Independent in soul and confident in character, Leaside appeals to families looking to live life to its fullest.
Located in East York just southeast of where Bayview and Eglinton avenues converge, the peaceful, upper-middle-class suburban neighbourhood has drawn families to its quiet charm ever since it first became a town in 1913 with just 43 residents. Leaside has grown relatively quickly in its first hundred years and today heading along Bayview Avenue you’ll find high-quality, independent shops and delectable restaurants with amazingly varied menus flanked by gorgeous side streets full with well-maintained homes.
Average property value: $688,119
Rent: $1,053
Homes you’ll see: Victorian and Tudor-style homes are common throughout Leaside with a variety of two-storey detached, bungalow and semi-detached homes spread across the side streets. Condominiums and townhouse developments started popping up in the 1990s on major streets like Bayview and Eglinton.
Bargain spot: Slightly cheaper prices to the southeast and east along Eglinton.
Hot spots: For Indian food done truly right, Amaya The Indian Room (1701 Bayview Ave.) is your place. Make sure to order some Amaya Basmati rice with your order, a delicious mix of brown, wild and basmati rice. McSorley’s Saloon and Grill (1544 Bayview Ave.) is a local favourite hangout that is great for families — ask about weekly kid-friendly events — and the food is primarily sourced locally.
Education: Leaside High School (200 Hanna Rd), Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School (211 Bessborough Dr.), Rolph Road Elementary School (31 Rolph Rd), St. Anselm Catholic School (1 Macnaughton Rd).
Condos & developments: Huntington by Tridel (Bayview & Eglinton), Kilgore Estate Phase 2 & Kilgore The Bungalows (Bayview & Eglinton), The Scenic on Eglinton (Eglinton & Brentcliffe).
Getting around: TTC bus routes to and from the Yonge-University subway line along Eglinton and south along Laird as well as east from St. Clair Station to Thorncliffe Park Drive.
Final word: A great place for raising a family and still close to the downtown core, Leaside provides a lot of options for living, shopping and watching the kids grow up. Excellent schools and outstanding independent stores make this neighbourhood one that deserves its reputation as a peaceful place that still has plenty of pizzazz.
Legend
• 1: Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
• 2: Kilgore Estate Phase 2, and Kilgore The Bungalows
• 3: Huntington
• 4: Leaside High School
• 5: Bessborough Drive School
• 6: Bayview Avenue shopping
• 7: St. Anselm School
• 8: Rolph Road School
• 9: Leaside Park
• 10: Thorncliffe Park
• 11: Iqbal Grocery Store
• 12: East York Town Centre
• 13: Thorncliffe Park School
• 14: Valley Park School
• 15: Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute
• 16: Ontario Science Centre
• 17: The Scenic on Eglinton by Aspen Ridges
• 18: Sunnybrook Park
