Leaside is a very popular neighbourhood, located northeast of downtown Toronto, in the vicinity of Eglinton Avenue East and Bayview Avenue. In the early 1900s, Toronto’s Leaside neighbourhood was designed to emulate the successful Rosedale community. And it has evolved into a popular, upscale residential area, but with a character distinctly its own. With plenty of greenspace and parks, along with a nice mix of independent shops and traditional big-box stores, Leaside also has excellent sports facilities, restaurants and cafes – it’s no wonder this is a top destination for home buyers in Toronto.
Living in Leaside
Leaside is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Toronto. In light of its high profile, it is not surprising that Leaside is also one of the more expensive and luxury real estate districts in Toronto. Leaside is in especially high demand with upper-middle-income families who value this neighbourhood as an ideal place to raise children. Bayview Avenue features a wonderful collection of shops and restaurants. Many of these stores are geared towards children reflecting the demographics of this neighbourhood. Bayview Avenue is also known for its antique shops, specialty stores, and neighbourhood pubs, that attract a clientele from all over the city.
When it comes to living in Leaside you will find an abundance greenspace and parkland, a fine selection of schools, and excellent access to public transit. Line 5 Eglinton, also known as the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, will have 3 stations in Leaside when completed in 2021: underground stations at Bayview Avenue and at Laird Drive, and a grade level station at Leslie Street.
Things To Do in Leaside
Few Toronto neighbourhoods can match Leaside when it comes to recreation and things to do. The Leaside Memorial Community Gardens at Millwood Road and Laird Drive is a multi-recreational complex that includes an indoor ice arena, an indoor swimming pool, a curling rink and an auditorium.
Leaside residents can enjoy nature and fitness activities in Serena Gundy Park and Sunnybrook Park. In addition to offering ideal picnic spots, Sunnybrook Park features top-notch sports fields, an exercise trail, horseback riding stables and a licensed snack bar operated by the Parks and Property Department.
Trace Manes Park, located in south Leaside off McRae Drive is the home of the Leaside Tennis Club which has six tennis courts. Trace Manes Park also has a tots playground, a baseball diamond and an outdoor natural ice rink which is in use from late December until the end of February. The Leaside Public Library is situated adjacent to this park off McRae Drive.
Leaside Real Estate & Homes
The typical Leaside house is situated on a generous size lot with a private drive and a garage. Most of the houses contain beautiful wood trim, hardwood floors and a working fireplace. Leaside’s Tudor-style houses were built largely in the 1930’s and 1940’s. There is a good mix of two-storey detached homes, bungalows and semi-detached houses. A growing number of Leaside bungalows have had second storey additions, while others have been replaced by new custom designed homes.
During the 1990’s a handful of exclusive condominium and townhouse projects have been built on the periphery of the neighbourhood. Leaside also contains some of Toronto’s nicest rental apartment buildings, located on the east side of Bayview Avenue and on Leacrest Road overlooking the Don Valley Ravine.
For those looking to get into the Leaside neighbourhood with a pre-construction opportunity, Upper East Village Condos is a New Condo development by Diamondcorp located at Brentcliffe and Eglinton E, Toronto.
Residents of Upper East Village Condos will enjoy a half acre of park and ground-level retail with pedestrian-friendly promenades. Meticulously designed amenities will include an indoor swimming pool, steam room, games room, private gym, boardroom, party room, dining room, outdoor entertainment area with BBQs, concierge service and much more.
With all of the benefits of living in Leaside, it’s obvious to us why clients always have this on their Toronto neighbourhood wish list. It’s the perfect location to raise a family, yet still be within a decent distance to the action of the downtown core.