Parkdale

An incredible and eclectic neighbourhood in Toronto. It is located on the west end of downtown within the boundaries of Roncesvalles Avenue and Dufferin St, and Queen St down to Lake Ontario. It is known for its high-density residential apartments and has become one of the largest working-class neighbourhoods in Toronto, with its popularity for newcomers to Canada.

History

Parkdale originally began as a village in 1879 though the area was owned by James Brock in 1812. The Parkdale railway station was opened in 1856 which spurred the development of the village of Parkdale. In the 1870s, a new railway was built in South Parkdale. Parkdale continued to be a purely residential area with many large Victorian-style mansions as well as views of Lake Ontario. In 1884, the village was annexed and began a part of the city of Toronto.

Throughout the early 20th century, Parkdale was a highly desirable neighbourhood due to its proximity to Lake Ontario. The lakefront was improved during the 1910s with a boardwalk and breakwater. Many popular activities opened up such as the Parkdale Canoe Club. More and more people were using Parkdale as a popular day vacation spot.

In the late 1900s, Parkdale began to change as the city began to build the Gardiner Expressway. Many areas in the south of Parkdale were demolished and separated Parkdale from Lake Ontario. This caused patronage of the beach to decline heavily and the Parkdale train station was closed. As the highway was completed, the area changed with many high-density apartment buildings popping up and many of the mansions becoming rooming houses.

Parkdale has now become a very diverse and transient neighbourhood for newcomers to Canada. The abundance of rental apartments coupled with the close proximity to downtown allowed the neighbourhood to evolve into its current state. It has become a cultural and artistic hub for many of the city’s residents.

Types of Homes You’ll Find

Parkdale is primarily a residential neighbourhood filled with apartments and semi-detached homes. There is a mixture of Victorian-style housing particularly row homes and also Georgian revival-style row homes in Parkdale. There are many older mansions that have been converted into multiplexes. You will also find many apartment buildings, particularly around Jameson and Tyndall Avenues.

Real Estate Demographics

Average sale price: $1,356,600

Average listing time: 15 days

Demographics

Youth: 15%

Adult: 72%

Senior: 13%

Avg Household Income : $65,651

Own: 42%

Rent: 58%

Parks & Green Spaces

While Parkdale has a lower amount of parkland per resident in comparison to other areas in Toronto, there are still plenty of spots for its residents to enjoy some green space. Masaryk Park is great for families and Lakeshore Boulevard Park has plenty of amenities for residents to enjoy. Don’t forget to check out Marilyn Bell Park on the lakefront!

Schools

Elementary

• Queen Victoria Public School
• Parkdale Public School
• Holy Family Catholic School

High Schools

Parkdale Collegiate Institute

Getting In and Around

Parkdale has several options for public transport. Along Queen and King Street, there are streetcar routes as well as bus service on Lansdowne and Dufferin that will connect you to the subway station. Residents in Parkdale have easy access to downtown via the 504 streetcar on King.

Neighbourhood Walk Score: 81

Neighbourhood Transit Score: 95

Things to Do

Parkdale has plenty of things to do for all kinds of residents and visitors. With a vibrant shopping and dining experience on Queen St West as well as access to the lakefront, you’ll be sure to have a great time in Parkdale!

In Vintage We Trust

If you’re in the mood for thrifting, this store has plenty of vintage apparel. With plenty of iconic styles including sporting goods and workwear, In Vintage We Trust is the place for you.

Grand Electric

One of Toronto’s best taco places, Grand Electric has a great selection of dishes from fish, beef and pork to vegetarian and ceviche dishes. Try it out but watch out for lines during peak hours!

Plentea

If you love tea, then this is the place for you! Plentea is an incredibly cute teabar with a huge and diverse range of teas for you to enjoy. It’s a great place to meet with friends and enjoy a fantastic cup of tea!