Riverside, a small section of the Riverdale neighbourhood, runs roughly from the Don River east to Logan Avenue, and north-south between Gerrard Street East down to Eastern Avenue.  Prior to annexation by the City of Toronto in 1884, all of Riverdale was called Riverside, but the name was changed at that time, probably after the large Riverdale East Park, at Broadview and Danforth Avenues.

Arguably one of the most famous landmarks of this area is Degrassi Street.  The Canadian television teen drama named for the street has become something of an international phenomenon, although there is no actual school by that name, and filming is done primarily in a studio elsewhere.

Riverside’s roots were firmly working-class, and it remains a diverse, mixed income neighbourhood.  These roots are reflected in the architecture of the area; the homes here tend to be one and two-storey workers’ cottages, and row houses, with some semi-detached and detached Victorians as you go further north and east.  However, these smaller homes have stayed more affordable than those closer to Danforth Avenue, although as renovated and updated homes come up for resale, prices are now starting to rise towards those in Riverdale and Leslieville.

Riverside is also becoming known for its many trendy lofts, particularly along Queen Street East, which is attracting young professionals into the neighbourhood.  Some of these are conversions of old warehouse and industrial sites, such as Broadview Lofts and QB Lofts, as well as new buildings like Riverside, Edge and Sync Lofts.

The Ralph Thornton Community Centre on Queen Street offers courses on everything from martial arts and meditation to acting, music and dance.  A true community centre, there are many neighbourhood and environmental programs aimed at bettering life in the area for residents.  It is also home to the Queen/Saulter branch of the Toronto Public Library, a daycare, and more than 30 community organizations have offices there.

While there are no private schools in the immediate Riverside neighbourhood, there are several alternative schools.  Nearby private schools include Branksome Hall, De La Salle, Upper Canada College, and Bishop Strachan.

Riverside has excellent connections to expressways such as the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner, as well to major arterials such as Lakeshore Boulevard, Queen Street East, Broadview Avenue, and Danforth Avenue to Bloor Street, all just minutes away.  There is public transit by bus and streetcar, and the Broadview station of the Bloor-Danforth subway line has connections to both the Yonge and Spadina lines.  Also minutes away are the eclectic shopping and dining of Danforth, the multi-cultural experience of Queen Street East, as well as everything the heart of downtown Toronto has to offer.

To request more information click here

To search for properties in Riverside and surrounding areas click here

Schools in the Riverside area