Leaside Neighbourhood Guide – Toronto
Leaside is a prestigious Toronto neighbourhood known for its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, and abundant green spaces. Located northeast of downtown, it offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, making it highly desirable for families and professionals alike.
Why Families Love Leaside
Neighbourhood Overview
Leaside has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, originally planned as a railway town for employees of the Canadian Northern Railway. Designed as a garden-suburb community, it was one of the first Toronto neighbourhoods to incorporate tree-lined streets, well-planned residential areas, and green spaces.
By the mid-1900s, Leaside transitioned into a thriving residential neighbourhood, attracting families and professionals looking for a suburban feel while remaining close to downtown Toronto. Today, it is recognized for its heritage homes, modern custom builds, top-rated schools, and a strong sense of community, making it one of the most desirable areas in the city.
For those who love heritage charm but prefer a more central, arts-and-culture–oriented lifestyle, Grange Park offers a similarly rich history and community spirit—right in the heart of downtown.
Top-Rated Schools
Leaside boasts exceptional educational institutions, including Northlea Elementary and Middle School and Leaside High School, providing quality education from kindergarten through grade 12.
Parks and Recreation
The neighbourhood features numerous parks such as Serena Gundy Park and Trace Manes Park, offering playgrounds, sports facilities, and natural landscapes for outdoor activities.
Shopping and Dining
Residents enjoy a variety of shopping and dining options along Bayview Avenue, home to boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants, as well as the Leaside Village shopping centre.
Community Spirit
Leaside fosters a strong sense of community with active local organizations and events that bring neighbours together, enhancing the close-knit feel of the area.
Homes & Real Estate in Leaside
Leaside is one of Toronto’s most desirable residential neighbourhoods, offering a mix of charming character homes and modern luxury residences. The area is known for its family-friendly streets, larger lot sizes, and a strong sense of community, making it highly attractive to professionals and families looking to upsize.
Detached Homes
Leaside is primarily made up of detached homes built in the 1930s and 1940s, featuring Tudor-style architecture, brick exteriors, and spacious interiors. Many homes have been modernized or custom-rebuilt to include open-concept layouts, larger living spaces, and high-end finishes. They typically feature 3-5 bedrooms, private driveways, and backyards, making them ideal for families.
Typical Price Range: $1.8M – $4M+
Semi-Detached Homes
Semi-detached homes in Leaside provide a slightly more affordable option while still offering spacious interiors and modern updates. These homes often feature two to four bedrooms, finished basements, and small but functional backyards. Many semi-detached homes have undergone renovations to open up interiors and improve energy efficiency.
Typical Price Range: $1.4M – $2.5M
Bungalows
Leaside still has a selection of classic bungalows, typically built in the 1940s and 1950s. These homes are highly sought after for redevelopment, with many being replaced by larger custom-built homes. However, they remain a great entry-point for buyers looking to invest in Leaside’s real estate market while still getting a detached home with a private lot.
Typical Price Range: $1.2M – $1.8M
Townhouses & Low-Rise Condos
In recent years, townhomes and boutique condominiums have been introduced to the area, offering an alternative to traditional single-family homes. These homes provide modern designs, lower maintenance, and great amenities while still allowing buyers to live in a prestigious neighbourhood. The condos in Leaside tend to be smaller, low-rise buildings with larger floorplans compared to downtown high-rises, making them attractive to downsizers and young professionals.
Typical Price Range:
- Townhouses: $1.2M – $2M
- Condos: $700K – $1.5M
Custom-Built Luxury Homes
Many original homes in Leaside have been torn down and replaced with larger, custom-built luxury homes. These properties often feature four to six bedrooms, high ceilings, designer kitchens, and premium finishes, catering to upscale buyers looking for modern, high-end living in a prestigious neighbourhood.
Typical Price Range: $3M – $6M+
Whether you’re upsizing to accommodate a growing household or searching for a first home with character, Leaside’s housing market promises variety and long-term value.
Current Market Trends in Leaside
High demand for detached and semi-detached homes due to their larger lot sizes and family appeal.
Increasing number of luxury rebuilds as more buyers invest in custom home construction.
Steady appreciation in home values due to limited housing supply and the neighbourhood’s top-ranked schools and amenities.
Condos and townhomes gaining popularity as an option for downsizers and young professionals wanting to live in Leaside without maintaining a large property.
Leaside isn’t just a place to live, it’s where families grow, neighbours connect, and every street feels like home. Whether you’re settling in or sizing down, there’s a space here that fits your life.
Featured Listings in [Neighbourhood Name]
“We moved to [Neighbourhood Name] last year, and it was the best decision for our family. The parks, great schools, and friendly neighbours make it feel like home!” – The Patel Family
123 Address St.
$999,999
Quick overview.
456 Address St.
$999,999
Quick overview.
789 Address St.
$999,999
Quick overview.
Local Businesses & Shopping Highlights
Leaside offers a mix of local boutiques, national retailers, and specialty shops, particularly along Bayview Avenue and Laird Drive. Whether you’re looking for artisanal foods, boutique fashion, or everyday essentials, Leaside provides an exceptional shopping and dining experience.
Popular Shopping & Dining Spots in Leaside
- Bayview Avenue Shops – A charming stretch featuring boutique clothing stores, coffee shops, and gift shops.
- Leaside Village – A mix of national retailers, local businesses, and casual eateries.
- Tremendous Wine Bar – A cozy, upscale wine bar offering small plates and an extensive wine list.
- Hollywood Gelato – A local institution for authentic, homemade gelato with creative flavours.
- Cumbrae’s Butcher Shop – High-quality locally sourced meats, artisanal groceries, and gourmet food items.
- Amsterdam Barrel House – A local craft brewery and restaurant with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe.
For everyday essentials, residents have access to Whole Foods, Metro, and Costco, ensuring convenient grocery options.
Fitness & Recreational Facilities
- Leaside Memorial Community Gardens – A multi-purpose complex with ice rinks, a swimming pool, and community event spaces.
- GoodLife Fitness Leaside – A full-service gym with group classes, personal training, and state-of-the-art equipment.
- Orangetheory Fitness – A popular high-intensity interval training studio offering coached workouts.
- Leaside Tennis Club – A well-maintained private tennis club with lessons and competitive leagues.
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
- Serena Gundy Park – A scenic park with walking trails, picnic areas, and natural green space.
- Sunnybrook Park – A large park with hiking trails, sports fields, and dog-friendly areas.
- Trace Manes Park – Home to a children’s playground, splash pad, and Leaside Public Library.
- Howard Talbot Park – Features baseball diamonds, a running track, and tennis courts.
With its mix of parks, fitness centres, and sports leagues, Leaside offers something for everyone, from young professionals to growing families and active retirees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Leaside
What types of homes are available in Leaside?
Leaside offers a mix of detached and semi-detached homes, many featuring Tudor-style architecture. The area also has modern custom-built houses and some low-rise condominiums.
Are there good schools in Leaside?
Yes, Leaside is home to top-rated schools such as Northlea Elementary and Middle School and Leaside High School, both known for academic excellence.
What recreational facilities are available in Leaside?
Residents can enjoy numerous parks, the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, and various sports facilities catering to activities like hockey, swimming, and tennis.
How is the public transit in Leaside?
Leaside is well-served by TTC bus routes, and the upcoming Eglinton Crosstown LRT will further improve public transit accessibility.
What shopping options are there in Leaside?
The neighbourhood offers diverse shopping experiences along Bayview Avenue and at Leaside Village, featuring boutiques, restaurants, and essential services.
Meet The Halyard Group – Your Leaside Real Estate Experts
Navigating Leaside's competitive real estate market requires local expertise. The Halyard Group specializes in assisting families looking to upsize in this sought-after neighbourhood, offering personalized guidance to ensure a seamless transition.
Chris Cook
Sales Representative & Team Lead
Chris is the driving force behind The Halyard Group, helping families navigate the complex process of selling their current home and finding a larger one that truly fits their needs. As a long-time resident of Toronto’s east end, Chris has a deep understanding of the best family-friendly neighbourhoods, school districts, and hidden gems perfect for growing families.
Before his career in real estate, Chris competed at the highest levels of sailing, representing Canada in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. That same strategic mindset, discipline, and drive for excellence now help his clients win in Toronto’s competitive real estate market.
Chris ensures that every client has a clear, step-by-step plan for upsizing - whether that means selling first, buying first, or managing both at the same time. His goal is to make sure families move seamlessly into a home with more space, in a neighbourhood that supports their lifestyle.
David Ferris
Sales Representative
Born and raised in Toronto’s east end, David has firsthand knowledge of the city’s most sought-after neighbourhoods for families looking to upsize. As a parent himself, he understands how important it is to find a home with the right space, the right schools, and the right community feel.
Before real estate, David built a successful career in the music industry, where he honed his negotiation skills, creative problem-solving, and ability to work under pressure - all of which he now applies to helping families transition into a larger home smoothly and successfully.
David takes a highly personalised approach, ensuring that each client’s next home matches their long-term goals. Whether it's finding a bigger backyard, a better school district, or a quieter street for a growing family, he helps clients make informed decisions with confidence.
What Other Families Say
Ready to Find Your Home in Leaside?
With its excellent schools, vibrant community, and convenient amenities, Leaside is an ideal place to call home. Contact The Halyard Group today to start your journey toward finding the perfect property in this exceptional neighbourhood.