Riverdale is bounded by Danforth Avenue to the North, CP Railway Tracks to the South and Greenwood Avenue to the East and Don Valley Parkway to the West.
Neighbourhood
Riverdale is situated in a high-density urban area in the east end of Toronto. There are many surrounding parks and family-friendly local shops and services which lend to the true community feeling in the area. Old Maple trees umbrella the streets and provide beautiful landscape. Close to schools, transit and a short commute to downtown, makes it a popular and trendy location for young professionals, families and singles alike.
History
The first homes in Riverdale were built by Railway laboubbbbrers in the 1850’s. The construction of the Prince Edward Viaduct (Toronto’s largest bridge) in 1918 brought further residential development to the area and provided a link to the city’s downtown core. Riverdale homes were built between 1880-1920 and are comprised mostly of two and three-storey Victorian homes. These charming homes have either laneway or street parking.
Real Estate
North and South Riverdale both have reasonably priced real estate, while South Riverdale homes tend to be smaller and older then North Riverdale and thus less expensive. The area east of the Don River has become developed with newer construction and is now a trendy locale with cafes and shops. Riverdale is a good real estate choice from both a lifestyle and investment perspective as the area’s value increases with gentrification.
Living in Riverdale
Riverdale ha several parks and parkettes throughout and is a very family friendly community. Riverdale Park East has an outdoor pool and running track,
Withrow Park has a busy farmer’s market, while Jimmie Simpson Park offers tennis courts, a wading pool, a hockey rink and a baseball diamond. The Riverdale neighbourhood encompasses four public libraries which offer additional community programming.
Riverdale is bordered by some of Toronto’s most vibrant cultures and communities, including Greek Town (on Danforth Avenue, east of Broadview Avenue), and a smaller, east end Chinatown with its bakeries, grocery stands, and restaurants (in and around the intersection of Gerrard Street East and Broadview Avenue). Additional retailers can be found at Queen Broadview Village and Gerrard Square (at Pape Avenue and Gerrard Street East).
Riverdale Schools
Riverdale has an abundance of options when it comes to excellent public education in Toronto, including top-ranked and highly coveted Jackman Avenue Junior Public School.
- Blake Street Junior Public School | Grades JK – 6
- Jackman Avenue Junior Public School | Grades JK – 6
- Pape Avenue Junior Public School | Grades JK – 6
- Frankland Community School | Grades JK – 6
- Earl Grey Senior Public School | Grades 7 – 8
- Quest Alternative School | Grades 7 – 8
- Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute | Grades 9 – 12
- Eastdale Collegiate Institute | Grades 9 – 12
- Holy Name Catholic School | Grades JK – 6
- Montcrest School | Grades JK – 8 (private co-ed)
Transportation
Regular TTC bus and streetcar service runs along Broadview, Carlaw, Jones and Greenwood Avenues, as well as Queen Street East and Gerrard Street connecting to the various Bloor-Danforth subway stations of Broadview, Chester, Pape, Donlands and Greenwood. 5 minute drive to Don Valley Parkway, Lake Shore Boulevard East, and Gardiner Expressway.
