5 beautiful beach communities
Life is better in the Beach.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, upgrading to accommodate a growing family, or downsizing for retirement, selecting the right home is a pivotal decision. This process typically involves understanding your needs, researching the market, and evaluating potential properties, but what about the feeling of it all? The Beach is often known as one community, but I don’t see it that way. I see a beautiful interwoven fabric of many sub-areas. Understanding each of these areas, their pros and cons, and how they differ, will help you with the real question because you can research and evaluate all you want, but if the area you live in doesn’t feel right, you’ll find yourself lost.
Here are 4 of the many sub-areas within the beach to get us started, in no particular order
#1 The Beach triangle
Known for its ease of access to downtown and laid back vibes, the Beach Triangle is positioned from the west side of Woodbine to Lark St. and from Queen St north to Kingston Rd.
Once ‘the wrong side of the tracks’, if you ask me, that is everything that makes it the right side of the tracks. The Triangle’s history is rich with grit. It was once located just north of Woodbine Racetrack with some savoury characters who frequented the area, but this is what makes it so special today. The sort of folks who purchased the homes before the removal of the race track went against the grain, they were comfortable with difference, inclusive, and perhaps a little more down to earth than the east of woodbine crowd. As a result, this beautiful nook of the Beach boasts unique homes, friendly neighbours, and a level of laid back energy that is unmatched.
If you are the sort of person who appreciates authenticity, a creative edge, and a lively backyard hangout scene, The Beach Triangle is for you.
#2 Neville Park
Stretching the final lengths of the far east end of the beach, Neville Park offers quiet respite from the city. With the most eastern subway bus route being Main St (ie. tourists don’t tend to travel this far), Neville Park offers the most secluded Beach location, with an off leash dog park, the Water Works, and many tree-lined, dead-end, ravine streets, Neville Park is nestled in nature, quiet, and picturesque.
The perfect spot if you are seeking plenty of peace and quiet, and lower traffic volumes, keeping in mind that it does put you about 15 minutes further from Toronto’s downtown than the west sections of the Beach.
#3 The core
If hustle bustle is your middle name, this one’s for you. The core of the Beach, while not a formal area, is essentially the hub of the neighbourhood, running the main shopping strip from about Herbert Ave. to Hambly Ave. (at it’s most active, and then carrying on to Beech Ave).
This part of the Beach is lively, friendly and home to wonderful local shops, cafes, and restaurants.
You have to be comfortable with higher traffic volumes to live here, but if that’s okay by you, it’s a pedestrian’s dream! You’ll find movies and craft fairs in the park in the summer and the Christmas tree lighting in the winter. Enjoy everything the Beach has to offer in.
#4 pleasantville
Formerly the home to Woodbine Race Track, Pleasantville sits just south of the Beach Triangle, bordered by Queen St and Lakeshore, this area offers extremely convenient access to the boardwalk, fast access downtown and spacious homes more akin to those of the suburbs.
If you are looking for the suburban dream in Toronto, you found it. These homes come complete with 3-story living, modern functionality, laneways and garages.
Some might say the area encompasses a more private feel - likely due to the fact that the majority of residents, drive into their backyard garage and enter their home privately, with less opportunity to greet and share their days with their neighbours.
If proximity to the sand, downtown access, large homes, and parking are priorities, this area goes all the way. If you are an outgoing community sort of person, you might find yourself better suited to Pleasantville’s northerly neighbours in the Triangle.
#5 Upper beach
The Upper Beach is known for its laidback feel, strong community, green space, and affordability. Once an ‘outskirts’ part of the Beach, now a cornerstone. The Upper Beach is a short walk to Queen St. and the boardwalk, but also packs a punch with its own locale. With Kingston Rd. Village on the east end of its border and Gerrard St Bizaar on the west, (not to mention the lovely strip of shops developing at Main/Gerrard), you have incredible walkability with less traffic than the Beach core, and great transit access. There is so much to enjoy on foot. The area is packed with green space, tennis courts, and recreation facilities, Norwood Park and Fairmount Park just to name two!
What sets this area apart is definitely its people - people who want to know their neighbours; community street parties, backyard get togethers, and good conversations. If you are a community-minded sort of person who enjoys green space, this is the area for you!
Ps. Excellent school districts too!