While some people buy homes that are located close to work or that boast a high walkability score, others choose their homes - and the neighbourhoods they're located in - based on the rating of the school district. Many parents specifically choose neighbourhoods that allow their children to be within the postal code of particular schools to ensure a solid education.
READ: Why Are School Districts So Important In Real Estate?
So, which neighbourhoods in Toronto are considered some of the most prestigious in terms of school districts? These five are home to some of the top-ranking schools in the city...
Milliken (Markham)
Located at the north-east end of Toronto in Markham, Milliken is an up-and-coming neighbourhood that boasts a vibrant Asian community. The area is home to some great high-scoring schools, including Port Royal Public School and Milliken Public School, which have a score of 8.1 and 8.3 out of 10, respectively, according to The Fraser Institute.
This suburban area features a plethora of modern, family-style detached houses, along with a few townhouses and condominiums. Homes in the neighbourhood are relatively affordable compared to other communities across the GTA, making this a great area for parents to get into to send their kids to great schools and enjoy plenty of space without having to pay an arm and a leg for such a convenience.
Don Mills
According to the Fraser Institute's most recent school rankings, Northmount School in the Don Mills neighbourhood of Toronto has been ranked among the top 5. In fact, this school received a perfect score of 10 out of 10, making it a highly sought-after school and thus making its surrounding neighbourhood of Don Mills a great option for parents.
One of the more popular and best-known neighbourhoods in Toronto, Don Mills is a family-oriented area that perfectly blends a suburban with an urban feel. The tree-lined streets surround plenty of different mixtures of residences that keep the real estate market in the area rather active.
Bathurst Manor
A tranquil neighbourhood in the northern end of Toronto, Bathurst Manor is home to highly regarded schools, including William Lyon Mackenzie, which is one of the highest-rated public high schools in the city. The school received an 8.8 out of 10 rate from the Fraser Institute.
Homes in the area are a mixed bag of ranch bungalows, split-levels, semi-detached homes, townhouses, and contemporary houses with large frontages. There are also enclaves of newer custom-built homes in exclusive subdivisions.
READ: Toronto’s Classroom Bidding War: Schooling Kids In Condos
Lawrence Park
Lawrence Park is not only highly sought-after because of its schools, but also because of its reputation for being one of the safest in the city. Not only that, but the area is picturesque with its winding roads, sloping hills, and lush greenery. The homes in Lawrence Park are characterized as Tudor, English Cottage, Georgian, and Colonial styles, many of which have been lovingly restored to retain their original charm.
Perhaps the most well-known and prestigious schools in the area is Havergal College, an all-girls boarding known for providing girls with an excellent education. But other great schools are peppered throughout Lawrence Park, including Lawrence Park Collegiate, The Toronto French School, and City Academy, the latter of the who which are private.
Hillcrest Village
Located uptown, surrounding Highway 404 between Steeles Avenue to the north and Finch Avenue to the south, Hillcrest Village is a great example of a neighbourhood with great schools without the massive price tag attached to real estate. Parents don't have to compromise their budget in the name of sending their kids to a decent school, and Hillcrest Village is a testament to this. Homes are relatively reasonably priced and include a mix of turn-of-the-century properties and more modern detached homes.
This Toronto community has some of the best schools in Toronto nearby, including Hillmount, Seneca Hill, and Arbor Glen, each of which has been ranked highly by the Fraser Institute.
