Introduction
Rathnelly is enclosed by Farnham Avenue in the north, Yonge Street in the east, Macpherson Avenue in the south, and Avenue Road in the west. This small Toronto neighbourhood includes a busy shopping zone and quiet residential streets. It is also conveniently located in close proximity to two subway stations.
Lifestyle
With its busy shopping strip, quiet residential streets, and proximity to the subway, Rathnelly is a convenient, if somewhat expensive, place to live. The area has quite a few design and furniture stores, the better to help area residents furnish their homes, as well as a few art galleries and some excellent restaurants. This neighbourhood is livelier during the day, although there is some action at night as well.
Dollars & Sense
Rathnelly is a wealthy neighbourhood, a fact that is reflected in the price of housing and in the local shops and businesses. Restaurants and stores tend to carry high-end, more expensive products; even a store selling used goods specializes in luxury brands (Prada, Gucci, etc.). Prices for houses of all types are above average, as are rental prices.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Rathnelly has a bustling main strip with good restaurants and shopping, and quiet residential side streets. It has lots of trees and greenery and a couple of small parks. However, this is an expensive neighbourhood both in terms of housing prices and simply shopping or eating out locally. It’s convenient for transit, but less so for driving.
3.2 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Rathnelly is very convenient for public transit - the Summerhill and Rosedale subway stations are both close by, and buses run along Yonge Street and Avenue Road. The area is less convenient for drivers, as both Yonge and Avenue can be very busy and at times congested. Parking is allowed on side and main streets, but parking rules are strictly enforced.
In the Area
The York Racquets Club can be found in Rathnelly, as well as an abundance of design/decorating stores and a couple of art galleries. There are a couple of small parks in the area, as well as the Cottingham Public School. David Balfour Park is close by, a large park with trails running through it that connect to other parks in the city.
Meet the Neighbours
Rathnelly has an older population than most neighbourhoods in the city - only 16 per cent of residents are below the age of 25, while 21 per cent are over 65. The area has a high proportion of Canada-born residents, and a relatively high number of residents that speak both English and French. Residents of Rathnelly tend to be high-earning and well-educated, with 91 per cent having a post-secondary education.
The Vibe
Rathnelly’s side streets are quiet and hushed, and trees overshadow many of the houses. The main shopping strip on Yonge, in contrast, bustles with activity and life through the day and well into the night. This affluent neighbourhood has plenty of high-end shops and restaurants, but fewer public green spaces than many other parts of the city.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Room 2046
This combination shop, café, and studio has a fun and interesting collection of items for sale. There is stationery, clothing and shoes, jewellery, artwork, books, decorative objects, and more.
more infoThe Monk’s Table
The Monk’s Table has great food and drinks. There are lots of European beers, both bottled and on tap, and a variety of liquors, including a good selection of whisky, vodka, and gin.
more infoLockquest
If you’re looking for a fun group activity, look no further. Lockquest gives groups the chance to solve a mystery and escape from a locked room by finding clues and solving puzzles.
more infoLionel Conacher Park
This park is small but has lots to do, with a baseball diamond, playground, and wading pool. It’s a favourite area for locals to bring their dogs as well as their children.
more infoBoxcar Social
Boxcar Social serves up some excellent tea and coffee, and some tasty and interesting snacks. They also have a great selection of scotch, bourbon, wine, and beer, and a lovely back patio.
more infoArtifacts Emporium
The Artifacts Emporium sells all kinds of interesting and unusual decorative objects, furniture, clothing, and cushions. The store is full but not overly crowded, and staff are friendly and helpful.
more info