Lawrence Park is bordered on one side by Yonge Street
Lawrence Park is one of Toronto’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Apart from its residential nature, this area is also called a “park” for its 4.6 hectares of recreational space. The winding roads, lush greenery, and gently rolling hills provide a calm and peaceful setting where you can sit back and relax.
Schools, shops, and other amenities are located in its periphery, keeping traffic in the main residential areas to a minimum.
This community is bordered by Bayview Avenue to the east, Yonge Street to the west, Blythwood Ravine to the south, and Lawrence Avenue to the north. It is divided into North and South, with the former encompassing the enclaves of Bedford Park, Teddington Park, and Wanless Park. Lawrence Park South occupies the area just north of Midtown.
Lawrence Park was named the wealthiest neighborhood in Toronto in 2011, a clear testament to its affluence and status. It also consistently ranks among neighborhoods with top real estate sales.
A rich history
Known for large, gorgeous homes with private driveways and full-sized garages, Lawrence Park was one of the city’s first planned garden suburbs. Development here began sometime in the early 1900s. Growth was slow but steady, with the construction of medium-sized homes on deep, narrow lots along Mount Pleasant Road.
Development boomed in the 50s, and the landscape continues to change. Many of the older homes in the neighborhood under went renovations to preserve their charm, or were demolished to make way for new construction.
It also features some of the finest Toronto luxury real estate, with an excellent selection of detached homes and condos. Prevalent architectural styles include Colonial, English cottage, Tudor revival, and Georgian.
Many residents are members of The Granite Club, a prestigious, invitation-only athletic club.
Its schools, such as Crescent School and Havergal College, are considered among the best in Canada.
Other schools include:
- Blythwood Junior Public School
- Allenby Junior Public School
- John Ross Robertson Junior Public School
- Glenview Senior Public School
- Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute
Getting around
Lawrence Station, located on the Yonge subway line, can be found north of the neighborhood. You can also catch a bus along stops at Lawrence, Yonge, Mount Pleasant Avenue, and Eglinton. However, the Eglinton bus will soon be replaced by a new service, the Crosstown LRT.
In its early years, the neighborhood was served by the north section of the Yonge streetcar line. The Toronto Transportation Commission (TTC) deployed trolley buses along Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Road when the Yonge subway became available to Eglinton in 1954.
The subway was extended north in 1973, doing away with the need for trolleys in Yonge Street. Trolleys in Mount Pleasant Road were replaced with buses in 1991.
Where to shop, eat and drink
Druxy’s Famous Deli serves freshly prepared sandwiches using a variety of breads and smoked meats. Grazie Ristorante brings you delicious Italian dishes like breaded veal and spaghetti Bolognese.
Sit down for an exquisite plate of sushi at Shoushin, one of the neighborhood’s trendiest dining spots, or go to North 44 to enjoy roasted lamb rack and butter Nova Scotia lobster in an elegant setting.
A mainstay in the local fashion scene, Mendocino offers quality women’s clothing. The Coop Ink is known for its bespoke suits and designer men’s jeans.
Need more shopping options? Go to Yonge Englinton Centre, a shopping mall that features over 65 stores. Retailers include Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and Swarovski.
The park, itself offers green spaces and recreational facilities where you can relax and play your favorite sport. The park is home to the Lawrence Park Lawn Bowling and Croquet Club, as well as the Lawrence Park Tennis Club.
For a more laid-back activity, you can walk along the ravine footpath at Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens, or curl up with a good book at George Locke Public Library.
Linda McEwan and Cheryl Thompson are experienced Sales Representatives specializing in luxury properties in Lawrence Park and other Toronto communities. Call them at 416.960.9995 to get started.