Parkdale living in Toronto, Canada

I am writing this blog to share with you my neighborhood. Its a little pocket in west end of downtown Toronto. Parkdale has come along way from the turn of the century, back then this was hub of the rich.  Just walking down the side streets you can see the remnants of opulence. The homes are really big and grand with massive maple trees lined street.  This community wraps itself just north of the Lake Ontario, which was once dotted with cottages for the residents, unfortunately none remains today.

With the Gardiner and the amalgamation of Parkdale with Toronto, it was all downhill for the area. Over the decades the area has fallen to neglect. These grand homes became rooming houses, not so nice apartments, half-way houses, some were even torn down to make way for some truly unattractive buildings. What were the city planners thinking? King and Queen street west were lined with empty store fronts and an over abundant supply for used appliances.

I have been living here for almost 8 years, our friends wondered if we were crazy moving to Parkdale. On my street, our house was the only single family home, the rest were rooming houses, special care homes, and apartments. I've seen alot of changes on my small block, one of the special care homes, became a gorgeous converted apartment house, the owner lives onsite and its alot quieter. A family moved in 2 doors down and kept it as an apartment house but their children moved into the apartments, getting to be a more balanced mixed street.

West Queen St. West as its known now is eccletic style with a wide variety of stores and restaurants, there is something for everyone. And King St. W. is also going through its changes with the Liberty Village developments and its own unique community.

I have thoroughly enjoyed living in Parkdale and watching my neighborhood go through changes. The next big thing is to see how the removal of the Dufferin St. bump will impact us, if any in South Parkdale.

Are you or someone you know planning a move to Parkdale? If you are drop me a note I can help.