As a totally unique part of Toronto, there’s always been a few misconceptions floating around about Etobicoke. And, one of the most common of these misunderstandings is how far it is from the city centre.
Surprisingly, there are quite a few people who think that Etobicoke is a distant suburb that sits a long way from downtown. In reality, Etobicoke is a lot closer to central Toronto than you might think.
If you work in downtown Toronto and are thinking about buying a home in Etobicoke, this blog post is for you.
Why Buy in Etobicoke?
There’s a lot to love about living in Etobicoke – much more than I could cover in just one blog post. That said, there are a few big reasons why more and more Toronto buyers are heading west.
In addition to an amazing quality of life, Etobicoke is known for its lower costs of real estate and great starter homes – which have helped countless buyers get into the market sooner than they would have in the city centre.
If you’re searching for homes for sale in Etobicoke, you might have noticed that there are a lot of bungalows. These smaller yet charming homes are all over the place in Etobicoke and they have plenty of advantages. Speaking generally, bungalows are more affordable than multi-story homes, and sit on bigger lots – among other perks. Plus, on top of being a great place to live, bungalows also have strong potential for renovation, expansion, or tearing down and building new.
Looking for advice on buying a home in Etobicoke? Check out these other posts from my blog!
- Buying An Etobicoke Bungalow (And Its Potential)
- Should You Buy The First Home You See?
- Getting to Know Etobicoke’s Starter Homes
Etobicoke Neighbourhoods With Easy Downtown Access
Etobicoke is a big region, with some neighbourhoods offering easier access to the core than others. If you work downtown and are looking to buy a home, here are a couple of neighbourhoods that should be on your radar,
Alderwood
Known for its relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, Alderwood is a charming neighbourhood with great homes, highly-ranked schools, and fantastic local amenities. With so many perks, it’s easy to see why the area is popular with home buyers, but how well does it suit those who work downtown?
While Alderwood is tucked away at the western edge of Etobicoke the local infrastructure makes it easy to get downtown in a hurry. In fact, some Alderwood residents have shorter commute times than people who live in central Toronto.
For transit riders, Alderwood’s main perk is its proximity to Long Branch GO station. With regular service every single day of the week, you can hop on a train and be downtown in 20 minutes. Or, if you drive, the 427, QEW, Lake Shore Boulevard and Gardiner Expressway all pass right by Alderwood – making your commute as efficient as possible.
Mimico
Located right at the eastern edge of Etobicoke along the Humber River and shoreline of Lake Ontario, Mimico is a quaint waterside neighbourhood with a long history. Home to some of the most charming heritage properties in all of Toronto, Mimico makes for a close-knit and laid-back place to live.
While there’s lots to love about the neighbourhood as a whole, one of its best features is its location. As far as neighbourhoods in Etobicoke go, Mimico is arguably the closest to downtown Toronto in a physical sense. This proximity makes it an easy pick for buyers who work in the city centre.
In addition to being right along Lake Shore Blvd, one of the factors that make Mimico perfect for commuters who work downtown is the neighbourhood’s unbeatable public transit. Mimico GO Station is located right in the heart of the community – from here you reach Union Station in just 15 minutes. Plus, along the lakeshore, TTC streetcar service provides regular connections into the city.
New Toronto
One of Toronto’s best-kept secrets, New Toronto is a quaint residential community with a lot to love.
While the area is not as far east as Mimico, New Toronto’s unique location makes it a good fit for commuters. With plenty of major roads nearby, getting into the city centre is a breeze – even when you factor in Toronto traffic. Of course, there are plenty of transit options too.
New Toronto sits right between the Mimico and Long Branch GO Stations, so residents can hop on a train at whichever stop is best for them. Either way, you can reach the heart of downtown in 25 minutes or less. On top of GO, the neighbourhood is also well-covered by the TTC. And, because the area is home to Humber College, New Toronto is also served by a number of express transit routes – making commutes shorter and smoother.
Long Branch
Also tucked along the Etobicoke lakeshore is Long Branch. A charming waterside community with a down-to-earth vibe, it’s not hard to see why more and more buyers are flocking here every year. On top of its amazing homes and outdoor parks, one of Long Branch’s best perks is how easy it is to get around.
For road commuters, Long Branch has similar accessibility to Alderwood. Lake Shore Boulevard cuts right through the neighbourhood, with other major roadways such as the QEW, 427 and Gardiner Expressway close by. Like Mimico, Long Branch also has its own dedicated GO station which offers routine train service into the city (and beyond) on a regular schedule. If you don’t need to travel all the way to Union Station, Lake Shore Blvd sees frequent streetcar service that can connect commuters to the inner-city’s core neighbourhoods. Lastly, if you need to hop on the subway, Kipling Station is just a short bus ride or drive away.
Want to know about Etobicoke’s best neighbourhoods? Check out these community guides.
- Long Branch: Etobicoke’s Lakeside Gem
- New Toronto: Bringing Energy to the Lakeshore
- Condo Living in Mimico
Work With a Local Agent
Etobicoke may be part of Toronto, but the local real estate landscape is incredibly unique. If you’re thinking about buying a home here, the best thing to do is work with a local real estate agent – like me! As an expert in all things Etobicoke real estate, I can help you find a great place to call home, whatever that looks like to you.
Whether you’re searching for an easier commute, access to amazing schools, a property with a great yard, or something else, I can match you with the best options for your wishlist and budget.
Thinking about buying a home in Etobicoke? I can help! Call or text me at 647-239-7587 or send me an email at melissa@southetobicoke.com to get started.
Want to know how much homes in South Etobicoke are selling for?
Sign up for my Sold Report.
