Where is “Riverdale”?

An older and very popular Toronto neighbourhood, Riverdale is located on the south west end of the Danforth’s “Greektown”. Bounded by the Don River Valley to the west Riverdale extends south to Lakeshore Blvd and east to Leslieville.

Getting There

Sitting atop a hill on the east side of the Don Valley Ravine Riverdale’s residents are just minutes away from the Don Valley Parkway and Lakeshore Avenue.  Cyclists access Riverdale from trails running through the Don Valley. The neighbourhood is well served by the TTC with Broadview and Chester stations sitting on the northern border of the neighbourhood and streetcars servicing Broadview Avenue, Dundas, Gerrard and Queen Streets.  Riverdale residents can be in the centre of downtown Toronto in just minutes. 

Homes in this Neighbourhood

Older, tree lined streets -Such as, Withrow, Logan, Dearbourn, Howarth, Hogarth ,Wroxeter and Riverdale Ave. - feature well maintained Victorian and Edwardian homes.  Many of the houses in this area had been subdivided in the 1970's into rental units. But those days are long gone, and the area offers plenty of choice between detached and semi-detached  single family homes. 

Parking is at a premiuim in Riverdale. There are very few private drives,  lane parking is the most common form. Residential Street Permit parking is available. 

South Riverdale sits closer to the Lakeshore and features an eclectic mix of smaller, more affordable homes.  Great for first time home buyers and younger couples.  Older buildings in South Riverdale, primarily on Broadview, Riverside and Carlaw Avenue are being converted to modern condos and lofts adding modern touches that fit in seamlessly within this older, more establish neighbourhood.

What’s There?

Diversity abounds in the Riverdale area with a number of smaller, distinct neighbourhoods sitting within its boundary.  There are several smaller, culturally diverse neighbourhoods.  Little Chinatown runs north/south along Broadview Avenue, and Greektown runs along the northern border of the neighbourhood.  Cultural festivals bring thousands of visitors to the neighbourhood throughout the summer months.  The “Riverdale Zoo” is a favourite for residents and visitors alike with special events and seasonal activities taking place throughout the year.   Queen and Carlaw is becoming home to a thriving arts community with studios, galleries and lofts lining Carlaw north and south of Queen Street.

One of the best off leash dog parks can be found in Withrow Park. Rain or shine, you will find plenty of dog lovers enjoying watching their dogs playing and chatting with other dog owners.

Restaurants and cafes line Queen Street to the south and the Danforth to the north. If you are a fan of Greek food, the Danforth has some of the best Greek food in the city. The Carrot Common, is well known to locals looking for the best organic produce. Chinatown and Little India both feature authentic ethnic restaurants, entertainment and speciality shops.  Riverdale residents have easy access to many of Toronto’s most popular beaches.  Taking the Queen Streetcar in the southern part of the neighbourhood, residents can be in the centre of Toronto’s business district in fifteen to twenty minutes.  Due to Riverdale's central location, areas such as the Distillery District, a popular entertainment and shopping destination is also easily accessed by car or public transit.

Schools & Other Services

Once home to many younger families, the area is well serviced by schools:  Dundas Jr. Public School takes care of the younger children who, once they complete grade five, move on to Queen Alexandra Sr. Public School which educates children until grade 8.  The First Nations School of Toronto, a cultural survival school that places heavy emphasis on aboriginal values and culture and Canada’s first alternative public school - SEED Alternative Secondary School – are also located in this area.  Secondary schools Riverdale Collegiate Institute and Eastdale Collegiate Institute also serve the area.  North Riverdale is close to the Danforth and the popular Jackman Public School, providing younger families with another attractive option. 

Riverdale is actually a one big neighbourhood made up of many smaller, diverse neighbourhoods. Each has its own personality making this area popular with growing families, younger couples and longer term residents all calling Riverdale ‘home’. 

No doubt about it, Riverdale, and the pockets that surround it, are a great place to live.