Riverdale

Riverdale is one of Toronto’s newest up-and-coming neighbourhoods and is noted for its diverse community and emerging independent design, furniture, food retailers and restaurants. It’s a thriving neighbourhood east of the downtown core, surrounded by abundant parkland. This makes it a perfect hideaway for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city without having to go too far. There are many top-ranked schools, great shopping opportunities and convenient access to transit. Riverdale is a great location for families and young professionals.

The neighbourhood began to accelerate with the building of the Prince Edward Viaduct truss bridge in 1918(referred to now as the Bloor Viaduct). This bridge provided an important link to the City of Toronto and was a coming-of-age moment for Riverdale. ??Riverdale homes are mostly Victorian and Edwardian-style, built primarily between 1880 and 1924. Most of the homes have since undergone renovations to suit the design tastes of the young and increasingly affluent families who live in the neighbourhood.

Riverdale has become well-known for its multiculturalism, including several cultural neighbourhoods along its major paths, such as The Danforth (“Greektown”) and East Chinatown. There are numerous schools in the neighbourhood, such as Riverdale Collegiate Institute, Parkway Vocational School, East Alternative School, and Montcrest School, a highly recognized private school. Residents of Riverdale enjoy the many green spaces and parks within their neighbourhood and frequent Riverdale Park East, Withrow Park and Jimmie Simpson Park.

For those who appreciate the arts, Riverdale is well known for its independent art galleries which have contributed to the gentrification of Riverdale along Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue. There are many historical buildings and plenty of cultural heritage in Riverdale as well, which distinguishes its character and sets it apart from other neighbourhoods.