The Beach lifestyle can be described in a couple of words: relaxed and sporty. It has that cottage feeling.

In terms of homes, The Beach is wildly diverse in its architectural styles. Large, upscale family homes sit cheek to cheek with small bungalows, row houses, duplexes, low-rise apartments, new condominiums and infill housing.

Buying a Home in The Toronto Beaches

When you buy a home in the Toronto Beaches, you're buying much more than a house. You're buying into one of the best communities in the city, a safe place to raise your family and stable real estate prices. It is the best of both worlds, with a short commute into the city and the freedom to live a cottage-inspired life. 

All of these wonderful benefits equal higher than average real estate prices, but that does not mean it is prohibitive for the budget conscious.

The Pricey Side of Toronto Beach Real Estate

All homes located south of Kingston Road are in demand, regardless of their size. You will pay a premium for living closer to Queen Street. Prices are higher again when you are south of Queen and closer to the lake.

Lakefront properties are rarely on the market, but when they are, they are priced accordingly - high.

Search current Beach real estate listings to see how location affects the price. 

The More Affordable Side of Toronto Beach Homes

There are still some relatively affordable smaller homes in the Upper Beaches north of Kingston Road. 

With that said, even Upper Beach semi-detached homes will sell for over $500,000 if elegantly renovated.

If your budget is below $500,000 have a look at our Beach Condos. Condos in the Beach are often about $100 per square foot less than similar units in downtown Toronto.

• To have custom listings sent to you based on your budget and lifestyle please contact me directly.

What is it Like to Live in The Toronto Beaches?

Residents joke that you can’t live in The Beach without a dog, or kids...and preferably both.

But that is not all that makes the area unique. The Beach boasts large parks, excellent schools, city-run and private daycare providers, and community centers with private and city-run programs for all ages.

And, if you were wondering...The Beach does have one of the highest dog ownership rates in the G.T.A. at nearly 70% (with enough dog parks for all!).

The Boardwalk and Surroundings

It is no surprise that many local activities take place along the 3km boardwalk and sandy shoreline.

Boating, kite boarding, SUP boarding, canoeing and kayaking, beach volleyball tournaments, running, biking and inline skating (with or without strollers) are all common sights.

Locals and visitors to the area also appreciate and use the numerous parks and local ravine and waterfront trails.

Some of the most popular beach and boardwalk activities include:

• Giant Kite Flying
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• Jet Skiing
• Swimming and Sunbathing
• Biking/Running/Walking
• Wind Surfing

Local Festivals and Activities in The Toronto Beaches

Long established Beach Community events are always well attended by local residents and visitors. Some of the most popular include:

• The Beaches Jazz Festival
• Christmas and Easter Parade
• The Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
• The Beaches Arts and Crafts Show
• The Beach Studio Tour
• The huge ‘Yard Sale for the Cure’ in Kew Park
• Doors Open Toronto Beaches Walking Tour

Eating Out and Shopping in The Toronto Beaches

It is no wonder that Queen Street East in The Beach was awarded the "best small-town Main Street in Ontario" by TV Ontario a few years ago.

There are now more than 350 businesses running along Queen Street East, from three blocks west of Woodbine Avenue over to Toronto's Art Deco gem, the R.C. Harris Waterworks. 

Further north in the Upper Beaches, Kingston Road Village is rapidly growing as a secondary retail and commercial hub, housing cafés, flower shops, specialty retailers, antique dealers, small boutiques and increasingly, artist and artisan studios.

Some of the most popular local gems include:

• Murphy's Law
• The Garden Gate Restaurant (affectionately known as "The Goof")
• The Fox Theatre

Parks in The Toronto Beaches

• Kew Gardens at 2075 Queen Street East and Woodbine Park at 1695 Queen Street East feature wonderful flowerbeds, picnic areas, sandy beaches and playgrounds. The northern end of both parks play host to annual Jazz Festival musicians.
• The large D.D. Summerville outdoor Olympic Pool, Children’s Pool and Diving Pool links Kew and Woodbine Beaches.
• Ashbridges Bay Park at Lakeshore Boulevard East and Coxwell Avenue is divided into the park proper, the Toronto Beaches Skatepark and the Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club.
• Cassels Park at 69 Cassels Avenue is in the Upper Beach and offers a playground, splash pad, and dog park.
• The locals call it "the Purple Park" – nestled under the tall trees at the foot of Silverbirch Avenue right on the lake, next to the Balmy Beach Canoe Club. Some will say that the sandpit full of a rotating variety of donated Tonka trucks and other toys is the main feature.

Recreation Centres in The Toronto Beaches

• Williamson Road Community Centre with an indoor pool, gyms, a weight room and programs for all interests and age groups.
• Adam Beck Community Centre offers a multitude of programs in sports, arts, crafts, dance, cooking and fitness.
• Ted Reeve Arena and Park offer a wading pool, playground, sports field and indoor skating rink and hockey leagues for all ages.

Schools and Day Cares in The Toronto Beaches

My two children have attended Beach Schools since they began their educational adventures. Not only do neigbourhood schools score above provincial and city averages, they also have some incredible extra-curricular activities.

The Future of The Toronto Beach Community and Real Estate

Real Estate

Home values are expected to continue to rise steadily but not exponentially over the next few years, as prices overall are already on the high side and demand is fairly level.

We expect to see more upscale, low-rise (up to six storey) condominium buildings to meet the demand of local empty nesters that want to stay in the neighbourhood but don’t want the upkeep of a freehold home.

Lifestyle

Potential run-away over development is being curbed by local architectural preservation groups who are very active in keeping the scale of buildings in the spirit of existing street fronts.

The Beach has become one of Toronto's favourite destination neighbourhoods, yet after all these years the Beach has still retained its strong community roots.

Finding the Perfect Home in The Toronto Beaches

I have lived in The Beach for 25 years and have helped others make it their home for almost as long. To find your perfect home please contact me so that we can discuss the best options and solutions for you.

You can also enter your dream home details below. When you do, I'll set up a profile for you and you'll start getting listings based on your wants and needs.