RIVERDALE
Overview
Riverdale is the gateway to Toronto’s east end neighbourhoods. It is a large and diverse community that is well known for its colourful
shopping districts and quaint Victorian homes. North Riverdale from Gerrard Street to the Danforth is very popular with young affluent
professionals and families. South Riverdale which has been dubbed “Studio City” is a popular home for music, art and film
professionals. South Riverdale, which is home to over 50 film-related companies, and approximately 70 per cent of Ontario’s studio
space, is now one of the top filming locations in Ontario.
Homes
Riverdale’s two and 3 storey Victorian house were built between 1880 and 1924. These homes are shaded by some of the tallest maple
trees in the City. Many Riverdale Homes have parking off a rear laneway. The houses in South Riverdale are on average, smaller, older
and less expensive than those in North Riverdale. There are also a number of new townhouses and condominium loft style
developments that have been recently introduced to this neighbourhood.
Shopping
Riverdale’s best known shopping district is along Danforth Avenue, east of Broadview. The Danforth is heart of Toronto’s of Toronto’s
Geek community. It features many first class Greek restaurants and a dazzling array of stores. If you enjoy great food be sure not to
miss the taste of the Danforth” held annually in August. Riverdale also has a Chinatown shopping district centred on Gerrard and
Broadview. This stretch of stores known for its bakeries, grocery stands and restaurants. Another shopping destination for Riverdale
residents is Queen Broadview Village. This historic shopping district includes some interesting antique and collectable stores. Gerrard
Square at the corner of Pape Avenue and Gerrard Street is a large indoor shopping mall with over 70 stores.
Recreation
Riverdale has a myriad of parks and parkettes situated throughout the neighbourhood. The three largest parks are Riverdale Park East,
Withrow Park and Jimmie Simpson Park. Each of these parks contain tennis courts, a wading pool, hockey rink and a baseball diamond.
Riverdale Park also has an outdoor pool and running track. The Jimmie Simpson Recreational Centre has an indoor swimming pool, a
games room and gymnasium. The Pape Recreational centre has a gymnasium, indoor pool, weight room and meeting rooms. Riverdale
has four public libraries that offer a myriad of programs for children, adults and seniors.
Schools
Earl Grey Senior Public School – 100 Strathcona Ave.
Franklin Junior Public School – 816 Logan Ave.
Bale Street Junior Public School – 21 Boultbee Ave.
Pape Avenue Junior Public School – 404 Pape Ave.
Quest Alternative Senior Public School – 25 Bain Ave.
Withrow Avenue Junior Public School – 25 Bain Ave.
Queen Alexandria Senior Public School – 181 Broadview Ave.
Dundas Junior Public School – 935 Dundas St. E.
First Nations Public School – 935 Dundas St. E.
Rosedale Heights Public High School – 711 Bloor St. E.
Eastdale Collegiate Institute Public High School – 701 Gerrard St. E.
Riverdale Collegiate Institute Public High School – 1094 Gerrard St. E.
Holy Name Catholic School – 690 Carlaw St.
Be sure to check with the local school board to determine the right school for your family.
Transportation
Riverdale is an ideal location for commuter. The Don Valley Expressway, Lake Shore Boulevard and Gardiner Expressway are all quickly
accessed from this neighbourhood. Riverdale also has excellent access to public transit. There is regular bus service or street car
service on Broadview, Carlaw, Jones and Greenwood Avenues, as well as Queen and Gerrard Street. The Bloor-Danforth subway has
five stations serving Riverdale, including Broadway, Chester, Pape, Donlands and Greenwood.