The Vibe

Woodbine-Lumsden is a serene little neighbourhood on the north east corner of East York. Its sleepy streets are shaded from mature trees protecting an assortment of tiny properties snuggled close together. What it lacks in trendy shopping and dining, it makes up for in its family friendly environment. Here families out for a stroll, moms jogging with strollers and couples walking their dogs are common sites. Its unpretentious homes and proximity to the city make it an ideal spot whether you’re looking for a first or forever home.

The Story

This is a micro neighbourhood located in East York’s Woodbine Heights. It’s bordered by Woodbine to the west, Main Street to the east, the Taylor/Massey Ravine at O’Connor to the north and Strathmore/Harris to the south, just above the Danforth.

Originally part of Woodbine Village at Woodbine and Mortimer, it was intended for development along the railway station and horse-racing facilities near Main and Danforth. It was also the homestead of the Smith family back in the 1920s.

The streets follow the basic plan common in the Edwardian period consisting of narrow lots and homes in the Dutch Colonial Revival, Classical, and Cotswold styles. The houses south of Cosburn were constructed before World War II, however there are also many homes built to provide housing for veterans returning home following the war.

The Convenience

Just east of downtown, there a few bus routes to take you directly to Woodbine or Main subway stations, for a quick ride into downtown Toronto. Drivers will find the Don Mills exit to the Don Valley Parkway just minutes away as well. Although shopping along the Danforth isn’t quite as trendy as areas to the east, the bustling strip is coming into its own. You’re close enough to the major attractions just east of Woodbine-Lumsden, without having to live in the hub of all the action. This provides a quieter lifestyle, where nearby parks like Stan Wadlow and Taylor Creek are major perks of living here. All the amenities a fitness nut or sports enthusiast will ever need including a skating rink, public pool and 10 km of walking and cycling trails are at your doorstep. There’s dog parks and playgrounds a plenty too!

All the conveniences such as groceries, pharmacies and even a mall are all within a 10-minute drive or so. You can also venture slightly across the border of the area to visit the charming shops, cafés, and restaurants of Olde East Yorke Village on Coxwell.

The Residents

This is the ideal spot for young families and couples looking for a home in the city, without the traffic and congestion. You’ll also find many older homeowners who have raised their families here and have been happily living in Woodbine-Lumsden for decades. As their homes become available, younger families move in. The perfect circle of life. Local business owners and a growing number of young professionals are not immune to the area’s charms, with many buying fixer uppers and creating custom homes for themselves.

The Best Part

This area offers a peaceful sanctuary away from the boisterous downtown lifestyle. It’s shady streets, serene homes and family friendly amenities seem to whisper, “Welcome home.”

The Worst Part

While the homes offer plenty of character, the neighbourhood itself doesn’t. This makes it feel a little lost and lacking in identity.

The Real Estate

This is an area with a surprising number of unique homes with distinct designs and properties. Lovely gardens might be side by side less manicured lawns offering opportunity to find some fixer uppers at reasonable prices. For the most part the area has quietly made its mark on the GTA map offering serene living just minutes from the city. Modern homes are also available with respectable lots and tons of upgrades. Homes range from the low $800s to over $1 million, but as mentioned, there is always opportunity to luck out on an older home in need of some TLC.

The Schools

There are two schools in the area:

JK to Grade 5

Parkside Elementary School, 401 Cedarvale Avenue, 416-396-2425

Grade 6 to 8

1. A. Morrison Middle School, 271 Gledhill Avenue, 416-396-2400