Description
Riverdale is one of our team's favourite Toronto neighbourhoods and even with rising real estate prices, we think most houses here offer good value for those looking for a forever-family home in a location that's steps to everything. You can read more about the area in our Riverdale neighbourhood guide.
Riverdale homes for sale in the northern part of this popular east-end neighbourhood differ slightly from those available in the southern section. North Riverdale boasts a bevy of two- and three-storey Victorian and Edwardian Toronto homes for sale, many of which have been renovated by previous owners. This is an established neighbourhood and that is reflected in property prices.
There are still deals to be found (albeit no real “steals” left in this prime ‘hood) with un-renovated homes for those willing to take on a project. North Riverdale homes typically have parking off of a laneway and are a short stroll to the TTC and Danforth shopping. Streets tend to be tree-lined and quiet.
South Riverdale has a hipper, more artistic vibe with its close proximity to Leslieville and its history as Toronto’s “Studio City”. Film companies still thrive alongside newer townhomes, condos and loft buildings. There are also plenty of older single-family homes to be found that are more affordable than North Riverdale’s offerings. South Riverdale is prime Toronto real estate for young professionals and couples, particularly those willing to put in some sweat equity to increase their property value.
Best For
Families looking for historic houses for sale in Toronto in a vibrant community, who love being active and getting outside (and out of the city).
Overview
This is one of the Property.ca team's favourite Toronto neighbourhoods and, in our opininon, the gem of the east end.
With its small community feel (you will get to know your neighbours and local barista), an abundance of top-rated schools and parks, and quick access to the DVP, Riverdale is one of Toronto’s hottest neighbourhoods for young families and professionals looking for family-sized Toronto homes for sale.
Situated alongside the DVP running east to Pape, Riverdale is divided into two sections: North Riverdale which runs from Gerrard to Danforth Avenue and South Riverdale which runs south of Gerrard down to the Lakeshore. Riverdale homes for sale in the north end tend to be larger and more expensive; those opposite or backing onto Withrow Park are the most coveted, along with the extra-wide Victorian semis and detached properties along streets like Langley, Howland and Simpson.
Why We Love Riverdale
It Has Parks & Recreation
Perhaps Riverdale’s biggest perk is its three popular parks–in North Riverdale there’s Withrow Park (a family favourite with recreational fields, skating rink, Canada Day fireworks, and a weekly farmer’s market in the summer) and Riverdale Park (one of the best tobogganing hills in Toronto, recreational fields, a swimming pool and an off-leash dog park on its west side).
In South Riverdale, bordering Leslieville, there’s Jimmie Simpson Park with recreational fields, lit hockey rink, tennis and basketball courts, and children’s wading pool and playground and Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre with indoor swimming and outdoor ice rink along with various child, youth and adult programming.
And a Focus on Health & Wellbeing
If Riverdale were a colour it would be green. You’ll find lots of organic food and lifestyle shops, particularly at the Carrot Commons, along with alternative health practitioners. There’s often free yoga and Tai Chi in local parks. People tend to spend a lot of time outdoors in this walker’s paradise and take good care of their homes and gardens.
There’s a newly expanded Bridgepoint Hospital at Broadview and Gerrard and the Bridgepoint Family Health Team, if you can find a doctor accepting new patients, is one of the best in the city with short wait times for appointments and a team-approach to your healthcare.
Its Community Feel
With Greek Town to the north and East Chinatown to the south, Riverdale has a strong multi-cultural influence along with many community events and festivals like Taste of the Danforth. Beyond formally organized events, it’s not unusual to see neighbours ban together for yard sales, lemonade stands and good old fashioned family street parties.
Our favourite is the annual Halloween show by local families formerly known as “The Langley Collective” where a stretch of Howland is cordoned off for three nightly stage performances of spooky song and dance performed by local children, garnering over two thousand spectators each year. You can read more on the Riverdale Halloween Play facebook page.
- 11thMost expensive out of 44 neighbourhoods in East End$1.16millionAverage home value in Riverdale-15.88%Year over year change in values
Historical Average Home Prices in Riverdale