Any parent’s objective is for their children to receive a high-quality education. There are several private schools in Toronto, but they can be expensive. Nonetheless, there are numerous public schools in Toronto with outstanding academic performance. If you are considering relocating to Toronto, you should consider relocating near one of the greatest elementary public schools. Biking Toronto has compiled Fraser Institute public elementary school rating data in Toronto and categorized it by neighborhood to assist parents in finding the ideal neighborhood with the best elementary school for their children.
1. Steeles
- Affordable
- Transit score: 67
- Walk score: 54
- Bike score: 51
- Average rent 2 beds: $1900
- Average sold price: 969k
Steeles is well-known in Toronto as a suburban and family-oriented neighborhood. Steeles has various parks, including l’Amoreaux North Park, which has many walking and bike trails as well as a large pond. It is also ideal for bringing your dog due to its off-leash dog area. Steeles has both high-end and low-cost restaurants. The Asian community is highly present in Steeles, and you can get all kinds of wonderful Asian cuisine and food in Bamburgh Gardens Shopping Plaza, which is located in the heart of Steeles. There are also a number of gyms, recreational facilities, and activities for children, such as the Kidstown Water Park. The Pacific Mall in Milliken is just a short drive away if you enjoy shopping.
Because sale prices are lower, most residents prefer to buy rather than rent. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is actually lower than the average in Toronto, making it a very affordable area to live. Rent is constant and has not risen this year. During peak hours, it’s also a 45-minute journey to downtown Toronto.
Steeles’ transportation score isn’t great, so it might not be the ideal option if you work downtown or don’t own a car. Steeles is the place to go if you enjoy the outdoors and are seeking a location to keep your kids entertained in an area a little further from downtown Toronto.
Pros
- Feels suburban and familial
- Affordable
- Rents have remained steady.
Cons
- Poor transit rating
2. Don Mills
- Transit score: 65
- Walk score: 53
- Bike score: 52
- Low robbery rates
- Average rent 2 beds: $2300
- Average sold price: $1.5M
Don Mills is well-known for its high-quality but pricey residential life. If you enjoy nature treks, The Don Mills Spur Park contains the Don Mills Trail, which runs the length of the park. The Donalda Club, which occupies the majority of the neighborhood, is an elegant and attractive golf club that draws visitors from all around Toronto. The Toronto Botanical Garden is also close by and only a short distance away. Don Mills also has very low robbery rates, making it a secure neighborhood. While Don Mills is safe, the region is not very walkable because most shops and important services require a car. Don Mills isn’t much better in terms of public transportation. Taking public transportation downtown at peak hours will take you an hour.
The majority of Don Mills residents live in large apartment buildings or townhomes. A little more than half of the population owns their home, with the remainder renting. If you’re seeking cheap housing alternatives in Toronto, the sale and rent prices are prohibitively expensive.
If you rely on your car to get around, prefer large buildings with facilities, and enjoy nature, Don Mills is the place for you.
Pros
- Low robbery rates
- Near nature
Cons
- Inconvenient for public transportation
- Expensive
3. Rosedale-Moore Park
- Expensive
- Transit score: 85
- Walk score: 66
- Bike score: 69
- Low assault, robbery, and drug charges
- Average rent 2 beds: $2600
- Average sold price: $2.1M
Rosedale-Moore Park is a family-friendly and pet-friendly neighborhood that is both safe and pricey to live in. With low rates of assault, robbery, and drug charges, you and your children will feel safe. This is also the area with the highest number of top-rated schools in Toronto, with ratings of 8.8 or above. Rosedale-Moore Park contains a number of parks and trails, including David A Balfour Park and Chorley Park, which connect to a number of additional parks with trails and waterways.
If you enjoy shopping, Yonge Street, which is nearby, has a plethora of options. There are also a number of tennis courts, swimming pools, and stores selling basic essentials nearby. Every time you visit Summerhill Market, you will have a gourmet grocery shopping experience. Restaurants are a little pricy and on the higher end, but they are highly rated.
Whitney Junior Public School, one of Toronto’s top two public primary schools, is located in the neighborhood.
The region contains numerous enormous luxury residences and is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Toronto to buy or rent a property. There are more houses than large condominiums and apartment complexes. Rosedale-Moore Park is a family-oriented neighborhood with little nightlife and entertainment options.
If you’re on a tight budget, avoid this neighborhood because practically every essential necessity, such as rent and groceries, will be more expensive. If you want to send your children to one of Toronto’s top two elementary schools and rely on public transit, this region is ideal for you.
Pros
- Safe
- The majority of Toronto’s top-rated schools have ratings of 8.8 or higher.
- This is a family-oriented area.
Cons
- Expensive
4. Willowdale East
- Transit score: 88
- Walk score: 77
- Bike score: 52
- Average rent 2 beds: $2300
- Average sold price: $1.64M
Willowdale East, a residential neighborhood with a suburban atmosphere, with a variety of activities to keep the whole family entertained. On weekends, you can spend time with your children at a Cineplex or participate in an escape simulation game. A large community center with a pool, ice rink, gym, and even a basketball court is also available. If you like Canadian rock, go to the Lee Lifeson Outdoor Art Park, which features mosaics and statues honoring Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of the band RUSH, who grew up in the area. Willowdale West features several parks where you can spend time as a family and is only a short walk or drive away.
If you want to buy a home near one of Toronto’s top two best schools, the prices are lower than in Rosedale Moore Park, where the other tied top school is located. Willowdale East is largely made up of condo and apartment buildings, with only a few people living in single-family homes. Getting to downtown Toronto by vehicle can be difficult during rush hour, but you can rely on the area’s top-rated public transportation system.
If you want to take public transportation and have a large budget for buying or renting a home, Willowdale East is the place for you.
Pros
- Excellent transportation.
- Suburban vibe.
Cons
- Getting to downtown Toronto at rush hour is difficult due to heavy traffic.
- Expensive.
5. Carleton Village
- Affordable for location
- Transit score: 77
- Walk score: 79
- Bike score: 80
- Average rent 2 beds: $2300
- Average sold price: $1M
Carleton Village, known for its transit and walking convenience, is an ideal place to raise a family while remaining close to downtown Toronto. Wadsworth Park, located in the heart of Carleton Village, is a kid-friendly park with various playgrounds and interactive games. The majority of the action is concentrated near St. Clair Avenue, which is lined with shops, grocers, hairdressers, and other necessities. Living on St. Clair Avenue is convenient since it allows you to use the railway to move around and conduct your shopping.
Carleton Village rents are up 24 percent from last year, as the area has suddenly become more desirable. Carleton Village is largely made up of Victorian-style homes. In this neighborhood, there are fewer apartment and condo complexes than there are houses. For its proximity to downtown Toronto, the pricing is reasonable. It will only take you 16 minutes to get downtown if there is no traffic.
If you’re a parent wishing to live closer to downtown Toronto for work without paying the exorbitant fees that Rosedale-Moore Park does, this is the neighborhood for you. Also, if you’re a parent who prefers to walk or bike to get around, this location has great walk and bike scores, making it easier to perform daily errands without a car.
Pros
- Reasonably priced for the location
- Everything is reachable by foot
Cons
- Rents are rising.
6. Curran Hall
- Very affordable
- Transit score: 60
- Walk score: 36
- Bike score: 78
- Average rent 2 beds: $1700
- Average sold price: 648K
Curran Hall is a must-see for wildlife enthusiasts. Morningside Park, which is accessible via Curran Hall, is equipped with pathways and picnic spaces with stunning views. Botany Hill Park also offers paths, waterways, and recreational spaces. Curran Hall is a must-see for bikers due to its numerous bike routes and bike-friendly roadways.
Curran Hall is a fairly reasonable place to rent or buy while remaining close to downtown. It will only take you 30 minutes to travel to downtown Toronto if there is no traffic. There are more houses in the region than tall apartment buildings. It is, however, extremely impossible to go around on foot for your daily errands; you will need a car.
Curran Hall is the appropriate destination for you if you want a property in an affordable region that is surrounded by nature while still being close to downtown Toronto.
Pros
- Very reasonably priced
- Ideal for cyclists
- Downtown Toronto is a 30-minute drive away.
Cons
- You will require a vehicle.
7. The Lawrence Park Area
- Expensive
- Transit score: 77
- Walk score: 59
- Bike score: 63
- Low assault rates
- Average rent 2 beds: $2700
- Average sold price: $2.4M
In Toronto, the Lawrence Park neighborhood is recognized for being a safe but pricey neighborhood. It does, in reality, house some of Toronto’s wealthiest residents. This neighborhood is ideal for families and has a strong sense of community. The Lawrence Park neighborhood is clean and has some of the lowest crime rates in Toronto, making it a safe place to raise a family.
The Lawrence Park neighborhood is home to a number of country clubs, bowling groups, and croquet clubs. If you enjoy going outside, the Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens and Sherwood Park include trails and scenic views that make it the ideal destination to spend a relaxed day. While there are lovely walking routes, you cannot do your daily errands on foot; a car is essential. The neighborhood is close to Yonge Street, which is lined with shops. There aren’t many restaurants, and there isn’t much of a nightlife scene.
The Lawrence Park area is extremely expensive to buy or rent in. Because the region is largely made up of huge, costly residences, you will rarely find a large apartment and condo buildings.
If you have a large budget, appreciate being surrounded by other families, and want to feel like you’re a part of your community, and don’t mind relying on your automobile for basic necessities and activities, the Lawrence Park area is for you.
Pros
- Safe area
- Clean
- Community vibes
Cons
- Extremely costly
- A car is required
8. Bendale
- Transit score: 77
- Walk score: 55
- Bike score: 59
- Average rent 2 beds: $1850
- Average sold price: $1M
Bendale is noted for being a family-friendly neighborhood with a variety of outdoor activities.
Thompson Memorial Park is located in the middle of Bendale. A park containing a variety of game modules for children, as well as water activities, recreational activities, and pathways. The park regularly offers activities that draw visitors from all across the city. Bendale’s stores are largely concentrated in one area, the Scarborough Town Centre. Unless you reside in or near Scarborough Town Centre, you’ll need a car to get about. Bendale is also immediately close to 401 Highway, making it a relatively quick trip to Toronto, taking about 28 minutes during non-rush hour times. Also, whether you rely on public transportation to commute to work or do daily errands, Bendale boasts a dependable transit system that will get you there in no time!
Rent prices in Bendale have fallen slightly this year. The majority of Bendale residents own their homes, with the remainder renting.
While the average sale price is high, the majority of properties in Bendale are houses, making it reasonably priced if you’re searching for a house in a family-friendly community in Toronto.
Pros
- Downtown Toronto is a 30-minute drive away.
- A transport system that is dependable
- Family-friendly community
Cons
- You will require a vehicle.
9. Rosewood
- Affordable rent
- Transit score: 65
- Walk score: 55
- Bike score: 76
- Average rent 2 beds: $1800
- Average sold price: $1M
If you prefer spending time outside, The Alexmuir Park in Rosewood is ideal for recreational activities such as soccer and is ideal for children thanks to the numerous game modules. Even at night, a boardwalk is illuminated for a tranquil stroll around the park. Rosewood has limited public transportation options, so you’ll need to rely on your automobile to get about. There aren’t many stores in Rosewood, so you’ll have to drive outside of town for your daily errands.
If you aren’t looking to buy a million-dollar property, rent is reasonable compared to other neighboring communities because there aren’t many properties for rent. Getting to downtown Toronto at rush hour will take you more than an hour.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly and quiet neighborhood, Rosewood is the place to be!
Pros
- The rent is reasonable.
- Area of peace and quiet
Cons
- For daily errands, drive out of Rosewood.
- Downtown Toronto is a one-hour drive away.
10. Forest Hill South
- Expensive
- Transit score: 80
- Walk score: 70
- Bike score: 74
- Attack, drug charges, and stolen vehicles have the lowest conviction rates in the country criminal offense rates are low, especially for sexual assault and robber.
- Average rent 2 beds: $2295
- Average sold price: $2.3M
Forest Hill South is regarded as one of Toronto’s most affluent neighborhoods. Because of the safe and distinguished lifestyle, many individuals pay a high price to buy or rent in Forest Hill South. Forest Hill Road Park and Cedarvale Ravine are great places to go for a walk if you enjoy being in nature. The Beltline route is also a great area for outdoor enthusiasts to go for a bike ride with their kids or a walk with their dog. What draws people to reside here is that there is a bus route leading to a metro station on practically every corner of the street. While there are a few high-end boutiques on Spadina Rd, there aren’t many big-box stores in the vicinity. You will, however, be able to find many of your daily necessities (grocery, pharmacy, gym) without having to drive to a different location.
Forest Hill South is largely made up of brick and stone houses owned by some of Toronto’s wealthiest families. When the neighborhood was first proposed, local laws required that all residences have a tree placed in front. The land is currently densely forested with mature and lovely trees. Because of the high cost of living in Forest Hill South, the majority of residents rent.
If you want a large home in a safe and prominent neighborhood with plenty of natural paths, Forest Hill South is the place to be.
Pros
- Safe
- Excellent for outdoor enthusiasts.
- A lot of trees
Cons
- Expensive
11. Birch Cliff
- Transit score: 68
- Walk score: 59
- Bike score: 53
- Low sexual assault rates
- Average rent 2 beds: $2182
- Average sold price: 930k
Birch Cliff, which is located along Lake Ontario, is a safe and family-oriented neighborhood.
Birch Cliff, with its many restaurants and pubs, and activities for people of all ages, is the ideal destination for entertainment. Most of your weekly errands will be a short drive away, so you’ll need a car to get around. Birch Cliff is home to Toronto’s largest water filtration plant, which is so beautiful that guided tours are offered. Every year, Birch Cliff hosts the world’s largest charitable soccer event, dubbed “The Robbie.”
Birch Cliff has a combination of modern Edwardian-style residences. Rent is reasonable and consistent. For its location, housing is reasonably priced. The GO Train takes about 10 minutes to get to downtown Toronto.
Birch Cliff is a good choice if you don’t want to spend a high price while still living in a pleasant, dynamic, and accessible Toronto neighborhood.
Pros
- The Downtown area is a 10-minute GO Train trip away.
- Safe and family-friendly
- The rent is reasonable.
Cons
- You’ll need an automobile.
12. Iroquois
- Very affordable
- Transit score: 53
- Walk score: 38
- Bike score: 46
- Average rent 2 beds: $1600
- Average sold price: 859k
Iroquois is recognized for its family-friendly atmosphere and suburban atmosphere, yet it is only a 30-minute drive to downtown Toronto during non-rush hours. You will need a car to move around because you will be unable to walk or cycle to your regular errands. Despite this, Iroquois is only a short drive from the Chartwell Shopping Centre and the Woodside Garden Centre, where you can find all of the shops you need to perform your daily and weekly errands. The Iroquois Park is ideal for outdoor activities like tennis, soccer, and baseball, and it also features extensive playgrounds for children.
In comparison to the costly Toronto housing market, Iroquois boasts a lot of residences at reasonable costs. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment is quite affordable, even lower than the average in Toronto.
If you’re searching for a family-friendly and cheap location in Toronto near one of the greatest schools, this is the place to be.
Pros
- Very reasonably priced
- Feeling of suburbia
- The rent for a two-bedroom apartment is below the national average.
Cons
- Need a car
- Driving time to downtown Toronto is 30 minutes
13. The Toronto Islands
- Transit score: 98
- Walk score: 92
- Bike score: 86
- Average rent 2 beds: $3750
- Average sold price: $1.1M
The Toronto Islands are a dream living destination for most Torontonians, thanks to their natural beauty, beaches, and breathtaking views.
For everything the islands have to offer, sale prices appear to be low at the moment, but this is simply due to the scarcity of available properties. If you wish to buy a home on the Toronto Islands, you must first get on the buyer’s list. This list can only carry 500 individuals at a time and will allow you to purchase property on the islands once your name is called. To remain on this list, you must pay a $45 annual fee as well as a $20 processing fee. Only 4% of the land is occupied by houses. The rest is made up of parks, a few schools, beaches, yacht clubs, coffee shops, churches, and activity centers.
However, you are not permitted to drive a car on the Toronto Islands. You’ll have to walk or ride your bike everywhere. A short 13-minute ferry ride is necessary to get off the island and into town. The ferry takes you into town and back to get your essentials, such as food. Its last voyage is at 12:01 a.m. As a result, you must always ensure that you return before midnight. If you don’t want to go into town every week to acquire groceries, a mainland grocery store will bring them to you once a week.
If you intend to work on the Toronto Islands, do not rely on your automobile for transportation, and are a major nature fan, the Toronto Islands are ideal for you and your children.
Pros
- Beautiful surroundings
Cons
- Only accessible by ferry
- Cars are not permitted on the island.
14. Palmerston-Little Italy
- Affordable rent
- Transit score: 95
- Walk score: 86
- Bike score: 92
- Average rent 2 beds: $1770
- Average sold price: $1.5M
Palmerston-Little Italy is well-known for its Italian cuisine and more. In this region, you can accomplish almost anything on foot, by bike, or by public transportation. If you’re a foodie, the restaurants, bakeries, and coffee shops will more than satisfy you. If you like fashion, you’ll be close to upscale clothes and shoe outlets.
There are many Victorian-style residences with character in Palmerston-Little Italy.
The community vibe is what draws people to Palmerston-Little Italy. People are kind, friendly, and welcoming. Properties for sale are harder to come by since folks who move in don’t want to leave the feel-good environment. Renting is less expensive than owning, so if you’re relocating for the first time, renting is a good option.
If you’re a parent wishing to live in a trendy neighborhood that will always keep you occupied and who doesn’t rely on a car to get around, Palmerston-Little Italy is the place to be.
Pros
- The rent is reasonable.
- Suitable for walking
- Stylish neighborhood
Cons
- Buying is more expensive than renting.
15. The Beaches
- Transit score: 84
- Walk score: 81
- Bike score: 75
- Low robbery rates
- Average rent 2 beds: $2298
- Average sold price: $1.4M
The Beaches are well-known for their beautiful beaches and beachfront paths. If you like the beach but also want to live close to the city, this is the spot for you. Everything is easily accessible without a car thanks to a high transit and walk score. A six-bus route connects the neighborhood as well. Festivals and events are frequently held in the neighborhood, attracting visitors from all around Toronto. The restaurants and shops in this area cater to tourists. Kingston Road’s stores are more beach-themed and appeal to both locals and tourists. The Beaches offers a wide range of activities for youngsters. Children may have a good time at numerous playgrounds, the beach, the wading pool, and the baseball pitch. The disadvantage is that these pleasant spots are frequently crowded with tourists and non-locals.
The Beaches’ real estate consists of a mix of Victorian-style detached homes, semi-detached residences, and modern and vintage condo buildings. The majority of individuals in The Beaches own a home. Crime rates, particularly robberies, are low, making it a safe neighborhood for you and your children.
If you enjoy the beach but don’t need a car to get around and have a large budget, then living on The Beaches is for you.
Pros
- Without a car, it is very easy to get there.
- Low levels of robbery
Cons
- A large number of tourists
- More pricey neighborhood
Conclusion
Many advantages come with living in an area with some of Toronto’s best elementary public schools, but it may be extremely pricey. It’s still possible to get a good deal on the greatest public elementary schools in the area like Curran Hall, Iroquois, Steeles, Birch Cliff, Bendale, and Rosewood.
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