Some parents think they have to leave the city to find the ideal family-friendly community. We couldn’t disagree more. As far as we’re concerned, there’s no better place to put down roots than Swansea—one of Toronto’s most unique residential neighbourhoods. Though it’s located in the lively west end, this beautiful area has all of the charm and friendliness of a small town. Its tight-knit sense of community is part of what makes it such a great place to raise kids, but it’s certainly not the only thing you and your little ones will love if you move here.
If you’re looking for the right west Toronto neighbourhood for your family to call home, here are five reasons why Swansea should be at the top of your list…
1) Gorgeous green space
Are you and your loved ones outdoorsy? If so, why not choose to live in an area where you can spend your weekends surrounded by nature? In Swansea, you’ll be within walking distance of the city’s largest green space. We’re talking about High Park, which clocks in at an impressive 161 hectares. Visit the zoo or explore the wooded trails. Take the kids to the playgrounds and bring your pooch to the massive off-leash dog area. High Park is the kind of place where you could spend entire days without ever running out of fun family activities to try. Of course, there are also times when a quieter outdoor spot is what your family needs. On these days, you can always head to Rennie Park. From its lit tennis courts to its wading pool to its artificial ice rink, this community park is vibrant, yet relaxed.
2) Great schools
We’ve written about west-end schools before, and for good reason. There’s no shortage of great learning environments in this part of the city, and many of them are just a hop, skip, and jump away for Swansea children. Two of our favourites are Swansea Public School and Keele Street Public School. Both institutions boast diversity, impressive academic records (including great EQAO scores), and a wide range of extracurricular activities. When it comes to the facilities, Swansea is known for its double gym and field, while Keele has a community pool on site. If you’re thinking of moving to the area with your little ones, it’s important to get a feel for the schools. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
3) The homes
What separates a good family-friendly neighbourhood from a great one? While there are many factors involved, we’d argue that the type of housing available is one of the biggest. In Swansea, you’ll find a fantastic mix of single-family and semi-detached homes, many of which were built in the early decades of the twentieth century. For the most part, these houses have undergone remodelling work and feel very contemporary—yet they’ve retained many of the heritage details that make them unique. When you’re looking at homes in Swansea, you should also take note of the tree-lined streets and relatively large lots. Gorgeous houses, picturesque surroundings, and some extra space to spread out—what else could you ask for in a neighbourhood?
4) Family-friendly businesses
Living in Swansea means enjoying the privacy and natural beauty of the community’s residential streets. Fortunately, it also means being close to lively Bloor West Village. This strip is packed not only with essential conveniences—like grocery stores and pharmacies—but with family-focused shops and restaurants as well. When you’re craving a bite, check out the Good Fork for brunch. The Works is the local go-to for burgers, while Queen’s Pasta Cafe is well-known for its traditional Italian. Each of these eateries offers kid-friendly dishes made with fresh ingredients and a creative twist. We also can’t say enough good things about Marlboroughs, where you’ll find a fantastic selection of school supplies and kids’ books.
5) It’s home to a great community centre
A community centre should contribute to the feelings of connectedness within a neighbourhood. That’s why we’re such big fans of Swansea Town Hall. Located near High Park, this community hub is the local go-to for recreational programs for children, adults, and seniors. For every member of your family, this unique space will offer opportunities to get active or engage with the arts. Parts of the building can also be rented out for parties, meetings, and events. To learn more about Swansea Town Hall, hop on over to the website!
There’s no shortage of vibrant, safe, and convenient neighbourhoods for Toronto families to choose from. While narrowing down your options may be tough, we suggest that west-end enthusiasts take a good look at Swansea. To find out whether the area is right for you, do a bit of exploring—and find an agent who knows the community inside and out!
Looking for the perfect family home in Swansea? Get in touch to learn what’s on the market—and how we can help you find your ideal living space!