The Vibe

Willowdale has the feel of an urban cosmopolitan district surrounded by family oriented quaint neighbourhoods with its tree-lined streets, stately homes, to luxury condominiums and custom built homes. Its shiny sky-scraping office towers and world class entertainment with such charm, its no wonder its residents are there to stay!

The Story

Willowdale is located in the district of North York which extends from Finch Ave at the north, to Elmwood Ave at the south, Bathurst St. at the west and Bayview Ave. to the east. Willowdale is a dynamic neighbourhood filled with luxurious condominiums & custom built homes. With its sky scrape office towers, booming entertainment district and modern recreation facility all centered around the highly acclaimed Centre for the Performing Arts which hosts local and world class entertainment. The district is the perfect mix of residential and commercial blended perfectly together to suit the old and young alike.

Willowdale will continue to evolve over the next few decades with plans incorporating residential, parkland, commercial, educational and institutional. This is one of the largest redevelopment projects ever initiated in the city of Toronto.

The Convenience

Willowdale surpasses the convenience factor as there are several public parks for young families and those that enjoy the outdoors. Transportation within Willowdale makes it easy for commuters to get around, as some of Toronto's busiest major roadways run through it such as: Bathurst, Bayview, Finch & Sheppard. Highway 401 is easily accessible as well which makes getting in and out of Willowdale very convenient.

The Yonge Street shopping district is as colourful as its residents. There is a wonderful mix of small retailers, big box stores, specialty stores, fast food restaurants, small shopping plazas and a large shopping centre. The international mix of cultures exudes a vibrant shopping experience as the selection of restaurants & stores include: French, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese and Middle Eastern.

Willowdale is home to a multi-faceted facility that includes the Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre and the North York Central Library. Mel Lastman Square is a popular public promenade for the locals that is equipped with a spacious amphitheatre, wedding pavilions, a garden court, and a reflecting pool which transforms into a skating rink during the winter months.

There are a number of fairs and events that happen all year-round. A fall fair, a spring Earth Day festival, Downsview Park’s Trail of Lights during the Christmas season, and Canada Day at Downsview Park to name a few.

The Residents

The residents of Willowdale come from all parts of the world but there is a significant presence of French, Italian, Greek, Chinese, Japanese, Middle Eastern & Iranian. There is a wonderful sense of community as there are families that have been there for decades and young professionals with families in the area.

The Best Part

Willowdale is known for having expansive lots, although compared to areas in York Region they may seem small however, the lot sizes are quite spacious. Whether you like to shop, dine at international cuisines, the outdoors or enjoy first class entertainment, there is something for everyone!

The Worst Part

There isn't a vast nightlife which could be a problem for some people who are seeking a faster paced lifestyle.

The Real Estate

Willowdale consists of single-family homes, condominium townhouses and high-rise condominium towers located along beautiful tree-lined streets all of which provide a more affordable entry into this popular North York neighbourhood. You can be sure to find original homes built in the  1940 that consists of charming bungalows and pretty brick 2-storey homes. Many of these original houses have recently been torn down and replaced by new custom designed houses. Many of the lots are very expansive which is the reason so many new homes have been built here.

The Schools

The Toronto Christian District School Board and French public secular school board has a huge presence in the neighbourhood.

Willowdale is also the home of the newly rebuilt Earl Haig Secondary School which has an outstanding academic reputation where students can major in either dance, drama, music or visual arts.