Guildwood

Your Typical Neighbour

The area has become a lot more popular in recent years as skyrocketing downtown prices have forced buyers to look further outside the core. Younger families are finding their roots here, as are moneyed buyers looking for unique, turnkey water view properties relatively close to the city.

What We Love

Split-level homes are common here, and there are some unique homes, unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the city. And if mature neighbourhoods are your thing, you’d be hard-pressed to find ones nicer than here (for non-Bridlepath dollars).

What We Don’t Love

While the commute downtown via the GO offering is pretty painless, we suspect a car will become your friend here if it wasn’t already!

The Real Estate Scoop

As this neighbourhood began its life in the ’50s, the homes here represent a change in thinking and a broad range of styles. Everything from detached two-storey and split-level homes, to bungalows and even grand custom-designed homes can be found. Relative proximity to downtown has made this and surrounding neighbourhoods popular with those seeking refuge from the spike in downtown home prices. Unfortunately, that same upward pressure has started to show itself here given the relatively easy commute downtown.

The front porch features prominently here — no surprise, really, given the trees here are commonly much older than the neighbourhoods; extensive tree protection has preserved much of the older canopy that hallmarks the neighbourhood. Well-manicured gardens are a common sight, and many of these beautiful homes situated on the waterside of the Guildwood parkway have been designed to take full advantage of the spectacular views of Lake Ontario that can be found in the area.

Evidence of demand for higher density exists as well: Guildwood Parkway to the west of Livingston Road is home to a mix of low-rise apartments, townhomes, and some multiplex buildings. True urbanists and long-time residents no longer wanting to deal with the maintenance of homes have spurred demand for a luxury condominium that at the ‘entrance’ to the neighbourhood, also leverages scenic views of the lakefront.

Transit

Guildwood GO Station provides a short 25-minute commute via Go Train to the heart of the financial district. This is largely responsible for the upturn in popularity of this neighbourhood. Local bus routes offer connection to TTC Subways, and Kingston road provides the motorist access to downtown and the 401.

Schools

The public system reigns supreme here, though there are a couple of separate offerings. If you’re looking for a more private option, you’ll have to look outside the neighbourhood.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Guildwood Jr Public School
Elizabeth Simcoe Jr Public School
St Ursula Catholic School
Jack Miner Sr Public School
É Élém Académie Alexandre-Dumas
Bliss Carman Senior Public School
Cedar Drive Junior Public School
George P Mackie Junior Public School
Poplar Road Junior Public School

SENIOR SCHOOLS

Sir Wilfrid Laurier Collegiate Institute

CATHOLIC & PRIVATE SCHOOLS

ÉÉC Saint-Michel
ÉSC Père-Philippe-Lamarche
St. Ursula Catholic School