South-Riverdale, Toronto

To describe South Riverdale, we can say it's a developing town that is steeped in history yet undeniably modern. Leslieville (often called South Riverdale) offers a calming small-town vibe with excellent access to Toronto's developed area. It is perfectly placed on the east side of the Don River and south of Gerrard Street. You can easily spot the mix of old and new in the building of homes and trendy amenities offered. The streets here are lined with trees, and there’s a real sense of community. Additionally, the lakeside views throughout the neighbourhood make it a perfect place to sit and relax.

South Riverdale has a population of around 25,000 people. It's a diverse community with a mix of ages and backgrounds. Numerous parks, restaurants, funky cafes and coffee shops are filled all over the area. And how can we forget about the art galleries and theatres that ensure there’s always something artsy going on.

For families concerned, there are several good schools in the area, like Morse Street Junior Public School and Riverdale Collegiate Institute. Plus, there are libraries and community centres offering programmes for all ages. The public transit system is super convenient, too. Streetcars and buses can take you downtown quickly. If you drive, the DVP (Don Valley Parkway) is close, making commutes easy.

South Riverdale gives you an impressive Livability Score of 83/100, making it one of the most desirable neighbourhoods in Toronto. This exceptional rating reflects its community, convenient amenities, and high quality of life, making it perfect for families, young professionals, and retirees alike. Here are some of the other metrics of the neighbourhood:

Leslieville, part of South Riverdale, is considered a pretty safe place to live. Crime rates here are 31% lower than the national average, and violent crimes are 28% lower. This means you have a 1 in 35 chance of being a victim of crime, which is better than many places. In fact, Leslieville is safer than 45% of the cities in Ontario. Plus, crime in Toronto has been going down, with a 15% drop year over year. So, you can feel quite secure living in Leslieville.

South Riverdale is a developing and prosperous community. The median household income here is 14% higher than the national average. This arrows towards strong financial health. Interestingly, the unemployment rate is impressively low, at 42% less than the national average. While 12% of the residents earn $20,000 or less, 9.5% make between $80,000 and $100,000, and 4.8% earn $300,000 or more. This diverse income range reflects a vibrant mix of people and a dynamic culture.

South Riverdale is a prosperous area with a population density 69% higher than the rest of Toronto. The community is diverse, with 21.96% of the population being Chinese, 6.44% Black, and 4.63% South Asian. This mix of cultures makes Leslieville a welcoming and lively neighbourhood to live in.

The neighbourhood of South Riverdale is filled with the essence of old charm and modern aesthetics. The architecture in the streets of Leslieville screams the historic charm of Riverside. Moreover, the artsy designs and hangout spots indicate that there’s always something exciting to discover just around the corner. It's easy to get around, with roads like Queen Street East and Gerrard Street East connecting everything. Overall, it's a cool neighbourhood that you would love exploring in Toronto. Here are some of the nearby neighbourhoods you should check out:

Schools

South Riverdale is a convenient, family-friendly area that offers top-notch schools that cater to all ages. From highly-rated public schools to innovative private institutions, there's a perfect place for every child to learn and grow in this competitive community. The schools in the area are:

• Riverdale Collegiate Institute
• Queen Alexandra Middle School
• Dundas Junior Public School
• Bluebird Montessori School - South ($10 / DAY FEDERAL FUNDING PROGRAM)

Restaurants

Foodies will feel right at home in South Riverdale, with its diverse and delectable dining options. From aesthetic cafes to welcoming restaurants, there's a different adventure waiting around every corner to satisfy all your cravings. Here’s a list of some of the top-notch places to consider:

• Fran's Restaurant
• 7 West Cafe
• Pizza Rustica
• Fox on John
• Denny's
• Pho Pasteur Restaurant

Shopping Malls

Shopaholics rejoice! Fantastic malls surround South Riverdale, offering a wide range of merchandise from the newest trends in fashion to distinctive local treasures. The following are the options for enjoying a fun day out exploring the best stores and boutiques the area has to offer.

• Gerrard Square Shopping Centre
• Jane Park Plaza
• Yorkville Village
• Westside Mall
• SmartCentres Toronto (Westside)
• Carrot Common

Hospitals

Access to excellent medical facilities to ensure they stay healthy and happy. Health and wellness are a priority in South Riverdale, with several top-tier hospitals and clinics nearby. Some of the hospitals within walking distance are:

• South Riverdale Community Health Centre
• CMCC South Riverdale Student Clinic (South Riverdale Clinic)
• Gerrard Medical
• Riverdale medical centre

Riverdale Park East

This huge park is perfect for a day out. Visitors here can come to enjoy stunning views of the colourful skyline. The space can be used to have a picnic, or watch a game of baseball. In fact, in winter, there's a toboggan hill that's super fun for kids and adults alike.

The Broadview Hotel

This historic hotel is not just for overnight stays. Rather, you can plan a wonderful staycation in this amazing place. Spend your day or evening checking out its rooftop bar for amazing drinks and even better views of Toronto. It's a great spot for a relaxed evening with friends and family.

Explore Queen Street East

When bored, stroll along Queen Street East and dive into its endless array of cool shops, trendy cafes, and unique boutiques. It's the perfect place to window-shop, grab a coffee, or find that special something you didn’t even know you needed.

South Riverdale is full of exciting activities that keep you engaged and entertained. Here are some fun things to do:

Street Art and Murals

The artsy hint in the atmosphere of South Riverdale streets is one of the USPs of this neighbourhood. Take a walk around the neighbourhood, and you'll find incredible street art everywhere. From colourful murals to quirky installations, there's always something new and exciting to discover on the streets of South Riverdale.

Catch a Show at The Opera House

If you are someone who love live music, then this is the spot for you. The Opera House hosts amazing concerts and events in a historic venue. It's an awesome spot to enjoy your favourite bands or discover new ones.

Explore Local Markets

The neighbourhood offers you a lot of local markets to explore and connect with the world, and that too while doing your favourite thing, ‘shopping.’ Spend your weekend mornings exploring local farmers' markets. Pick up fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and unique handmade crafts while enjoying the lively atmosphere and meeting friendly locals.

Cultural Experiences

When in South Riverdale, you cannot miss out on checking out the street art, murals, and local galleries. You’ll find incredible artwork that adds a splash of colour and creativity to the neighbourhood streets. The Distillery District is like stepping into another world with its cobblestone streets and historic buildings. A lot of visitors spend their evenings checking out the art galleries, delicious eateries, and cool shops all in one charming area.

About 15% of South Riverdale residents use public transportation, and 33% drive to work daily in their private vehicles. Some of the popular landmarks of the locality and their driving distance are:

• Distillery District: 5 minutes
• Downtown Toronto: 10 minutes
• High Park: 20 minutes
• Toronto Islands Ferry Terminal: 15 minutes
• Scarborough Bluffs: 25 minutes

South Riverdale, Toronto, offers its residents numerous local markets and malls. These shopping centres offer a wide range of products, like home-convenience products and home decor items.

Leslieville Farmers' Market

One of the liveliest markets in this neighbourhood is the Leslieville Farmers' Market. Every Sunday, this market comes alive with fresh produce, delicious baked goods, and unique crafts. It's a great place to pick up some goodies and enjoy the lively community atmosphere.

Gerrard India Bazaar

Popular for its rich cultural experience, this market offers a wide array of Indian goods. You’ll find colourful saris, traditional jewellery, spices, delicious Indian food, and a lot more. Overall, it's the perfect place to explore and indulge in South Asian culture.

Riverdale Farm Market

This charming market is perfect for families. It features fresh produce, local meats, and dairy products, all while being adjacent to Riverdale Farm. Kids here can enjoy visiting farm animals while parents shop for high-quality, farm-fresh items.

South Riverdale is one of the diverse neighbourhoods with strong community ties. It is known for its green spaces, welcoming community and walkability. The locality is home to people of many ethnicities, including Filipinos, Vietnamese, Chinese and South Asians. Let’s have a look at the key demographics of the area:

South Riverdale, Toronto, is a fantastic place for families with kids and pets. Here are some fun and engaging activities you can enjoy:

Riverdale Farm

It's the perfect option for taking your kids and pets on a delightful visit to Riverdale Farm. This scenic farm features various farm animals like cows, sheep, goats, and chickens. Above all, it's a great educational experience for children, and pets will enjoy the outdoor environment.

Jimmie Simpson Park

This park is perfect for a family day out. It has a large playground for kids, wide open spaces for pets to run around, and even sports facilities. There’s also a community centre offering various activities and classes for you to plan a perfect outing.

Withrow Park

Withrow Park is a large, beautiful green space with plenty of activities to try out. Kids can enjoy the playgrounds, wading pool, and sports fields, while pets will love the off-leash dog area here. It's an ideal spot for picnics and outdoor fun for individuals, friends, and family.

Tommy Thompson Park

Compared to a normal park, this park is a bit more adventurous and offers a unique outdoor experience. It’s great for a family hike or bike ride, with plenty of wildlife to see along the way. Also, pets on leashes are welcome, making it a fantastic outing for everyone out there.

The cost of living index below shows how expensive it is to live in a place compared to the national average of 100. For example, an index of 90 means it's 10% cheaper, while 110 means it's 10% more expensive. This index is made up of various categories: goods and services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%), and utilities (10%). If specific data for South Riverdale isn't available, nearby city estimates are used to provide an idea of costs.

South Riverdale features a variety of housing options, including charming Victorian and Edwardian homes, modern condos, and spacious row houses with front lawns and backyards. The neighbourhood's desirable location, close to parks, trendy shops, and cultural attractions, makes it highly attractive. Home prices typically range from $1.2 million to $3 million, with luxury properties reaching up to $8.5 million. Renting a home in South Riverdale can cost between $2,500 and $6,000 per month, depending on the property’s size and amenities.