As a home buyer, choosing the right neighbourhood is super important – and if you’re thinking about buying a home in South Etobicoke, Long Branch, Toronto homes should be on your radar.
In a city where just about every neighbourhood claims to be a “hidden gem”, Long Branch actually lives up to its best-kept-secret reputation. Located right on the shore of Lake Ontario, there aren’t many neighbourhoods like it! And yet, the community has flown under the radar for a long time.
Whether you’re thinking about moving to Long Branch or just want to come by for a visit, there are a few local features and amenities to check out!
In this blog, I’m doing a deep dive into everything Long Branch has to offer – including a few of my local favourites! Let’s get started.
Explore Long Branch with me!
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What’s the Vibe Like in Long Branch?
Hands down, one of my favourite things about Long Branch is simply the atmosphere. You don’t need a specific destination to have a great time here! Even just driving, walking, or biking around is a fun way to soak up the local atmosphere. Long Branch actually has a Walk Score of 88 – beating out all kinds of neighbourhoods that are closer to downtown!
If you’ve never been to Long Branch before, the first thing you’ll notice is the vibe. It’s quiet and down-to-earth, but also a little bit artsy and eclectic too. In fact, you’ll find some of the coolest outdoor murals and street art in all of Toronto right here!
With a couple of parks right on the water, including Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Long Branch Park, and Marie Curtis Park (which features a sand beach), there’s definitely a beachy, waterfront energy to the neighbourhood. Long Branch is also home to the Lakeshore Yacht Club whose charming marina is a great place to walk or relax by the water.
Want to learn about other great communities near Long Branch? Check out these other blogs next!
- Everything to Know About Living in a Condo in Mimico
- How to Find a Home in Alderwood With a Great Backyard
- Everything to Know About New Toronto
A Shopper’s Paradise
You wouldn’t think of a quiet lakeside neighbourhood being a shopper’s paradise, and yet, Long Branch, Toronto is exactly that. You’ll find everything from local boutiques to major brands here. Lake Shore Boulevard is Long Branch’s main road, so naturally, it’s where you’ll find a lot of highlights.
At the west end of Lake Shore Boulevard, you’ve got a few name brands and big box stores too, including Dollarama, No Frills, The LCBO and Shoppers Drug Mart. Long Branch is also only a 5-minute drive from the Sherway Gardens mall, where you can shop at more than 200 stores, including all kinds of luxury and big-name brands!
Grabbing a Bite to Eat in Long Branch
After working up an appetite while shopping, you can grab a bite at one of Long Branch’s great bars and restaurants. There are truly too many options to share in one blog post, but some of the go-to local staples include Simon Sushi, Pucinella, Woody’s Burgers, Long Branch Social House, and Thrive.
Love coffee? Me too! Long Branch has some of my favourite cafes in Etobicoke, like Terminal 3 Coffee Roasters, Black Goat Cafe, and Suvari Coffee to name a few. Of course, there’s also Tim Horton’s and Starbucks if that’s more your style.
Who Lives in Long Branch?
Because Long Branch has so much to offer, you’ll find all kinds of people living here. From long-time homeowners enjoying their retirement to students, young professionals, and new families.
Schools in Long Branch
One of the reasons families love Long Branch is its great schools!
Elementary Schools in Long Branch
- Twentieth Street Junior School
- James S. Bell Junior Middle Sports and Wellness Academy
- Micheline-Saint-Cyr Elementary School (French Immersion)
High Schools in Long Branch
Humber Polytechnic Lakeshore Campus
One of Toronto’s top post-secondary schools, Humber Polytechnic (formerly Humber College), has its Lakeshore Campus right in Long Branch. So, you’ve got great education options for literally all ages!
Want to buy a house in Etobicoke? Have a look at these blogs next!
- Are Property Taxes Cheaper in Etobicoke?
- Insider Tips For Buying a Home in South Etobicoke
- How to Buy a Home After You’ve Already Sold the One You Live In
Getting to and from Long Branch
One of the best parts about living in Long Branch is how easy it is to get around. Even though you’re tucked away near the very edge of Toronto, getting downtown (or anywhere else in the city) is as easy as it gets.
There are only a handful of Toronto neighbourhoods that have their own GO Transit Station – and Long Branch, Toronto is one of them! From here, you can grab a train and be at Union Station in less than half an hour. If you need to ride the subway, there’s an express bus (TTC) that runs along Kipling Avenue.
If riding transit isn’t your thing, that’s okay! The QEW, 427 and Gardiner Expressway are all just a short drive away, making it super easy to drive downtown when you need to.
Find Your Perfect Home in Long Branch
Imagining your life in Long Branch, Toronto? I don’t blame you! As a proudly local real estate agent, I’m here to help you find the right home, in the right neighbourhood – whether that’s Long Branch real estate or another one of South Etobicoke’s many amazing communities.
Buying a home in South Etobicoke? I can help! Call or text me at 647-239-7587 or send me an email at melissa@southetobicoke.com to get started.
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