With plenty of character and history to its name, Bloor West Village is popular for all the right reasons.
The west Toronto neighbourhood located just northwest of High Park is a quiet Mecca of residential peace and easy living bolstered by good property values and self-contained shopping.
Rising values in the area have made it a hot property among house-flippers and investors in recent years though good values can still be found if you take the time to look.
Still close to the natural serenity of High Park but without that area’s sky-high housing prices and still nearby public transit while feeling quietly residential, the Village frequently enjoys the best of many worlds.
Average property value: $448,804
Rent: $979.
Homes you’ll see: Plenty of two-storey brick houses originally built from the late 1800s to the 1930s planted on attractive, tree-lined streets. The neighbourhood is popular with renovators too so it’s not uncommon to see overhauled modern homes peppered throughout.
Bargain spot: The northern areas surrounding Annette St. are a little cheaper, with higher prices the closer you get to High Park.
Notable locations: Ravina Gardens is a large, attractive park good for dog walking built on the site of a former arena. Hidden away in the north of the area, Runnymede Hospital is nice peace of mind to have nearby. Great shopping south along Bloor Street W. and to the northeast along Dundas Street W. courtesy of The Junction.
Where to go: It’s hard to find a more satisfying place to indulge your sweet tooth than at the Sweet Flour Bake Shop (2352 Bloor St. W.) where among the delectable treats you can even order cookie sandwiches — yes, that’s sandwiches filled with dessert yummies like cream, planked between home-baked cookies instead of bread. You willpower is on notice. For dinner, Classico Pizza and Pasta (2457 Bloor St. W.) is a hidden gem that offers very authentic Italian dishes and a nice outdoor setting with its sizeable patio.
Education: Runnymede Jr & Sr PS (357 Runnymede Rd.), St. Cecilia Catholic School (355 Annette St.), St. Pius X Catholic School (71 Jane St.), Western Technical Commercial School (125 Evelyn Cres.)
Condos & developments: Bloor West Village Lofts (592 Annette St.)
Getting around: High Park, Runnymede and Jane subway stations along Bloor Street W. Access to The Queensway, Lake Shore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway to the south. Heading north, Jane Street is the best route for hitting the 401 and 400 highways.
Final word: If you’re looking for a charming, livable neighbourhood that’s still in easy reach of the city core, it’s hard to find fault with the tree-lined streets, the well-built homes, the varied shopping and the diverse mix of people that Bloor West Village offers.
Legend
• 1: Bloor West Village Lofts, 592 Annette St., Plazacorp
• 2: Shopping Area – west section of Annette Street (just past Runnymede)
• 3: Beresford Park
• 4: Runnymede United Church (Runnymede & Glenwood avenues)
•5: St Cecilia, 355 Annette St.
• 6: Western Technical-Commercial School, 125 Evelyn Cres.
• 7: Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School, 357 Runnymede Rd.
• 8: St Pius X, 71 Jane St.
• 9: Jane Station
• 10: Runnymede Station
• 11: High Park
• 12: High Park Station
• 13: Ursula Franklin Field
• 14: Ursula Franklin Academy school (146 Glendonwynne Rd.).
• 15: Ravina Gardens
• 16: Humberside Collegiate
• 17: St. George’s Church on the Hill
• 18: Baird Park
• 19: Oakmount Park
