The Beaches has to be one of Toronto’s most popular areas of the city, and home to some of the most stunning homes in the GTA. With a quaint neighbourhood feel, this area of the city is highly sought-after by growing families who are looking for a true community feel, yet still centrally located and within a short commute to the downtown core. Heres what its really like here.
Living in the Beaches
Officially known as “The Beaches“, this area is enclosed by Victoria Park Avenue to the east, Kingston Road to the north, Woodbine Avenue to the west, and Lake Ontario to the south. With the feel of a lakeside resort town and all the amenities of the largest city in Canada, it’s no wonder most buyers have The Beaches neighbourhood at the top of their wish list.
One of the best things to see in The Beaches is, of course, The Beach. The three-kilometre boardwalk is perfect for strolling during all four seasons, but we tend to favour spring and summer the most. But on any given day, you’ll see plenty of people with their children and Fido in tow, enjoying the scenic views of the water – yes, even in the winter months.
At the south end of the boardwalk, you’ll find Kew Gardens, a 6.5-hectare public park and flower garden. Children can enjoy the wading pool, playground, and baseball diamond when it’s warm, and the park makes for the perfect winter setting for snowman-building. This is really a park for every season: in the summer, you can also take advantage of the tennis courts and in the winter, enjoy the popular Christmas tree lighting and carolling, or go skating at the seasonal ice rink and then warm up by the fire pit.
Where to Eat and Drink in the Beaches
What to do in The Beaches and what are the best restaurants? Walking down Queen Street East you won’t be surprised by the number of fantastic restaurants that are located in The Beaches. If you’re looking for delicious Italian, in a casual atmosphere, La Sala should be on your list. Built in a historic home near Kew Gardens, La Sala offers top quality dishes in a casual dining atmosphere – be sure to try the house-made pasta, which are featured in their traditional dishes such as Pappardelle Bolognese or Spaghetti Carbonara.
If you’re missing your BBQ as we get deep into the winter months, head over to Hog Town Smoke – a local favourite for delicious, saucy comfort food. Our top choices include the Baby Back Ribs, Tequila Chicken, and how can you say no to the Mac & Cheese experience?! Their signature mac and cheese is made to order, with the addition of toppings of your choice. Don’t forget to check out the beer and bourbon list to wash everything down.
Real Estate in The Beaches
The Beaches is home to many different types of properties for sale from Victorian detached homes, to semis, to new build homes to condos and lofts. However, given its close proximity to downtown Toronto and its lakefront location, living in the Beaches won’t come cheap. There also is an extremely low crime rate and the neighbourhood is surrounded by many exceptional schools.
Looking for your forever home in this neighbourhood could take a bit of time, as you want to be sure you find the right fit. Being a dream community for some, buyers may take risks with homes just to get on the right street. Our advice would be to always, ALWAYS have a home inspection as a condition with your offer. You never know what could be hiding behind renovated walls, so even if the place looks brand new, a home inspection could reaffirm it’s for you, or perhaps save you from years of financial stress to get it up to standard.