Neighbourhood
Summerhill has preserved the original character of the Victorian and Edwardian style houses built between 1880-1915. Residents have done a lovely job maintaining the original charm inside and out, even over several iterations of renovations. There are a few new modern homes that are pieced in here and there but it is by far the minority. This area is highly sought after and considered an upscale neighbourhood which sits on beautiful winding, tree-lined streets. It has a mixture of established professionals, families with growing children and retired empty nesters. The area has many amenities including boutique shops and restaurants, and close proximity to downtown. Summerhill residents enjoy a wide range of private and public schools and the Rosehill Reservoir Park is a favourite amongst many. The Summerhill subway station is near most homes and the Yonge Street corridor is easily accessible by car.
Summerhill is bounded by Farnham Avenue & Rosehill Reservoir to the North
Balfour Park to the East, The CNR to the South and Avenue Road to the West.
History
The area was named after ‘Summer Hill’ house, built in 1842 by Canadian transportation baron Charles Thompson. Most of the area was once part of the Thompson estate but was subdivided by his heirs in the 1880s which is when the North Toronto Railway Station was established on Yonge Street and the neighbourhood developed around it. 1931 the railway station closed and brewers retail took over the building and it has remained a liquor store currently a landmark LCBO. The freight trains continue to operate just behind it. The building was restored in 2004, and the Ontario government is considering plans to restore it to its original function, this time as a possible link for Via Rail or GO Transit, or as part of a link to the airport. As for the area, in 1954 Summerhill subway station opened and with it a new surge of growth and vitality. Since then, the area has thrived and grown.
Real Estate
Summerhill an attractive neighbourhoods in Toronto with relatively low turnover in real estate. The area offers large Victorian and Edwardian-style, turn-of-the-century, character houses sitting nicely on Summerhill’s quiet streets. Most houses in the neighbourhood are detached or semi-detached single family dwellings, with many being built between the 1880 and 1910. Over the last decade, Summerhill has seen a modest influx of low-rise luxury condominiums and more modern townhouses. This is a popular area for professional couples and families alike and an established neighbourhood.
Living in Summerhill
There are many great places in Summerhill. Boutique stores, high-end grocery stores, butchers, café’s and restaurants. The Rosedale diner is a popular one for brunch and The Summerhill Market is a go-to for most residents in the area. There is an abundance of green space nearby, ravines and parks and of course very easy transporation options to downtown or uptown.
Summerhill Schools
Summerhill offers an excellent selection of public and private school education, many schools within walking distance.
- Deer Park Grades | JK – 8
- Northern Secondary School | High School
- North Toronto Collegiate Institute | High School
- Hodgson Senior Public School | Grades 6-8
- Eglinton Junior Public School | Grades JK-5
- Brown Junior Public School | Grades JK-6
- Davisville Junior Public School | Grades JK-6 (English and French Immersion)
- The York School – Middle & Upper School | Grades 6-12 (Private)
- Linden School | Grades 1-12 (Private)
- De La Salle College | Grades 9-12 (Private)
Transportation
Transportation is very accessible with Summerhill and St. Clair TTC Stations nearby. Buses run along Yonge Street, Mount Pleasant Road and Avenue Road and streetcars run along St. Clair Avenue.
