| Toronto Neighbourhoods

When people think of upscale neighbourhoods in Toronto, they may think of the more secluded and private neighbourhoods such as Bridle Path and Forest Hill. In my Deer Park neighbourhood guide you will learn that this upscale neighbourhood is different in that its residential streets spill out onto either Yonge Street or St. Clair Avenue. If you are looking for upscale living in the heart of a vibrant shopping, dining and business district, Deer Park is the right neighbourhood for you.

History

Deer Park has a long and beautiful history. When the area was inhabited by First Nations, it was referred to as “Mushquoteh” which means an opening or meadow in the woods where deer come to feed. The Heath family in 1837 purchased 40 acres of “Mushquoteh” which they developed into an estate named Deer Park. In the mid to late 1800s Deer Park grew to include more than just beautiful country villas: a general store, a cemetery, a race track, a school and a hotel were all built along the intersection of Yonge and St. Clair. While the deer sadly stopped roaming the hotel grounds by the early 1900s, it was around this time that Deer Park became annexed into the City of Toronto and became the prestigious neighbourhood we know it as today.

Architecture

The next stop on this Deer Park neighbourhood guide is to better understand the neighbourhood’s architecture. As mentioned previously, the majority of the homes in this neighbourhood were built between 1875 and 1920. There are, however, a fair number of newer townhouses that have recently been built with the style of the area kept in mind so that they blend seamlessly. However, what I would argue makes this neighbourhoods particularly special is the wide variety of luxury condominiums to choose from as a potential home. Most of these stunning and sophisticated condos offer balconies with picturesque views of either the ravine, the nearby David A. Balfour Park or the city skyline.

Lifestyle

There is lots to see and do in this neighbourhood. The St. Clair Centre and the many shops lining both Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue offer local staple and grocery stores. If you are a gourmand, the Yonge and St. Clair shopping district offers many well renowned upscale restaurants. This intersection is also home to high profile retailers that attract shoppers from all corners of the city.

Recreation

Deer Park is a perfect oasis for those who love pretty, green spaces. The David A. Balfour Park is ideal for athletes as there are many trails for walking, cycling and jogging. It also has a reflecting pool and easy access to the Rosehill Reservoir which offers four acres of ravine with serene wooded trails. It is perfect for a romantic walk. Oriole Park, located at the northern tip of Deer Park is great for families: in addition to the two tennis courts and seven kilometre path, there are wading pools and playgrounds for little ones of all abilities. The sensory musical features and braille panels in the children’s areas are inclusive, educational and most of all fun!

Transportation

Because Deer Park is located in such an urban centre, the St. Clair subway station is within walking distance of every home in the neighbourhood! This makes it perfect for those who prefer to commute without a car. However, if you do prefer to drive, you are only a 15-minute drive from a 400 series highway, as well as downtown Toronto.

Has this Deer Park neighbourhood guide made you seriously consider Deer Park as your next home? If so, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or inquiries you may have. I would love to show you all that this beautiful neighbourhood has to offer.