Doncrest, York

Doncrest is a vibrant and family-oriented neighbourhood located in the southeastern part of the York Region. The area likely gets its name from the nearby Don River, with its development dating back to the 1980s and 90s when it began transforming into a thriving suburban community. Known for its tree-lined streets and well-maintained detached homes, Doncrest offers a blend of modern amenities and suburban charm. The neighbourhood has a strong sense of community, with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities that cater to families and individuals alike.

The neighbourhood is known for its strong sense of community, with excellent schools, parks, and recreational facilities, making it an ideal place for families. Its well-connected location provides easy access to shopping, dining, and public transit, offering convenience and a high quality of life. Overall, Doncrest is a great place to live, offering a balanced lifestyle with a focus on safety, education, and community spirit.

Doncrest has a high livability score, with amenities, commute options, and safety contributing significantly to its appeal. The neighbourhood enjoys a low crime rate, 28% below the Ontario average, and offers excellent educational opportunities, with 89% of residents having completed high school. However, the cost of living is 26% higher than the national average, reflecting its affluent and desirable nature. The table below shows a brief of livability and lifestyle in Doncrest -

Doncrest has a total crime rate is 28% lower than the Ontario average and 47% lower than the national average, highlighting its status as a safe and secure neighbourhood. This lower crime rate contributes to the community's reputation as a peaceful and family-friendly area.

Doncrest is a pet-friendly neighbourhood. The area offers several parks where residents can walk their dogs and enjoy outdoor activities with their pets. The community welcomes pets, making it easy for pet parents to enjoy the neighbourhood with their furry companions.

Doncrest is a diverse and family-oriented neighbourhood in York Region, known for its welcoming community and strong educational values. The area is predominantly rich in cultural mix that reflects the broader multicultural landscape of the Greater Toronto Area. Residents enjoy a close-knit atmosphere focusing on community engagement, education, and family activities, making Doncrest a vibrant and inclusive place to live.

Schools

1. Doncrest Public School: A well-regarded school offering Kindergarten to Grade 8 education, known for its strong academic programs and community involvement.
2. Richland Academy: An independent school providing a Reggio-inspired curriculum for early childhood and elementary students.
3. Bayview Secondary School: A top-ranked public high school in the area, renowned for its International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Restaurants and Cafes

1. Yang’s Fine Chinese Cuisine: A popular spot for authentic dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes, located along Bayview Avenue.
2. Symposium Cafe Restaurant: A cosy cafe offering a wide variety of breakfast, brunch, and dinner options, perfect for casual dining.
3. Pho Viet: A local favourite for Vietnamese cuisine, particularly known for its flavorful pho and fresh spring rolls.

Shopping Complexes

1. Times Square Richmond Hill: A vibrant shopping centre featuring a mix of retail stores, restaurants, and services catering to the local community.
2. Hillcrest Mall: A large indoor shopping mall nearby offering a wide range of brand-name stores and dining options.
3. Golden Plaza: A busy shopping area with a variety of Asian grocery stores and speciality shops, offering a unique shopping experience.

Healthcare Centres

1. Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill Hospital: A major hospital providing comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialised clinics.
2. HealthOne Medical Centre: A multidisciplinary clinic offering a range of healthcare services, including family medicine, physiotherapy, and dental care.
3. Richmond Hill Medical & After Hours Clinic: A walk-in clinic providing accessible healthcare services, ideal for non-emergency medical needs.

Here are the top attractions and places to visit in Doncrest:

• David Hamilton Park: A popular family-friendly park with playgrounds, a splash pad, sports courts, and ample green space, making it a great spot for outdoor activities.
• Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Studio: A newly renovated facility featuring an NHL-sized ice rink, fitness studio, and walking track, perfect for sports enthusiasts and those looking to stay active.
• King's College Park: A peaceful park offering walking trails and open areas, ideal for a relaxing stroll or a picnic with friends and family.
• Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts: Located a short drive away, this cultural hub offers a variety of performances, from theatre to live music, and is a must-visit for arts and culture lovers.

Doncrest offers a variety of activities and attractions for residents and visitors:

• David Hamilton Park: A central spot in Doncrest, this park features modern playgrounds, a splash pad, sports facilities, and plenty of green space for outdoor activities.
• Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Studio: Enjoy public skating sessions, fitness classes, and a newly renovated NHL-sized ice rink, making it perfect for both recreational and competitive skating.
• King's College Park: A serene park ideal for walking, jogging, or simply relaxing in nature, with well-maintained paths and open spaces.
• Shopping at High Tech Road: For a convenient shopping, explore big-box stores like Walmart and Loblaws, along with nearby specialty shops offering diverse products.
• Cultural Dining Experiences: The Leslie Street corridor is lined with various restaurants, particularly known for Asian cuisine, offering a rich culinary experience right in the neighbourhood.

• Bayview Hill Park: 2.5 km
• Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts: 5.0 km
• Hillcrest Mall: 4.8 km
• Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park: 7.2 km
• Markham Civic Centre: 5.5 km

Doncrest is home to several popular markets and shopping areas that serve the community's diverse needs:

• High Tech Road Shopping Area: This bustling area includes major retailers like Walmart Supercentre and Loblaws, offering a convenient spot for all your everyday essentials.
• Bayview Hill Centre: A local shopping centre that combines retail stores, dining options, and essential services, making it a favourite among Doncrest residents for its accessibility.
• Leslie Street Corridor: This vibrant area along Leslie Street is lined with independent markets and restaurants, known for catering to the community's diverse tastes, particularly with a focus on Asian goods and cuisine.

Doncrest is a diverse and affluent neighbourhood in Richmond Hill, known for its family-oriented community and strong educational background. The area attracts professionals and families, offering a stable and welcoming environment. With a focus on community values, Doncrest residents enjoy a high quality of life in a well-established, safe, and supportive neighbourhood. The given table sheds light on the demographics of Doncrest -

• David Hamilton Park: This expansive park is a hub for family activities. It features modern playgrounds where kids can climb, slide, and play safely. The splash pad is a hit during warmer months, offering a fun way for children to cool off. There's plenty of green space for pets to run freely and shaded areas where families can relax and enjoy a picnic.
• Ed Sackfield Arena and Fitness Studio: Perfect for active families, this arena offers public skating sessions that are great for kids learning to skate or those who just enjoy some time on the ice. The adjacent fitness studio provides additional opportunities for family-friendly exercise. While pets aren't allowed inside, there are outdoor areas around the facility where pets can be walked.
• King's College Park: A beautiful park with wide, open spaces perfect for walking dogs and engaging in outdoor activities with children. The park includes a well-maintained playground and walking paths where kids can bike or scooter while pets enjoy the fresh air.
• Russell Farm Park: This park offers a serene environment with walking trails and ample green space, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful day out with kids and pets. The park also has benches and picnic tables, providing a comfortable place for families to relax while their children and pets play.
• Bayview Hill Community Centre: The community centre hosts a variety of programs for children, including swimming, sports, and arts and crafts. While kids are engaged in activities, parents can take pets for a walk around the nearby Bayview Hill Park, which features open fields and walking paths.

Living in Doncrest costs about 26% more than the national average and 7% more than the Richmond Hill average. The higher cost is largely due to expensive housing, making Doncrest one of the pricier neighbourhoods in the region.

The real estate housing market in Doncrest, Richmond Hill, is characterised by high demand and relatively high property values. The area is known for its detached two-storey homes, many built in the 1980s and 90s, along with some low and mid-rise condominiums on the periphery. One example is Richmond Hill's median home, which costs around $1.32 million.

Homes in Doncrest are popular due to the neighbourhood's strong amenities, excellent schools, and safe environment, which contribute to a competitive market. Properties in Doncrest generally sell relatively quickly, reflecting the high demand in this desirable area. The neighbourhood's real estate market is strong, with homeownership rates significantly above the national average.