphasis on outdoor and family-friendly activities makes it a sought-after place to live. Overall, North Riverdale combines the best of urban and suburban life, balancing the best of both worlds in its warm community.

In terms of its livability, North Riverdale has a remarkable score of 81 out of 100, reflecting its appealing infrastructure as a residential area. It is also known for its safety, with 32% lower crime rates than the Toronto average. The living cost here is 9% higher than the city average, indicating a quality life offered to residents.

North Riverdale stands out as one of the safer neighbourhoods in Ontario. It has a strong safety record, with crime rates 53% below Canada’s average.  This indicated that the residents have a relatively lower chance (1 in 51) of experiencing crime. The area is considered safer than the 73% of the cities in Ontario. Another positive note of this place is its decreased crime rate by 15% over the past few years.

North Riverdale is an affluent community with a median household income of 38% above Canada’s national average. The area’s low unemployment rate—47% below the national average—also highlights a stable local job market. While 7.8% of residents earn $20,000 or less, 8% fall in the $80,000–$100,000 range and 13.2% earn over $300,000, reflecting both economic stability and income variety. This blend of income and low unemployment supports the neighbourhood's vibrant, dynamic culture.

The population density in the area is 53% above Toronto’s average, indicating a high population. North Riverdale is culturally diverse, having a population of Chinese, South Asian and American-African backgrounds.

• Lawrence Park
• Sunnylea
• Financial District
• Norseman Heights

Schools

The proximity to top-notch educational institutions makes North Riverdale the most sought-after among families. Some of the notable schools are:

• Withrow Avenue Junior Public School
• Frankland Community School
• Montcrest School
• Jackman Avenue Junior Public School
• Wilkinson Junior Public School
• Blake Street Junior Public School

Restaurants

From cosy cafes to international dining experiences, North Riverdale has many options to choose from:

• 7 Numbers DANFORTH
• Chiang Mai Danforth
• Elle Cuisine
• Menali Restaurant
• Megas Restaurant
• Pantheon Restaurant

Shopping Malls

For an amazing shopping experience in North Riverdale, residents prefer the following retail spaces:

• Gerrard Square Shopping Centre
• CF Toronto Eaton Centre
• Yorkville Village
• Greenwin Square Mall
• Atrium
• The Tenor

Hospitals

• Toronto General Hospital
• Michael Garron Hospital
• University Health Network
• Toronto Western Hospital
• Women’s College Hospital
• Providence Healthcare

High Park

High Park is one of Toronto’s largest public parks, and visitors can enjoy walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas. Known for its seasonal cherry blossoms, the park is a favourite for nature lovers and families. With a zoo, sports facilities, and cultural spaces, High Park provides something for everyone in a beautiful outdoor setting.

Toronto Music Garden

Located along the waterfront, the Toronto Music Garden is a unique, musically inspired garden designed by renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Each garden section represents a different part of Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major, blending music and nature. This serene garden offers a peaceful escape with beautifully landscaped paths, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll.

Toronto Skyline View

North Riverdale has several places to see amazing views of Toronto’s skyline. These viewpoints are especially beautiful at sunset, allowing you to see the city from a different perspective. It’s a perfect spot for photos and enjoying the cityscape.

Chester Hill Lookout

Chester Hill Lookout is one of North Riverdale’s hidden gems. It offers panoramic views of Toronto's skyline and the Don Valley. This peaceful viewpoint provides a serene escape and is a favourite among people for capturing Toronto’s cityscape, particularly in the evening when the skyline lights up.

Allen Lambert Galleria

Located in Toronto’s Financial District, the Allen Lambert Galleria is a striking space with a high, glass ceiling. Its modern design and natural light make it a popular spot for photos. This unique architectural landmark is well worth a visit if you’re exploring downtown Toronto.

North Riverdale offers a range of activities for art lovers, shoppers, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts:

• Discover North Riverdale’s Art and Culture Scene: North Riverdale’s creative community hosts events like the Riverdale ArtWalk, which celebrates local talent, and the Riverdale Hub Gallery. It is a vibrant space for diverse exhibitions.
• Explore Unique Shopping Spots in North Riverdale: Danforth Avenue and Queen Street East offer a blend of boutiques, vintage stores, and speciality shops, making them the perfect destinations for finding one-of-a-kind items.
• Enjoy a Diverse Dining Experience: The neighbourhood’s dining options range from cosy spots like Riverdale Perk Café to Greek cuisine on the Danforth and authentic Asian dishes in East Chinatown.
• Relax in North Riverdale’s Beautiful Parks and Nature Areas: Riverdale Park, Allan Gardens, and Withrow Park provide open green spaces, playgrounds, and even a 19th-century-style farm at Riverdale Farm for a peaceful outdoor experience.
• Stay Active with North Riverdale’s Outdoor Recreation Options: For those who love being outdoors, the trails at Riverdale Park and the Don Recreational Trail are perfect for walking, jogging, and cycling among scenic views.

North Riverdale's strategic location offers residents and visitors convenient access to various key destinations in Toronto:

• Downtown Toronto is approximately 4.8 km and reachable by car in about 16 minutes
• Toronto Pearson International Airport is located at 33.7 km. It takes 36 minutes by car to get there.
• Union Station, which is around 9.9 km far, is accessible within 14 minutes.
• The Danforth is just 2.7 km away and can be reached within 8 minutes.

North Riverdale and its surrounding areas in Toronto offer a variety of farmers' markets that provide fresh, locally sourced produce and artisanal goods.

Withrow Park Farmers’ Market

Located in the northeast corner of Withrow Park, this market operates on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., from June to mid-October. It features diverse vendors offering organic produce, baked goods, and handcrafted items, fostering a strong sense of community among local residents.

The Leslieville Farmers’ Market

Situated in Greenwood Park, the Leslieville Farmers' Market runs every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., usually from May to November. The market hosts over 55 weekly vendors, providing fresh produce, artisanal foods, and unique crafts, making it a vibrant spot for families and food enthusiasts.

Saturday Farmers’ Market at Evergreen

Located a short distance from North Riverdale, the Evergreen Brick Works hosts a year-round Saturday farmers' market from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This market is one of Toronto's largest, featuring many local farmers and producers offering seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products.

Underpass Park Farmers’ Market

Situated under the Eastern Avenue overpass, this unique market operates on Thursdays from June to October from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. It offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products in a distinctive urban setting.

Courtyard Famers’ Market

Held in the courtyard of the Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), this market runs on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., usually from May to October. It provides students and the local community access to fresh, locally sourced food and products.

North Riverdale is part of Toronto’s densely populated and diverse urban landscape, where the city’s population density is markedly higher than Ontario’s average. Toronto’s demographics show a relatively youthful population and a rich cultural mix, with 14.03% South Asian, 11.34% Chinese, and 9.74% African-American residents. This diversity is reflected in North Riverdale, adding to its lively and multicultural community atmosphere.

Riverdale Park East

Riverdale Park East is an expansive park that features playgrounds, sports fields, and open spaces ideal for family outings. The park also includes an off-leash area where dogs can socialise and play freely.

Riverdale Farm

In Riverdale Park West, Riverdale Farm is a 7.5-acre working farm replicating a 19th-century Ontario farm. Families can explore the farm, meet various animals, and enjoy the scenic surroundings. While pets are not allowed inside the farm, the adjacent park areas are pet-friendly.

Withrow Park

Withrow Park provides two playgrounds, sports areas, a wading pool for children, and an off-leash dog area. Families can relax and enjoy picnics, and there are often events throughout the year, making it a lively neighbourhood hub.

Allan Gardens Conservatory

Allan Gardens Conservatory, a short drive from North Riverdale, is a beautiful indoor botanical garden where families can explore exotic plants and flowers. While pets are not allowed inside the conservatory, the surrounding park has open areas and an off-leash dog park, making it a fun outing for kids and pets.

Living in North Riverdale, Toronto, comes with costs which are generally above provincial and national levels. Toronto’s overall living expenses are about 2% higher than the Ontario average and 14% above the national average, mainly due to higher housing prices, which are 26% over the national average. Additionally, Ontario’s general sales tax is 33% higher than Canada’s national rate, though the province benefits from a lower state income tax, which is 40% below the national average.

The North Riverdale real estate market is highly competitive, reflecting the neighbourhood's vibrant appeal and proximity to downtown Toronto. Housing options are varied, with well-maintained properties that cater to diverse buyer preferences. Homes in North Riverdale typically range between $1.9 million and $7.50 million, offering urban charm in a community-focused setting. Rental prices in the area average between $3,000 and $14,000 per month, attracting families and professionals who seek a lively neighbourhood with convenient access to amenities and transit.