Rosedale is famous for being one of the most fashionable and distinguished neighbourhoods in Toronto for several decades. How did it become one of the wealthiest and most prominent neighbourhoods? This Rosedale neighbourhood guide will reveal all!
History of Rosedale
The roots of Rosedale’s creation stem from Sherriff William Botsford Jarvis and his wife Mary who chose to settle in the neighbourhood in the 1820s. Mary Jarvis named the neighbourhood Rosedale upon discovering hills of wild roses on her estate. However, this was not the only impact Mary Jarvis had on Rosedale neighbourhood. The winding streets that have come to define Rosedale were created by Mary frequently taking walks and horseback rides throughout the neighbourhood.
By 1864 Rosedale was subdivided and the development of South Rosedale began. North Rosedale’s development began in 1909 when a bridge was built over the Park Drive ravine. Both of these districts have become part of the 15 heritage conservation districts in the City of Toronto.
Architecture in Rosedale
The next stop on our Rosedale neighbourhood guide is to understand the neighbourhood’s architecture. Rosedale features a wide variety of architectural marvels. There are Victorian, Tudor, Georgian and Edwardian style mansions that are listed on the Toronto Historical Board Inventory of Heritage Properties (as these properties were built between 1860-1930). However, there are also many condos and co-operative apartment buildings in South Rosedale that provide an affordable entry into an otherwise very affluent neighbourhood.
Rosedale’s Lifestyle
Residents of Rosedale can enjoy two commercial areas for amenities and leisure. For residents that live on the west side of Mount Pleasant Road, there are plenty of upscale restaurants and shops to be enjoyed on Yonge Street. For those that live on the east side of Mount Pleasant Road, there is a quaint commercial block on Summerhill Avenue at the very north end of Rosedale.
If your idea of recreation is one that includes less shopping and more greenery, Rosedale is the neighbourhood for you. There is a network of ancient ravines – the Vale of Avoca, Park Drive, Rosedale Valley and Moore Park ravines that run throughout the neighbourhood. All around these beautiful ravines are trails for runners, cyclists and those who just like to stroll through nature. If you are interested in more vigorous physical activity, Rosedale Park boasts eight tennis courts, a wading pool, a sports field and an artificial ice rink for all your sport desires. Mooredale House is a community centre that truly brings the neighbourhood of Rosedale together. It features programs for music, sports, arts and fitness for all ages.
Transportation in Rosedale
If you prefer to take the TTC, there are a few busses that run through the neighbourhood. These busses connect to the Rosedale subway station on the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line and Sherbourne subway station on the Bloor-Danforth line. If you prefer to travel by car, the nearest 400 series highway is only a 10-minute drive away.
I hope you enjoyed my Rosedale neighbourhood guide. This neighbourhood truly is a precious jewel in Toronto’s crown. If you would like to learn more about the neighbourhood and think this would be the perfect place to call home, please feel free to reach out to me here. I would love to help you make Rosedale your new neighbourhood.
