Highlighted by turn-of-the-century houses, meandering streets and an abundance of green spaces, Summerhill is the idyllic place to call home!
Toronto’s Summerhill neighbourhood features well-regarded public and private schools, and is in close proximity to the downtown core, making it one of Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods. It is bordered by the Canadian Pacific Railway tracks to the south, Farnham Avenue to the north, Balfour Park to the east and Avenue Road to the west. In the winter, a 50-foot blue Christmas tree is erected for the Cavalcade of Lights along the CP Rail tracks at the overpass at Yonge Street to the delight of Summerhill neighbourhood residents.
History
Summerhill is one of Toronto’s most sought-after neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood derives its name from the famous “Summer Hill” house built in 1842 by Canadian transportation baron Charles Thompson. Today, the neighbourhood is centred around the old Summerhill train station (which is now one of the biggest and most beautiful LCBO locations in the province) as well as leafy, hundred-year-old trees, beautiful homes and quiet streets.
As one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods, Summerhill’s architecture is full of elegance and opulence. There are large Victorian and Edwardian-style homes mixed in with turn-of-the-century and even newer, modern, upscale condos such as Scrivener Square.
Homes
Built between 1880 and 1915, most of the detached and semi-detached homes in Summerhill Toronto real estate are built in the Victorian and Edwardian styles with brick exteriors.
Many homes for sale do not include driveways, however, street parking permits are available for a nominal annual fee. Summerhill Toronto real estate also features a few low-rise condo buildings and modern townhouses.
Schools
Summerhill is a fantastic area for families. Whether you want to publicly or privately educate your children, there is a school for you. Notably, there is Cottingham Junior Public School which is one of the highest-rated public schools in Toronto. There is also The York School which offers a private co-independent education to students from junior kindergarten to grade 12. It also features the International Baccalaureate program to all grades of students – becoming the first school in Canada to do so.
Recreation
Summerhill, Toronto is not simply a residential neighbourhood. You are spoiled for choice for places to shop, eat and drink. There are many homegrown independent boutiques such as Cloakroom which is perfect for everything from beach clothes to gala wear. If you are looking for a special place to eat, look no further than Boxcar Social, Terroni or Nadege Patisserie. Each of these stunning locations have won numerous awards for their fine culinary fare such as Nadege’s macarons, Terroni’s superb Italian food and Boxcar Social’s crafty cocktails.
More of a nature buff? Summerhill is steps to the Rosehill Reservoir Park which features a footpath, children’s playground, reflecting pools, and is connected to nature trails in the Vale of Avoca Ravine. The David A. Balfour Park is next door and includes ornamental fountains and a gated garden retreat with paths that lead into the ravine and connect to the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail with scenic routes for biking and hiking. Residents also enjoy the Yellow Creek ravine, The Cottingham Tennis Club, and Lionel Conacher Park.
Transportation
As it is located directly north of Yonge and Bloor, Summerhill, Toronto is a convenient locale for transportation. The area’s Transit Score is 91, partly due to the Summerhill subway station situated in the heart of the neighbourhood. Summerhill also features a 92 Walk Score, but that seems pretty evident already when you have so many shops, restaurants and places of business at your doorstep as mentioned above.
Summerhill’s Walk Score is also impacted by the wealth of leafy green outdoor spaces it has. The neighbourhood is bordered by the Rosehill Reservoir and Balfour Park, and also includes the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club for those who are sports-oriented.
Buying a Home in Summerhill
If after reading this article you have become interested in moving to Summerhill, Toronto, I am happy to report that this dream can come true. I currently have a listing in Summerhill that offers 2,795 square feet + 1,082 square feet in the basement. The property is steps from the Rosedale subway, and minutes to Yorkville, U of T and the ROM. If you think that this home could be the right one for you, or are interested in other Summerhill properties,
I would love to talk to you. Please feel free to contact me anytime here. I cannot wait to help you find your dream Summerhill home.
