For decades, Leaside has been seen as one of Toronto’s most coveted neighbourhoods.
While its unofficial neighbourhood boundaries may be expanding and evolving, its appeal as a place to call home remains the same.
In short, Leaside offers the best of every world. Its slew of small businesses and its tight-knit community have always offered a small-town vibe. Meanwhile, it sits within walking distance of a handful of convenient big box stores that are typically reserved for suburbia. And then, what's more, the downtown core’s lights are just a short drive (or transit ride) away.
Once reserved predominantly for single-family homes on curvy, tree-lined streets, the introduction of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT has inspired impressive development along Eglinton Avenue East, which now offers sleek new housing options. Camrost Felcorp’s celebrated mixed-use community, Upper East Village, is a prime example. Located at Eglinton and Laird – just steps from the upcoming Eglinton LRT station, the sleek and spacious residences range from one bedrooms through to townhomes, include rentals and condo suites, and offer hotel-inspired services and amenities.
“It was paramount to us to create a project that looks like it’s been part of the fabric of Leaside for many decades,” says Christopher Castellano, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Camrost Felcorp. The development also brings with it a new park, public art, greenery, and double-wide sidewalks.
While the exterior may be designed to look like it’s been there for years, the interiors boast the best in modern design, says Castellano.
Upper East Village
Not only are developments like Camrost's expanding Leaside’s unofficial boundaries further east, but the mixed-use Upper East Village is essentially creating its own neighbourhood – a destination, even – within a neighbourhood. For example, Charmaine Sweets Studio — a local favourite — is moving into Upper East Village (and will be opening soon); it’s touches like these that draw people from other pockets of the city.
With the new development comes the chance to rent (one building is dedicated entirely to rentals), buy resale (a selection of stunning suites are currently available for purchase), or buy pre-construction. Now, sophisticated living in Leaside doesn’t have to exclusively mean a three-bedroom home with a manicured lawn (though the townhomes at Upper East Village do fit this bill). This evolution opens the neighbourhood up to a larger demographic of people, of varying life stages.
With its ample parks, sports fields, celebrated schools, Leaside Memorial Gardens Arena (where local kids grow up playing hockey), Leaside Gardens Memorial Pool (where they take swimming lessons), and overall safe and community-focused vibe, Leaside remains a great spot for young families. Some would argue it’s one of the city’s best spots for kids to grow up. With its slew of wining and dining spots, coupled with its convenience factor, Leaside is also a popular place to call home for the young professional set without kids, too.
“A lot of young people are looking to move to this neighbourhood because of the opportunity it represents,” says Castellano. “Maybe they grew up in midtown and have outgrown their downtown condo or don’t want to be living above a bar. Leaside is almost like a grown-up Ossington or Kensington Market.”
A walk in the neighbourhood will offer no shortage of small businesses to support. Some of the best spots are found on the Bayview strip, which houses everything from the famous gelato spot Hollywood Gelato and beloved butcher Cumbraes, through to a handful of restaurants, like long-time Thai spot Satay on the Road, Fukui Sushi, and longstanding pub (which has a distinct small-town feel), McSorleys Saloon. Leaside residents have been frequenting these spots for years.
Speaking of long-time residents, Upper East Village offers a way for aging Baby Boomers who have raised their kids in Leaside to downsize, but still remain in the neighbourhood and enjoy its countless offerings. The spacious and wide-open layouts found at Upper East Village lend themselves nicely to down-sizers compared to the typical, smaller condo unit.
33 Frederick Todd Way, Suite 1801 (Upper East Village)
While the local businesses – and their friendly owners – are a major draw, Leaside is also home to big box stores usually found outside of the city confines, like Home Depot, Costco, and Best Buy, located near its eastern boundaries. “You have all of these suburban amenities in the neighbourhood, yet, once the Eglinton LRT station is complete, you’ll be able to be downtown at Union Station in 20 minutes,” says Castellano. “Leaside is continuing its evolution as a sought-after community."
So, if you’re looking for small town, suburbia, and city all in one, you’ll find it just northeast of the downtown core — in Leaside.
To learn more about Upper East Village, click here.
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This article was produced in partnership with STOREYS Custom Studio.
