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Riverdale/Playter Estates See All Neighbourhoods

Just east of downtown, the neighbourhoods of Riverdale and Playter Estates are framed by the Don River Valley to the west, Leslieville and The Danforth to the east, East York to the north and the Lakeshore to the south. These neighbourhood enclaves includes a mixture of housing stock ranging from working class cottages to elegant merchant class manses. The lush canopy of mature trees amidst this rolling hillscape is a beautiful setting for charming residences brushed with a sense of history.

Originally a rural community, the area took its first steps towards modern day when Grand Trunk Railroad steamed through the borough in the 1850’s. Originally constructed to house labourers and their bosses who worked to expand the railroad, this bucolic neighbourhood has grown into itself, with its diverse Victorian and Edwardian housing stock changing to meet the need of its diverse inhabitants. Riverdale boasts Victorian and Edwardian vintage row, semi and detached dwellings, while Playter is an enclave of elegant merchant class residences, all with distinct charm and character.

There are areas that promote the “location, location, location” mantra that is the cornerstone of real estate, and then there are those that embrace it, and incorporate it in its fibre. Riverdale & Playter Estates does just that, with green space sliding in to every available point, with vast parks like Withrow Park and Riverdale Park. There are vignettes of children on swings, runners taking on the paths, people indulging in a moment on a park bench and couples strolling towards nowhere in particular.

While the area offers benefit to a wide-cross section of groups, families with school-aged children will take particular interest with the reputable neighbourhood schools. Top-notch schools like Playter’s Jackman Avenue Junior Public School (serving JK-Gr. 6, offering early French Immersion programs), Riverdale’s Withrow Avenue Public School (serving JK-Gr. 6, offering early French Immersion programs) and Frankland Community School (serving JK-Gr. 6, proud of its 100-year history) are all nestled in the neighbourhood.

As further support to that mantra, beyond the green space, like a good neighbour, lies a host of amenities. Boutique shops, galleries, funky cafes and purveyors of fresh produce dot the streets within walking distance, in full support of a pedestrian lifestyle. There is colour and conversation on every corner.

Riverdale & Playter Estates offer unparalled choice within the context of urban experience.