Riverdale is a large, thriving neighbourhood in Toronto’s east end which is bounded by Danforth Avenue to the North, Jones Avenue and Leslieville to the east, Lake Shore Blvd to the South and the Don River Valley to the West.
The neighbourhood is made up of mainly 19th Century Victorian and Edwardian homes that were constructed as boarding rooms for working people. Since then many of these buildings have been redeveloped into homes for young families.
This is a very vibrant and multicultural area. Danforth Avenue, commonly known as “The Danforth”, is highly concentrated with Greek restaurants. Further South along Broadview Avenue at Gerrard Street is Toronto’s second Chinatown where Chinese and Vietnamese restaurants and stores dominate the area. There are three large recreational parks within Riverdale; Withrow Park, Riverdale Park and Jimmie Simpson Park – all of which serve as great places for residents when it comes to various activities such as swimming in the warmer months and tobogganing in winter.
