You may or may not be surprised to learn that Ontario, Canada is CHOCK full of wealthy people and affluent neighborhoods. Whether or not you were aware of the riches in this Canadian province, this list will impress even those who are already in “the know.” The Toronto suburbs and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) claim the majority of the neighborhoods on our list. From idyllic natural settings, multi-million-dollar homes, exclusive amenities, and picture-perfect residential areas, these 10 neighborhoods know how to relax in the lap of luxury.
*Statistics Canada helped to provide the numbers in terms of population and household incomes. Local real estate agencies and official town websites provided the average housing costs.
1) Forest Hill South, Toronto
As one of Toronto’s most prestigious districts, Forest Hill South neighborhood owes much of its reputation to its schools. Two of Canada’s highest rated schools – Upper Canada College for boys and Bishop Strachan School for girls – call this district home. Education aside, this neighborhood is very aesthetically pleasing. Lots of green spaces, well-kept public areas, and classically elegant homes from the 40s and 50s made from brick and stone make this a very desirable place to live. The average home here sells for around $2.1 million, keeping this neighborhood’s reputation elite and exclusive. Of course, it makes sense that the annual average household income for the majority of the nearly 11,000 residents soars over $200,000. While it’s true this neighborhood can fully function as its own entity separate from Toronto, the downtown of one of Canada’s most vibrant and exciting cities is just a few kilometers away.
2) York Mills, Toronto
The name comes from the area’s old grist mills industry. Nowadays it’s clear this neighborhood has strayed far from its blue-collar roots. The average household income is $1.2 million, defining York Mills as the most affluent neighborhood in Ontario and the second richest in the nation. Going hand in hand with sky high incomes are the hefty price tags on homes. The average price is nearly $3.5 million. One of the reasons this neighborhood is so uppity is the heavily preserved natural scenery and greenery. It’s clear this district’s been built around nature, and not the other way around. Even still, York Mills has a wonderful central shopping plaza featuring gourmet food shops, a winery, and specialty retail shops. The location is far enough away from the city center to feel secluded, but close enough that the glittering nightlife, arts, and cultural scene of Toronto is accessible in 20 minutes.
3) Sunnybrook, Toronto
A sprawling community bordering two other wealthy neighborhoods – Bridle Path and York Mills – Sunnybrook’s biggest draw is its family-friendly vibe. In fact, absent are the grid-like streets of the other neighborhoods and are instead replaced with cul-de-sacs and crescent-shaped streets. There’s a range of facilities for residents of all ages, from schools to retirement homes. Here, it’s common for three generations of family to live together in one home. Perhaps this explains why the community has a high number of people over the age of 65. The average household income is nearly $300,000 and the average home here runs well over $2 million. Sunnybrook is the home of the highly regarded research hospital, the Sunnybrook Research Institute. Rounding out this community’s amenities is Don Mills – an outdoor shopping center – and plenty of family parks, plus hiking and walking trails.
buzzbuzzhome.com
4) Bridle Path, Toronto
Completing the luxurious trifecta district, Bridle Path has earned itself the exclusive nickname ‘’Millionaires’ Row.’’ Located in the Don River Valley, surrounded by greenery, the multi-million-dollar estates in this tightly knit neighborhood average $2.2 million. However, it’s easy to spend a whole lot more than that. Folks here don’t really balk at the cost since the average annual household is earning just shy of $1 million per year. The 10,000 or so Bridle Path residents shop at the York Mills Plaza, described by Toronto’s mayor as the Tiffany’s of shopping plazas. Found inside are high-end wine and cigar shops, imported chocolates, and designer clothing and accessories. Shopping isn’t the only way folks occupy their time; Bridle Path’s location is a walkable distance to the Edwards Gardens, home to Toronto’s beautiful botanical blooms. It’s also the start of the 9-kilometer walking path that leads into nearby neighborhood, Sunnybrook.
5) Kleinburg, Vaughan
This charming country community of 4,000 residents is framed by the Humber River, offering a comfortable and pleasant setting for a peaceful life. The attractive streets and neighborhood designs ooze with a quaintness not found anywhere else. Kleinburg is one of a kind and locals here thoroughly enjoy spending time in their little bubble. The sense of cohesive community is strong with the neighborhood hosting many events and festivals. Home decor shops, galleries, restaurants, and boutiques line the downtown streets, many of which are housed in beautiful historic homes. Kleinburg’s biggest claim to fame is being the home to the world-renowned McMichael Canadian Art Collection. Want to live here? Be ready to shell out around $1.2 million – the price of an average home. Nearly half the households here rake in annual average incomes well into the 6-figure range, easing the pain of the heavy property prices.
toronto.curbed.com
6) Hoggs Hollow, Toronto
Known for being a posh and private community between 3-4,000, Hoggs Hollow is another district on this list set in the Don River Valley. Lush trees line the crescents and cul-de-sacs, creating an appealing and charming environment. Adding to the fairytale-esque feel is the old stone bridge arching over the babbling Don River. The biggest highlight of this area is the real estate. The houses, built in the 1920s – 1960s, have a fascinating architecture, combining Colonial, Tudor, and English Cottage style. Homes here are some of the most sought-after properties in the Greater Toronto Area. Residents, composed of many successful doctors, lawyers, and politicians, enjoy their private golfing greens, tennis clubs, and country club. Hoggs Hollow is pure sophistication, which is reflected in the real estate price tags. The average household income is over $400,000 and the majority of the homes here cost between $1.5 and $7-million.