The Kingsway, located just outside the downtown core slightly past Bloor West Village is a wonderful place to call home for families and young professionals looking to expand their family in a caring community. When it comes to living in The Kingsway you’ll find a brilliant mix of specialty shops, fabulous restaurants, pubs and cafes, a preserved theatre, professional and medical services and events throughout the year, it’s no wonder people flock to this area that brings families and the community together.
Living in The Kingsway
This affluent residential neighbourhood is located in the former City of Etobicoke, an area that became the west end of Toronto upon amalgamation in 1998. It is bounded by Bloor Street to the south, Dundas Street to the north, the Mimico Creek to the west and the Humber River to the east. While the area was first known as “Kingsway Park”, popular usage drifted to The Kingsway, that being the name of the main road which winds through the heart of the area. Along with The Bridle Path and Forest Hill, The Kingsway is one of the most affluent areas in Toronto and homes are typically characterized by large stone mansions of English style.
With many top schools located in this area, it’s obvious why The Kingsway is on many lists of dream neighbourhoods to raise a family in. Childcare from the Montessori level all the way up to private schools can be found here and are consistently ranked among some of the best in schools in West Toronto. With a true community feel, it’s a place you can really live for 20+ years as your children grow up, all in the same neighbourhood with friends close by, yet located close enough to Downtown Toronto that commuting for parents is a breeze.
Where to Eat and Drink in The Kingsway
The Kingsway might not be a destination for those living in the downtown core, but that’s just fine with the locals of the neighbourhood. Walking the main strip, you can find plenty of spots for delicious meals, cafes for fantastic coffee, watering holes & bars to satisfy any thirst on any night of the week and plenty of things to do.
Travelling down Bloor Street near Royal York, you can find a variety of restaurants including Azarias Restaurant – an elegant option with a great wine list and menu that features shared plates with plenty of seafood options. If you’re looking for something a little more casual, The Crooked Cue is a good drop-in any night of the week, as is Henry VIII Ale House which is perfect for brunch, or if you’re interested in perusing their list of over 100 bottles of scotch & whisky.
Real Estate in The Kingsway
Built by the developer (and visionary) Robert Home Smith many of the homes in this neighbourhood have incredible historical features. Stone exteriors, intricate brick patterns, decorative wrought-iron railings and porch lamps, that were typical of the late 1800s. can be seen down these beautiful streets. The oldest homes in The Kingsway are found along Government Road where you can find Victorian and Edwardian architecture from the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Home Smith decreed that no owner could build a house without the approval of his staff, and he developed strict regulations against the cutting of trees. Most of the homes were designed in the Arts and crafts style, which had become popular during that time. Smith insisted on the use of locally sourced materials for the houses in Kingsway Park, such as sandstone quarried from around the Humber River and Credit River areas.
The Kingsway was aimed at affluent home buyers and is somewhat still targeted to them today. Most families looking to move to The Kingsway are looking for their forever home – a place where their children can attend school and grow up in a neighbourhood with a true community feel. Being so close to the downtown Toronto core makes this a top choice for those who can afford the luxury of living in The Kingsway. For those who aren’t there just yet, cruising through the stunning winding streets in Spring and Fall serves as wonderful motivation.
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