Life Is a Beach and You Should Live Near One

Living by the water, steps from the shoreline, sounds like a fantasy but is quite realistic here in Toronto. During the summer months, Toronto's beaches are a getaway from the busy cosmopolitan life. Rather than travelling hours out of the city, take some time to explore, play and consider moving to a neighbourhood near one of Toronto's five major beaches. We've put together a profile on the different neighbourhoods surrounding the waterfront.

Woodbine Beach

There are nearly 12,000 residents that call the Woodbine beach area home. The east end hot spot links Lake Ontario with the sandy Ashbridges Bay Park. Dubbed the "Woodbine Corridor," bordering neighbourhoods include Greenwood-Coxwell, Danforth Village and the Beaches. It is the 28th most walkable neighbourhood in Toronto, with a score of 85/100 and a transit score of 84/100. The average price of properties is $571, 387, and the average house is a 2-storey 3 bedroom home. Getting to Woodbine Beach is convenient, as there are several bus and streetcar lines that connect visitors the waterfront. Nearby schools in the area include Monarch Park Collegiate Institute and Roden Public School.

Hanlan's Point

One of the city's more unique beaches, Hanlan's Point features a 1 km clothing optional strip. Located on the Toronto Islands, Hanlan's Beach can be reached by taking the Hanlan's Point ferry at the base of Bay Street at Queens Quay. Nearby parks include Rees Street Parkette, HTO Park and HTO Park West. The Toronto Islands are a beautiful place to call home; however, it is difficult to find available properties. Interested buyers are put on a waiting list, and since 1994 only 47 homes have been sold. The cost of homes in the area range from $75,000 to $450,000. Schools in the area are the Island Public/Natural Science School, Gibraltar Point Day Nursery and Waterfront Montessori Children's Centre.

Sunnyside Beach

Sunnyside beach is a nostalgic Toronto staple that is better known for its scenic view than swimming. The beach is a popular recreational space, with visitors biking, rollerblading and walking down the boardwalk. Its spacious greenery hints to its neighbouring parks including Beaty Boulevard Parkette, High Park and Howard Park. High Park is a Toronto neighbourhood known for its century old homes that bring charm to the city. The average selling price for a detached home in High Park is $810,500 and condos go for $407,889. This area surrounding the beach has a walk score of 73 out of 100 and a transit score of 79. Errands can be run on foot, and residents are connected to amenities like grocery stores, schools, and banks. Schools in the area include Mildenhall Montessori, High Park Day School and Western Technical-Commercial School. Connections to public transportation are great in the area, as residents are easily connected to several TTC bus routes. There is also car sharing available via Zipcar.

Bluffer's Park

This man made beach is absolutely stunning and is considered by many to be the city's top beach. Located at the base of the Scarborough Bluffs, the beach is a short walk from 20-story cliffs that offer visitors a surreal view of the city's waterfront. The bluffs run 14km from Victoria Park to the tip of Highland Creek. Bluffers Park has a walk score of 43/100 and is a car dependent area, however residents are close to the Guildwood Go station. Bluffers Park is in the Cliffcrest neighbourhood, which is home to 15, 703 residents. The neighbourhood is both ethnically and economically diverse, and the average cost of a home in Scarborough is $484,000. This suburban area is located near Chine Drive Public School, Birchmount Collegiate and several daycares. Nearby parks include Scarborough Bluffs Park and Scarborough Heights Park.

Cherry Beach

The strip along the beachfront isn't as manicured or vast, however the space that links the Outer Harbour to Toronto's Portlands is a popular summer destination. It maintains a unique unkempt feel that gives visitors the impression that this beach, despite drawing large crowds, is a secret oasis in the city. Cherry beach is a five minute drive, or 20 minute walk from the bustling Distillery District. Minutes away from the downtown core, the DVP and Dundas streetcar line, the Distillery District is well connected enclave here in Toronto. Residents can expect to keep busy all year long, with local and organic eats at the nearby St. Lawrence Market, world-class theatres and breweries, and the ever so popular Toronto Christmas Market. Boasting a walk score of 93/100, a 95/100 transit score and bike score of 100/100(!), residents are easily integrated into the charming community and the rest of the city. Schools nearby include Ryerson University, University of Toronto and George Brown College. Waterfront properties are a lot more accessible than most people are aware of; there are several areas in Toronto that offer residents a slice of the beach in the middle of the city.

Keep tuned to find out more about the beach life and our pre construction listings and resale properties in the area.

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