Living in Danforth Village
Danforth Village is well known for its shopping district along Danforth Avenue. The Danforth’s many shops and restaurants reflect the multicultural flavour of the residents who live in this neighbourhood. The relative affordability of the houses in Danforth Village, together with the convenience of the Bloor-Danforth subway line make this neighbourhood an excellent choice for first time home buyers.
This neighbourhood has become a recent hot spot for young professionals’ many of whom are noted artists. It would not surprise if your neighbour was a member of the Toronto Symphony, Canadian Opera, or film and television performers; a far cry from the blue collar families that once proliferated in this neighbourhood. The “Danny” as this neighbourhood is affectionately known attracts visitors from across the city in the springtime to a number of popular street festivals; and in the Fall garden tours together with studio visits provide an up close opportunity to get to know your neighbours. This neighbourhood is proud of its active parent participation in the school system which has welcomed many new families in recent years.
History of Danforth Village
Danforth Village, north of the Danforth, was land originally held by the Church of England. Local street names like Glebemount, and Glebeholme, are reminders that this was once Church land.
Homes in Danforth Village
North of the Danforth the streets are lined with semi-detached houses that feature distinctive front porches. South of the Danforth the homes are more varied ranging in size and style from Victorian semis, to bungalows and newer townhouses. The typical Danforth Village home was built in the 1920s and 1930s.
Lifestyle in Danforth Village
Danforth Avenue offers local residents a full range of shops and services. The Danforth is well known for it’s authentic Greek restaurants and fresh fruit and vegetable markets. Danforth Avenue is also known for its many bargain and discount stores. Shoppers World, an outdoor mall at the corner of Victoria Park and the Danforth is one of Toronto’s largest discount malls. In 2009 there will be a family oriented, artist exhibition and sale, that is planned to run from Donlands to Main along the Danforth featuring more than 100 visual artist on display for one memorable evening. This celebration of the arts will include performing minstrals and lots of yummy culinary delights.
Recreation in Danforth Village
Monarch Park, located south of the Danforth between Coxwell and Greenwood features a variety of recreational facilities including an artificial ice rink, a wading pool, and a swimming pool. The East Toronto Athletic Field located at Gerrard and Main Streets encompasses a number of sports fields. The Ted Reeve Indoor Hockey Arena is situated adjacent to the sports fields. The Earl Beattie Community Centre on Woodington Avenue just north of the Danforth has an indoor swimming pool, and a gymnasium. The Danforth/Coxwell Public Library offers programs for toddlers and preschoolers.
Transportation in Danforth Village
Danforth Village is well served by public transit. The Bloor- Danforth subway has stations at Greenwood, Coxwell, Woodbine, Main, and Victoria Park. There is also a Go Train station at Danforth and Main. Regular bus or streetcar service runs on Greenwood, Coxwell, Gerrard, and Woodbine Avenue. Danforth Avenue provides motorists with easy access to the downtown while commuters are ten to fifteen minutes from the Don Valley Parkway and Lake Shore Boulevard.
