Summerhill is one of the most preferred neighbourhoods to live in all of Toronto. With its stunning Victorian homes, tree-lined streets and plenty of park space and shopping, this is one neighbourhood in Toronto that truly has it all.
Conveniently located along the Yonge Street corridor, residents can take advantage of easy access to Toronto’s downtown business and entertainment districts, making this a major destination for house-hunters with families, but still a desire to live within close proximity to the downtown Toronto core.
Living in Summerhill
Summerhill residents are spoiled for choice with a multitude of fantastic places to eat and drink as well as a wealth of independent stores and boutiques. Summerhill Market is a destination for not only residents, but for those from all over the downtown core. Freshly prepared meals are high on the list of must-haves – have you tried the chicken pot pie?! And don’t forget to load up on the highly addictive truffle popcorn. Trust.
When walking the leafy green streets of Summerhill, you might notice that everyone has a certain glow – likely a combination of happiness and a facial from the well-known Gee Beauty located on Roxborough Street. Pop in for a make-up touch-up or for one of their amazing facials.
For those who want to enjoy the beauty of the Canadian seasons, Summerhill offers a wealth of outdoor spaces. The area is bordered by Balfour Park and the Rosehill Reservoir, and Summerhill residents enjoy a number of trails for walking, running, and cycling. Rosehill also features a children’s playground, wading pool, and several beautiful waterfalls. You’ll never be bored when it comes to living in Summerhill!
Summerhill Real Estate and Homes
The Summerhill neighbourhood is named after ‘Summer Hill’ house, a magnificent Regency cottage built in 1842, by transportation baron Charles Thompson. Summer Hill stood on the crest of the hill on what is now a pretty residential street known as Summerhill Gardens.
Prior to the 1910’s, the only houses in this neighbourhood other than the Summer Hill estate itself were the Victorian row houses and labourers’ cottages at the south end of the neighbourhood near the railway tracks. In 1954 Summerhill became a designated station on the Yonge Street subway line and in 2003 the North Toronto railway station with its distinguished clock tower and magnificent architecture was refurbished and brought back to life as one of the largest LCBO liquor stores in Canada.
Summerhill’s original housing stock consists of semi-detached and detached Victorian houses, and detached Edwardian style houses, built between 1880 and 1915. Many of these houses do not include driveways which can be a frustration for homeowners, but permit street parking is available from the city for a nominal annual fee. Most who live in the area are OK to trade in the convenience of driveway parking to live in the magnificent homes found here.
Due to its popularity among families, real estate in Summerhill can be hard to come by. And when homes to pop up, they’re usually snapped up in an instant. If you’re open to some work, we recommend keeping your eye open for a total gut-job. A home that doesn’t necessarily check a move-in-ready box may be your opportunity to get into the neighbourhood. Don’t be afraid to look at these gems as you’ll be able to move into your dream area and make your dream of living in Summerhill Toronto a reality.
With its pretty Victorian and Edwardian style houses on winding, tree-lined streets, upscale shops and fine restaurants, an abundance of greenery, low crime rate, and close proximity to downtown business and entertainment districts make Summerhill one of the most appealing neighbourhoods in Toronto.