The Upper Beaches

The Upper Beaches is one of those east-end neighbourhoods that gives you a little bit of everything. You get the beautiful tree-lined streets and relaxed feel that people love about The Beaches, but you’re also close to The Danforth, the subway, GO Transit and plenty of everyday amenities. It’s a popular choice for families and buyers who want a quieter residential neighbourhood without giving up the convenience of being in Toronto.

The neighbourhood generally sits north of Queen Street East and the waterfront, stretching up toward Danforth Avenue and around Main Street, Kingston Road and Woodbine Avenue. There are a number of different pockets within the Upper Beaches, so the feel can change from one street to the next. Some areas feel very residential and quiet, while others are closer to the restaurants, shops and transit along the main streets.

The homes are a big part of the appeal. You’ll find everything from classic Toronto semi-detached and detached homes to bungalows, townhomes and newer custom builds. Many of the older houses have been renovated or added onto over the years, but still keep some of their original character. There are also condos and newer developments, particularly along Kingston Road and closer to transit.

For families, there are plenty of schools throughout the area, including Balmy Beach Community School, Bowmore Road Junior and Senior Public School, Norway Public School, Malvern Collegiate Institute and Neil McNeil Catholic High School. There are also several Catholic elementary schools and other options in the surrounding neighbourhoods.

One of the biggest perks of living in the Upper Beaches is the amount of green space. Glen Stewart Ravine is probably one of the area's best-known natural attractions. The wooded ravine has walking trails and a beautiful boardwalk section that makes you feel like you've left the city, even though you're only minutes from Queen Street. Glen Stewart Park is another popular local spot, and Norwood Park has sports fields, playgrounds and plenty of room for kids and dogs to run around. You’re also close to Kew Gardens, which is one of the main gathering spots in The Beaches and hosts community events throughout the year.

And, of course, the lake is a huge part of the lifestyle here. Woodbine Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach and Ashbridges Bay are all close by, giving residents easy access to the water in the summer and beautiful waterfront walks year-round. The Martin Goodman Trail runs along the lake and is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.

When it comes to shopping and dining, Queen Street East is the main attraction. You’ll find cafés, restaurants, bakeries, local shops, fitness studios and plenty of independent businesses. Kingston Road has also become a great spot for restaurants and smaller local businesses, and you're close enough to The Danforth that you have even more options just a short trip away.

The area also has a strong community calendar. The Beaches International Jazz Festival, Beaches Arts & Crafts Show and local events at Kew Gardens and surrounding parks bring people together throughout the year. In the summer, Queen Street and the waterfront are especially busy with people out enjoying the neighbourhood.

Transit is another reason buyers are drawn to the Upper Beaches. Main Street, Woodbine and Victoria Park TTC Stations provide easy access to Line 2, while the Danforth GO Station offers another option for commuters. There are also streetcars and buses along Queen Street, Kingston Road and other major routes. For drivers, the neighbourhood has relatively easy access to Lake Shore Boulevard and the Don Valley Parkway, making it convenient to get around the city and the GTA.

One of the things I think people really appreciate about the Upper Beaches is that you can have a very different kind of day depending on what you feel like doing. You can spend the morning walking through Glen Stewart Ravine, grab lunch on Queen Street, head down to the beach in the afternoon and then meet friends for dinner on the Danforth. You’re close to so much, but when you’re back on your own street, it still feels quiet and residential.

And while people often compare the Upper Beaches to The Beaches, there’s a little more variety in the housing and, depending on the pocket, you can sometimes get a bit more space for your money. That combination of location, community, green space and access to the lake is a big part of why the area continues to be so popular.

Why People Love The Upper Beaches

• Beautiful, quiet, tree-lined residential streets
• Great mix of classic Toronto semis, detached homes, bungalows and newer builds
• Larger lots and mature landscaping in many pockets
• Glen Stewart Ravine and its wooded walking trails
• Easy access to Kew Gardens and Kew Gardens Park
• Norwood Park and other family-friendly green spaces
• Close to Woodbine Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach and Ashbridges Bay
• Easy access to the Martin Goodman Trail
• Great restaurants, cafés and independent shops along Queen Street East
• More restaurants and businesses along Kingston Road
• Close to The Danforth and Greektown
• Several excellent schools nearby
• Convenient TTC access from Main Street, Woodbine and Victoria Park Stations
• Close to Danforth GO Station
• Easy access to Lake Shore Boulevard and the DVP
• Plenty of parks, playgrounds and recreational facilities
• Community events and festivals throughout the year
• Strong mix of longtime residents, young families and professionals
• Close to the lake without having to live directly on the waterfront
• A great balance of city convenience, green space and neighbourhood charm

Thinking About Calling The Upper Beaches Home?

If you like the idea of having a quiet, family-friendly street to come home to, but still being close to the beach, great restaurants, transit and everything The Danforth has to offer, the Upper Beaches is definitely worth exploring.

Whether you're thinking about buying, selling or just curious about what homes are selling for in the neighbourhood, I'd love to help you get to know the area and find the right pocket for you. Let’s find a neighbourhood that feels like home. Get in touch with Laura Cooper today!

Glen Stewart Ravine

Beaches

Markets

Ted Reeve Arena

Restaurants

• The Feathers Pub – Classic pub fare
• Bodega Henriette – French-inspired cuisine
• The Porch Light –  Elevated comfort food and craft cocktails
• Budapest Restaurant –  Hungarian specialties
• ViVetha Bistro – Mediterranean-inspired dishes
  

Thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate In The Upper Beaches