Why Toronto’s the Beach is a Great Place to Live and Retire

Toronto is rich with neighbourhoods where residents can live, work and play in, and The Beach is a perfect example. The Beaches (or “the Beach” as it’s known to locals) is well known in the Toronto area as a fantastic place to live, whether you're a senior, empty nester or a young family just getting your start. This thriving neighbourhood has everything your family needs to live happily. Here's what to know about life in the Beach.

Living in The Beaches - Lifestyle and Education

The Beach is known for its unique urban waterfront lifestyle, beautiful homes, and highly rated schools. For young families, working couples and seniors, the Beach is an active and safe community with all the luxuries to ensure a high quality of life. For those who want a neighbourhood with access to a more lively scene, the Beach is a great find. With proximity to downtown Toronto, residents enjoy the excitement from Toronto's breweries, restaurants, bars and other entertainment centres.

Education in The Beaches

Education is important to residents of the Beach, which may explain why public and private schools in the area have an A rating. Nearly half the residents of the Beach have gone to college (higher than the Toronto average), and 15% of the residents of the Beach hold an advanced degree.

Active Lifestyles in The Beaches

In The Beaches neighbourhood, there are several opportunities and options to maintain an active lifestyle. There is a three-kilometre boardwalk which is perfect for strolling, along with walking down Queen Street and exploring the boutique shops and restaurants.

Summer offers a multitude of recreational opportunities. It's no surprise that this area is popular. Swim at the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool, go for a swim in the lake, play tennis on the courts near the beach, rent a paddleboard and explore the bay, or simply play frisbee in one of the area's lovely parks.

Dreamy Beaches in the Beach

The Beach is home to some gorgeous beaches with a nice view of the city. These beaches are popular locations to hang out during the weekend to relax, enjoy the water, and bathe in the sun. The four beaches that border the Beach are:

• Woodbine Beach - The most popular beach, ideal for watersports or a day out with friends.
• Kew Beach - This is a great choice as it is less crowded than Woodbine Beach. It's the ideal combination of Balmy Beach's rocky outcroppings and Woodbine's white sand, but without the crowds.
• Silver Birch Beach - Is ideal for a visit with your dog to play fetch in the water.
• Balmy Beach - A rockier area with incredible boulders for beachfront photoshoots.

What to Do in The Beaches

The Beaches is a laid-back residential community with amenities ranging from parks to shopping areas. It is home to some of Toronto's best coffee shops, brunch spots, and beaches, so there is no shortage of activities to keep you busy.

Cassels Park

Cassels Park consists of rolling hills and expansive greenery. Cassels doubles as a dog park, so dog owners can bring their pooch to the park for exercise and relaxation. The park is also outfitted with a play structure, sandpit, plentiful shade and a covered picnic area.

Small's Creek

Small's Creek is a local ravine containing a creek. This centre of nature is one of the streams that once flowed through the area. Over time, Small's Creek has been partially buried and in some places, this charming creek flows underground. The beautiful natural environment around Small's Creek gives residents of the Beaches a place to explore nature and experience the natural beauty of the area.

Independent Stores Owned by Beach Residents 

The Beaches has many independent stores for people who love shopping and want to take advantage of unique shopping opportunities. From Rosie's Fine Jewelry to The Great Escape Bookstore, there's a store for everyone in The Beaches.

Beach Restaurants

Locals in the Beach swear by the delicious food in their neighbourhood, including the delightful dishes and foods sold at establishments like Bull Burgers, the Beech Tree, Beaches Bakeshop and more. Near the Danforth, residents of the Beach enjoy access to bars, bakeries, cafes and more.

Antique Stores

Do you love vintage trinkets and antiques? The Beaches are the place to be. Stores like Turn of the Century Lighting, The Prop Room, and 20th Century Living all draw antiques lovers from the neighbourhood, just hoping to get their fix of old gems and unique finds.

Toronto Beaches Real Estate

Local Architecture, Current Costs and Trends

Homes for sale in The Beach range in price from $650,000 to $3M+. Like the local architecture in Toronto, homes in The Beach are a mix of Victorian and Edwardian detached homes, to semis, to new build homes to condos and lofts and many local homeowners have renovated and modernized their homes in this neighbourhood. Current average renovation costs for homes near The Beach are between $300-$500 sq ft and while land is scarce, it may be possible to build a new custom home in the area with a demolish and rebuild project.

Summary of The Beaches - Why It’s a Great Place to Live and Own a Home

So what makes the Beach one of the nicest areas in Toronto to live in? The Beach is near more than just downtown Toronto. Found near Little India, the Danforth and Lake Ontario, the Beach is one of the many desirable neighbourhoods in Toronto. Known for its safe, tranquil streets, mature trees and lovely detached Edwardian homes, the Beach is fantastic for all ages – from retirement to young families.

As one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto, residents who come to The Beaches tend to stay in place. If you're currently living in The Beaches but want to get more from your home, SevernWoods Fine Homes can help. We work with some of the finest architects in the Toronto area to build and renovate homes. Our award-winning team builds custom luxury homes. Contact us today to get started.

Popular Topics