The desire of any parent is a quality education for their children. In Toronto there are many private schools out there, but they can get expensive. Still, there are numerous public schools in Toronto that have excellent academic results. If you’re thinking about moving to Toronto soon, you might want to consider moving near one of the best elementary public schools. MovingWaldo has gathered public elementary school ranking data in Toronto from Fraser Institute and organized this data by neighbourhood with the goal of helping parents find the right neighbourhood with the best school for their children.
For a quick summary of every neighbourhoods, jump to the recap!
While gathering this data, MovingWaldo has made the following conclusions:
Of all the neighbourhoods with the best public elementary schools in Toronto*, The Lawrence Park area is the most expensive neighbourhood to rent or purchase in. The average rent for a 2-bedroom is $2700 and the average sold price is $2.4M.
Of all the neighbourhoods with the best public elementary schools in Toronto, Iroquois has the most affordable rent. The average 2-bedroom rent in Iroquois is $1600.
Of all the neighbourhoods with the best public elementary schools in Toronto, Curran Hall has the cheapest average sale price which makes it affordable to afford a home. The average sale price in Curran Hall is 648k.
Of all the neighbourhoods with the best public elementary schools in Toronto, Bendale is the most family-friendly one. Bendale has parks with all sorts of playgrounds for kids, water activities, recreational activities and trails for all ages. Bendale also had relatively affordable rent and housing for what it offers.
MovingWaldo has gathered data from only the best schools with ratings of 8.8 and above and has placed them in various Toronto neighbourhoods. While each of these neighbourhoods have excellent schools, some parents may have preferences with regards to the convenience and vibe of the area as well. MovingWaldo has also created detailed descriptions of each neighbourhood by indicating the strengths and weaknesses along with the walk scores, transit scores, bike scores, safety scores and the average sale price for any bedrooms and rent prices for 2 bedrooms of each.
Each year, the provincial educational ministries in Canada release the average scores on final exams. Fraser Institute gathers these academic results and compares them to other schools by rating them on 10. MovingWaldo has collected this data from Fraser Institute and has placed the top 15 schools in various Toronto neighbourhoods.
Score meaning
(similar for transit & bike scores)
The cost of renting a 2-bedroom apartment in Toronto has seen a 15% decrease compared to last year. The average cost to rent a 2-bedroom apartment in Toronto is currently $2,250.
(Includes Deer Park & Yonge-St. Clair)
Known as a family-friendly and pet-friendly neighbourhood, Rosedale-Moore Park is a safe yet expensive area to live in. With low assault rates, low robbery rates and low drug charge rates, you and your children will feel safe. This is also the area with the most top-rated schools in Toronto with ratings over 8.8. Rosedale-Moore Park has various parks and trails like David A Balfour Park and Chorley Park that extend to many other parks with trails and rivers.
If you’re a shopping fanatic, nearby Yonge Street is where you will find many shops. You’ll also find a variety of tennis courts, swimming pools and all the stores with basic necessities nearby. The Summerhill market will give you a gourmet grocery shopping experience each time. Restaurants are a bit on the pricey side and on the higher end but are highly rated.
The area is home to Whitney Junior Public School which is in the top 2 best public elementary schools in Toronto.
As one of the most expensive neighbourhoods to buy a property or rent in Toronto, the area has multiple large luxury homes. There are more houses than big condo and apartment buildings. Rosedale-Moore Park is more of a family-oriented area and is not big on nightlife and entertainment.
If you’re on a budget, this area is not for you as you should expect to pay a higher price for almost every basic necessity like housing and groceries. If you’re looking to send your kids to one of the top 2 best elementary schools in Toronto and if you rely on public transportation, this area is definitely suitable for you.
Pros
Cons
Cottingham Junior Public School
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
Deer Park Junior and Senior Public School
As a residential area with a suburban feel, Willowdale East has many activities to keep the whole family entertained. On weekends you can enjoy time with your kids at Cineplex or do an escape simulation game. There is also a big community centre with a pool, ice rink, gym and even a basketball court. If you’re into Canadian rock, check out the Lee Lifeson Outdoor Art Park where you will find mosaics and monuments representing Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson from the band RUSH who grew up in the area. Just a short walk or drive away, Willowdale West has more parks that you can hang out together as a family.
If you’re looking to purchase a property near one of the top 2 best schools in Toronto, pricing is lower than in Rosedale Moore Park where the other tied top school is situated. Willowdale East mostly has condo and apartment buildings; few families live in houses. Getting downtown Toronto by car can be a bit rough during rush hour, but you can rely on the area’s top rated transit system.
If you prefer to use public transportation to get around and you have a big budget to purchase or rent a home, then Willowdale East is right for you.
Pros
Cons
Avondale Alternative Elementary School
Steeles is recognized as a neighbourhood in Toronto with a suburban and family feel. There are many parks in Steeles like l’Amoreaux North Park where you will find many walking and biking trails and a big pond. It is also the perfect place to bring your dog because of its off-leash dog area. Steeles has high end yet affordable restaurants as well. The Asian community is very present in Steeles and at Bamburgh Gardens Shopping Plaza in the centre of Steeles you will find all sorts of tasty Asian cuisine and food. There are also many gyms, recreational facilities and activities for kids like the Kidstown Water Park. If you’re into shopping, The Pacific Mall in Milliken is just a short drive away.
Sale prices are lower so most residents buy instead of renting. Rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is actually below Toronto’s average making it a very affordable place to live in. Rent is stable and has seen no increase this year. It’s also a 45-minute drive to downtown Toronto during rush hour.
In Steeles, the transit score really isn’t the best so it’s maybe not the best option if you work downtown Toronto or don’t own a car. If you love the outdoors and are looking for a place to keep your kids entertained in an area a bit further from downtown Toronto, then Steeles is definitely the place for you.
Pros
Cons
The Lawrence Park area is known as a safe yet very expensive neighbourhood in Toronto. It is in fact home to some of Toronto’s wealthiest individuals. This area is family-friendly and has a real community feel. The Lawrence Park area is clean and has some of the lowest crime rates in all of Toronto, making it a safe neighbourhood to live in with your children.
There are various country clubs, bowling associations and croquet clubs in The Lawrence Park area. If you love walking outside, The Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens and the Sherwood Park have trails and beautiful sceneries, making it the perfect place to spend a relaxing day. While there are nice trails to walk around in, you cannot run your daily errands on foot, a car is required. The area is near Yonge Street where there are many shops. There aren’t many restaurants and there isn’t a big nightlife scene either.
It is very expensive to either purchase or rent in The Lawrence Park area. You will rarely see big apartment and condo buildings as the area mostly has large expensive houses.
If you have a big budget and enjoy being surrounded by other families and feel like you’re part of your community and don’t mind relying on your car for the main necessities and activities, The Lawrence Park area is the right place for you.
Pros
Cons
John Ross Robertson Junior Public School
Blythwood Junior Public School (South)
Recognized for its transit and walking convenience, Carleton Village is the perfect area to raise your kids and still be in proximity to downtown Toronto. At the centre of Carleton Village you can find Wadsworth Park, a park that is very kid-friendly as it has many playgrounds and interactive games. Most of the action is near St. Clair Avenue where you will find shops, groceries, hairdressers and all the other basic necessities. Living on St. Clair Avenue is practical so you can use the railway to get around and do your shopping.
Rent is up 24% in Carleton Village compared to last year, as it recently became a more attractive neighbourhood. Carleton Village mostly has houses that are of Victorian Style. You’ll find less apartment and condo complexes than houses in this area. Pricing is relatively affordable for its proximity to downtown Toronto. Without traffic it will take you just 16 minutes to get downtown.
If you’re a parent looking to live closer to downtown Toronto for work without the extravagant prices that for instance Rosedale-Moore Park offers, this area is right for you. Also, if you’re a parent who walks or bikes a lot to get around, this area has excellent walk and bike scores which make it easier to run daily errands without a car.
Pros
Cons
École élémentaire Charles-Sauriol
Don Mills is known for its quality yet expensive residential life. If you’re into nature walks, through The Don Mills Spur Park you will find the Don Mills Trail that extends throughout the entire area. Taking up most of the neighbourhood, The Donalda Club is an exquisite and picturesque golf club attracting people from all over Toronto. The Toronto Botanical Garden is also nearby and just a short drive away. Don Mills also has very low robbery rates, making it a safe place to live. While Don Mills is safe, the area is not very walkable as you need a car to get to most shops and essential services. Don Mills isn’t so transit friendly either. During rush hour, it will take you an hour to get downtown by public transit.
Most people in Don Mills live in large apartment buildings or townhomes. A bit more than half of the population own their property and the rest are renters. Sale and rent prices are high and are not suitable for you if you’re looking for affordable housing options in Toronto.
If you depend on your car to get around and prefer to live in large buildings with amenities and love nature, then Don Mills is the right place for you.
Pros
Cons
St. Bonaventure Catholic School
Curran Hall is a must for nature lovers. Morningside Park is in fact accessible through Curran Hall and is filled with trails and picnic areas with beautiful views. The Botany Hill Park also has trails along with rivers and recreational areas. Curran Hall is a must for bikers as it has many bike paths and bicycle accessible roads.
Curran Hall is a very affordable place to rent or purchase while still being in close proximity to downtown. Without traffic, it will take you only 30 minutes to get downtown Toronto. The area has more houses than tall apartment buildings. It is, however, nearly impossible to get to your daily errands on foot, you will need a car.
If you’re looking for a house in an affordable area that is surrounded with nature while still being in proximity to downtown Toronto, then Curran Hall is the right place for you.
Pros
Cons
Churchill Heights Public School
Bendale is known as a family-friendly neighbourhood with many outdoor activities.
At the heart of Bendale is found the Thompson Memorial Park. A park with all sorts of game modules for kids, water activities, recreational activities and trails. The park also hosts events that bring people from all over Toronto. Stores in Bendale are mostly situated in one area, at the Scarborough Town Centre. You’ll absolutely need a car to get around unless you live right near the Scarborough Town Centre. Bendale is also situated right next to the 401 Highway, making it a relatively fast drive to Toronto averaging at 28 minutes during non-rush hour times. Also, if you rely on public transportation to get to work or to run daily errands Bendale has a reliable transit system that will get you where you want to go in no time!
This year, rent prices in Bendale have seen a slight decrease. Most people in Bendale own homes while the rest are renters.
While the average sale price is high, most properties in Bendale are houses which makes it pretty affordable if you’re looking for a house in a family-friendly neighbourhood in Toronto.
Pros
Cons
Hunter’s Glen Junior Public School
If you enjoy spending time outdoors, The Alexmuir Park in Rosewood is good for recreational activities like soccer and great for kids due to the multiple game modules. A walkway is even lit at night for a peaceful walk in the park in the evening. Access to public transportation in Rosewood is average, which is why you’ll need to rely on your car to get around. There also aren’t many shops in Rosewood, you’ll have to drive out of Rosewood for daily errands.
If you’re not thinking of purchasing a million-dollar home, rent is affordable compared to other neighbourhoods nearby because there aren’t many properties up for rent. During rush hour it will take you over an hour to get to downtown Toronto.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly and quiet area, Rosewood is definitely the neighbourhood for you!
Pros
Cons
St Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic Catholic School
Forest Hill South is known as one of the most expensive neighbourhoods to live in Toronto. Many people pay the high price of buying or renting in Forest Hill South because of its safe and prestigious lifestyle. If you love walking in nature, Forest Hill Road Park and Cedarvale Ravine are delightful places to take a stroll. Also for outdoor enthusiasts, the Beltline trail is the perfect place to go for a bike ride with your kids and a walk with your dog. What attracts people to live here is that at nearly every corner of the street, you will find a bus route bringing you to a subway station. While there are a few high-end boutiques on Spadina Rd, you won’t find a ton of the big chain stores in the area. You will, however, find many of your everyday essentials (grocery, pharmacy, gym) without having to drive to a different area.
Housing in Forest Hill South is mostly made up of brick and stone mansions owned by some of the wealthiest families in Toronto. When the neighbourhood was first being brought up, the city codes mandated that all homes have a tree planted at the front. The area is now filled with tons of mature and beautiful trees. Due to the elevated home prices, most people rent in Forest Hill South.
If you’re looking for a big home in a safe and prestigious neighbourhood with many nature trails, then Forest Hill South is the right place for you.
Pros
Cons
Situated alongside Lake Ontario, Birch Cliff is a safe and family oriented neighbourhood.
Birch Cliff is the perfect place for entertainment with its many restaurants and bars and its activities for any age. You will need a car to get around as most of your weekly errands will be situated a short drive away. The largest water filtration plant in Toronto is situated in Birch Cliff, it is so stunning that even guided tours are given. Also the world’s largest charitable soccer tournament called ‘’The Robbie’’ takes place every year in Birch Cliff.
In Birch Cliff you’ll find a mix of modern Edwardian type homes. Rent is affordable and stable. Housing is relatively affordable for its location. You can get to downtown Toronto on the GO Train in just 10 minutes.
Birch Cliff is suitable for you if you don’t want to pay the very high price while still living in a convenient, vibrant and accessible neighbourhood in Toronto.
Pros
Cons
Known for its nature, beauty, beaches and stunning views, The Toronto Islands are a dream living destination for most Torontonians.
For everything that the islands offer, sale prices appear to be low at the moment, but this is simply because properties are rare to find. If you want to buy a property on the Toronto Islands, you must sign up on the purchaser’s list. This list can only hold 500 people at once and will permit you to purchase a property on the islands once your turn comes up. To stay on this list you must pay a fee of $45 per year and an initial processing fee of $20. Only 4% of the land is occupied by homes. The rest is filled with parks, a few schools, beaches, yacht clubs, coffee shops, churches and centres for activities.
However, you cannot drive a car on the Toronto Islands. You will have to get around on foot or by bicycle. To get out of the island and into town, a simple 13-minute ferry ride is required. The ferry brings you into town and back to get your main necessities like groceries. Its last trip is at midnight. So you always have to make sure you’re back before midnight. If you’re not up to going into town to get groceries each week, a mainland grocery store delivers weekly.
If you’re planning to work on the Toronto Islands, you don’t rely on your car to get around and are a big nature enthusiast, then the Toronto Islands are perfect for you and your children.
Pros
Cons
Island Public/Natural Science School
Palmerston-Little Italy is known for everything Italian and more. You can practically do everything on foot, by bike or by public transport in this area. If you’re a foodie, the restaurant, bakeries and coffee shops will definitely fulfill you. If you’re into fashion, you’ll have nearby access to fancy clothing stores and shoe shops.
In Palmerston-Little Italy you will find a ton of Victorian-style homes that have character.
The vibe in the community is what attracts people to Palmerston-Little Italy. People are kind, friendly and welcoming. Properties for sale are a bit rarer to find because people who start living there don’t want to leave this feel-good vibe. Renting is more affordable than buying, so if you’re moving there for the first time, renting is an affordable option.
If you’re a parent who’s looking to live in a trendy neighbourhood that will always keep you entertained and who doesn’t rely on their car to get around, then Palmerston-Little Italy is right for you.
Pros
Cons
The Beaches are known for their stunning beaches and beach front trails. If you enjoy the beach with the city’s perks, this is the right place for you. With a good transit score and walk score, everything is easily accessible without a car. The area is also connected with a six-bus route. The area often has festivals and events bringing people from everywhere around Toronto. The restaurants and shops here are tourist-oriented. The shops on Kingston Road are more beach-themed and attract both locals and tourists. There are all kinds of activities for children in The Beaches. Children can have fun on various playgrounds, at the beach, in the wading pool and at the baseball diamond. The downside is that these fun areas are often packed with tourists and non-locals.
Properties in The Beaches are a mix of Victorian style detached homes, semi-detached homes and new and old condo buildings. Most people own homes in The Beaches. Crime rates, especially robbery rates, are low so it is a safe neighbourhood for you and your children.
If you’re a beach lover who doesn’t necessarily rely on their car to get around and has a high budget then living on The Beaches is right for you.
Pros
Cons
Iroquois is known for its family-friend and suburban feel with just a 30-minute drive to downtown Toronto during non-rush hours. You will need a car to get around as you cannot walk or bike to get your daily errands. Yet, Iroquois is just a short drive away from the Chartwell Shopping Centre and the Woodside Garden Centre where you will find all the shops you need to run your daily and weekly errands. The Iroquois Park is good for outdoor activities like tennis, soccer, baseball and has large playgrounds for kids.
Iroquois has a lot of houses at affordable prices compared to the expensive Toronto housing market. Rent for a 2-bedroom is very low and is even below Toronto’s average.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly and affordable area in Toronto near one of the best schools, then this area is a must for you and your family.
Pros
Cons
|
Walk Score |
Transit Score |
Bike Score |
2 Bed. Rent Cost |
Sale Price
|
Pros |
|
|
Rosedale Moore Park |
66 |
85 |
69 |
$2600 |
$2.1M |
Low rates for assault, robbery & drug charges. |
|
Willowdale East |
77 |
88 |
52 |
$2300 |
$1.64M |
Excellent transit |
|
Steeles |
54 |
67 |
51 |
$1900 |
969k |
Affordable |
|
The Lawrence Park area |
59 |
77 |
63 |
$2700 |
$2.4M |
Safe and clean area |
|
Carleton Village |
79 |
77 |
80 |
$2300 |
$1M |
Affordable for location |
|
Don Mills |
53 |
65 |
52 |
$2300 |
$1.5M |
Low rates for robbery |
|
Curran Hall |
36 |
60 |
78 |
$1700 |
648k |
Very affordable |
|
Bendale |
55 |
77 |
59 |
$1850 |
$1M |
Most family-friendly |
|
Rosewood |
55 |
65 |
76 |
$1800 |
$1M |
Affordable rent |
|
Forest Hill South |
70 |
80 |
74 |
$2295 |
$2.3M |
Lowest rates for assault, drug charges & stolen vehicles. Low rates for sexual assault & robberies. |
|
Birch Cliff |
59 |
68 |
53 |
$2182 |
930k |
Affordable rent |
|
The Toronto Islands |
92 |
98 |
86 |
$3750 |
$1.1M |
Cars prohibited on island |
|
Palmerston-Little Italy |
86 |
95 |
92 |
$1770 |
$1.5M |
Affordable rent |
|
The Beaches |
81 |
84 |
75 |
$2298 |
$1.4M |
Low robbery rates |
|
Iroquois |
38 |
53 |
46 |
$1600 |
859k |
Very affordable |
Living in a neighbourhood with some of the best elementary public schools in Toronto comes with many advantages, but can get quite expensive. There are still some relatively affordable options with the best elementary public schools like Curran Hall, Iroquois, Steeles, Birch Cliff, Bendale and Rosewood. Is easy access to public transportation just as important for you? Here’s what it costs to rent near each subway station in Toronto.
Need a reliable mover for your move to Toronto? Check out some of the best movers in Toronto.
Crime rates: CBC
Transit, walk & bike scores: WalkScore
Average rent cost: Zumper, Point2Homes & rentals.ca
Average home sale price: Zolo, Zillow , Point2Homes & Realtor.ca
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