If you’re starting the search for your next home in the Greater Toronto Area, one question might be lingering: Do I need a backyard? It’s a common dilemma for growing families, especially those looking to upsize from a condo or townhouse to a more spacious single-family home.
Toronto’s real estate market offers plenty of variety, but outdoor space can come at a premium. While a private backyard sounds ideal, proximity to parks, trails, and green spaces can sometimes provide similar benefits – without the added maintenance. In this post, we’ll help you unpack whether you really need a backyard or if living near a great park can meet your family’s needs.
What a Backyard Offers That Parks Can’t
Before asking do I need a backyard, it’s worth thinking about what private outdoor space offers. A backyard gives your family the freedom to use the space however and whenever you want. From impromptu barbecues and gardening projects to letting the kids burn off energy while you sip your morning coffee, backyards deliver convenience and privacy.
For multigenerational households or families with pets, a backyard can offer added ease. It’s especially appealing in neighbourhoods like East York, High Park, and Roncesvalles, where yards are larger and homes are designed for family living.
Families exploring options with generous outdoor space can discover a range of available properties in neighbourhoods known for larger yards and family-friendly layouts.
When a Park Might Be the Better Option
That said, not every home comes with a spacious yard. And not every family needs one. Assessing your circumstances and family needs will make answering the question “do i need a backyard” an easier process. If your schedule is busy or you don’t want the upkeep of mowing lawns and maintaining gardens, living near a quality park might be the smarter move.
Families who prioritize easy access to nature can benefit from GTA suburbs where trails and parks are just steps away. These areas offer the freedom to enjoy outdoor space without the upkeep of a large private yard, making them an ideal choice for busy households.
Public parks also come with built-in community perks. Whether it’s kids making new friends at the playground or parents catching up over coffee on a bench, parks offer a shared experience that builds connection and community.
What Families Are Prioritizing Today
As Toronto families continue to upsize, many are realizing that outdoor space matters – but how that space is accessed can be flexible. A survey from the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association showed that proximity to parks and trails is among the top features buyers are now looking for, especially post-pandemic.
So, do I need a backyard, or will a great local park suffice? The answer depends on your family’s routines, hobbies, and priorities. If you entertain often, love gardening, or need a private space for pets or kids, a backyard may be non-negotiable. If you’d rather walk a block to a leafy park and let someone else handle the landscaping, then a backyard may not be essential.
Think About Your Lifestyle
Choosing between a backyard and a nearby park means being honest about how your family actually uses outdoor space. Are you the type to host weekend barbecues and build raised garden beds? Or do you prefer spontaneous walks, coffee in the park, and letting the kids run wild in open green space?
Also, consider your seasonality. In the GTA, winters are long and summers are short. Some families find they don’t use a backyard as much as expected, while others find it essential for those warmer months.
Neighbourhoods That Offer the Best of Both
Luckily, Toronto is filled with neighbourhoods where you don’t have to choose between a private yard and public green space. In places like Playter Estates and Mount Pleasant East, many homes come with backyards and are still just steps away from some of the city’s best parks.
Explore more family-friendly neighbourhoods in Toronto to compare features like walkability, yard size, and park access.
For Multigenerational Families
If your parents are moving in, the question of do I need a backyard might come up even more. Older adults often appreciate the quiet and relaxation a backyard can offer. But equally, they may enjoy being able to walk to a nearby park or community garden for light activity and fresh air.
Kids, Pets, and Playtime
For many families, this is the biggest factor in asking do I need a backyard. If you have young children or pets, a private yard can feel like a necessity. Having a safe, enclosed space gives peace of mind and makes everyday play much easier.
Still, proximity to quality parks like High Park or Riverdale Park East can offer similar value. These parks are often better equipped than backyards, with splash pads, sports fields, playgrounds, and even pet-friendly areas.
Maintenance and Resale Value
It’s also worth thinking long-term. Backyards require upkeep, which means time, money, and physical effort. On the other hand, homes with well-maintained yards tend to see better resale value. A great backyard can add appeal when it’s time to sell.
Highlighting a home’s outdoor space – even a small patio or a well-kept yard – can significantly impact buyer interest, as seen in these home staging strategies that help properties sell faster.
However, buyers are increasingly valuing nearby amenities just as much. Living near a well-maintained park can be just as appealing to future buyers, especially those without the time or energy for yard work.
Still Not Sure? Talk It Through
Asking yourself do I need a backyard doesn’t always lead to a clear yes or no. It’s about understanding your current lifestyle and future goals. What works for one family may not work for another.
If you’re weighing your options between a backyard or nearby park access, connect with The Halyard Group to explore what makes the most sense for your family’s lifestyle and future plans. We specialize in helping upsizing families in the GTA figure out what kind of home – and what kind of outdoor space – will work for their next chapter.
And if you’re just getting started, visit our listings to see the full range of options across Toronto’s most family-friendly communities.
Whether it’s a fenced backyard or a sprawling local park, what matters most is finding a space where your family can relax, grow, and make memories.
