Introduction
With its star attraction being Cedarvale Ravine, Humewood-Cedarvale is a lush mid-town Toronto neighbourhood bounded by the upscale stretch of Eglinton Avenue West in the north, Bathurst Street in the east, the trendy stretch of St. Clair Avenue West in the south, and the leafy Winnette Avenue in the west – famous for being home to one of the smallest detached houses in Toronto.
Lifestyle
Affectionately known as “the woods” by its residents, on account of its many “wood” suffixed street names, Humewood is the intimate, upper-middle class southern portion of this neighbourhood. The interior of both sections are predominantly residential, with commercial retail concentrations existing along Eglinton Avenue West and St. Clair Avenue West. Settled in the 1850’s this region was part of the City of York, before merging with Toronto.
Dollars & Sense
Bespoke homes in the Humewood- Cedarvale community carry a hefty price tag of $3 million plus, and average war time bungalows are seeing an increase in value which are priced roughly at $750,000. Sunday brunches at the neighbourhood burger joint can be enjoyed for a modest $16, while tailor-made boutiques, kosher delis and butchers along the Eglinton Avenue West range from mid-high prices.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Residents can’t imagine leaving the area. Once settled here, families needing an upgrade will move from one street to the next, within the confines of this area. Therefore, homes may be difficult to come by for outsiders. The main “put off” is the ongoing Metrolinx construction along Eglinton West subway and Allen Road that causes significant noise and traffic, while conversely adding future value to real estate once completed.
5.4 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
The St. Clair Avenue West streetcar right-of-way extension is the most eye-catching feature of the transport in this area, which connects commuters to both the Yonge-University-Spadina and Bloor-Danforth subway lines. Bus routes along Bathurst, Eglinton Avenue and Vaughan Road are also viable options for commuting within the interiors of the neighbourhood. Motorists gain quick access to highway 401 through the Allen Road Expressway.
In the Area
Area conveniences, medical clinics, churches, butchers, kosher delis and bakeries, groceries and retail options are along the St. Clair West and Eglinton Avenue West corridor. Kids attend elementary schools such as Humewood and Cedarvale community schools, while teens take the TTC to Oakwood and Forest Hill High Schools. If you walk along Bathurst you might bump into The Hemingway, an apartment building which is said to have housed Earnest Hemingway.
Meet the Neighbours
One sees a healthy mix of young families, new professionals, school goers, and power walking elderly/retired folks in this neck of “the woods”. According to a 2011 census, household incomes range between $50,000 to $100,000. Residents of Cedarvale belong mostly to affluent Jewish backgrounds whose average household incomes range upwards from $150,000.
The Vibe
Dog walkers, parents with strollers, joggers and cyclists use the many scenic trails around Cedarvale Park that are community highlights. While the bordering roads see busy traffic and commercial activity during the day, the residences in the interior are entirely shut off from the hubbub. Parks, parkettes, tennis clubs, a baseball diamond, a plethora of European pubs and restaurants, and upscale boutiques mark the general vibe of this neighbourhood.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Pizza e Pazzi
Pizza e Pazzi Touts itself as a restaurant for authentic Neapolitan pizzas. This local pizza place is a neighbourhood favourite and known for its great quality food and service.
more infoWorld Class Bakers
This is where you can find your Nonna’s home-made baked recipes, breads, pies and oversized shortbread cookies, all served up with a smile. If you love Italian, you'll love World Class Bakers.
Kibo Sushi House
This St. Clair location of a chain of gourmet sushi restaurants is a popular local hangout, especially for young professionals and teens. The restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, and a great menu.
more infoThe Stockyards
This is a neighbourhood burger, barbecue and buttermilk marinated fried chicken institution. It has become so popular in the area that it is packed even during the slow hours of the day.
more infoCedarvale Park
With 15 bike trails, a baseball diamond, an off-leash dog park, an outdoor tennis court, a sport field and a playground, this expansive urban green space is a model for urban parks in Toronto.
more info