Thinking about buying a home or condo in Bloor West Village? Check out all the reasons why I love this neighbourhood and am thrilled to call it my home.

BOUNDARIES

The Bloor West Village shopping district runs along Bloor Street between Jane and Clendenan.  The neighbourhood is comprised of the area north of Bloor, up to Dundas.  Previously, Annette Street was the northerly border of Bloor West Village, but as the area became more popular, it expanded to include the homes north of Annette.  Bloor West Village borders Baby Point to the west, Swansea to the south and High Park to the east.

CULTURE

Although the strip along Bloor Street has predominantly been taken over by retail chains, hair salons and small boutiques, the original Ukrainian flavour still exists and the culture is celebrated in Bloor West Village with their annual Ukrainian Festival.

BWV also embraces other events and hosts a number of neighbourhood celebrations including Halloween pumpkin decorating, visits from Santa and the annual Street Festival. During this event Bloor is shut down from Jane to Kennedy and the street is filled with inflatable slides, games and rides. All shops participate by setting up tents showcasing all their products and yummy treats! With live music and entertainment for the kiddos, this event has a little something for everyone.

SCHOOLS

• Runnymede Junior & Senior Public School (JK-8) (french immersion)
• King George Public School (JK-6)
• St. Pius Catholic School (JK-8)
• James Culnan Catholic School (JK-8)
• Humberside Collegiate Institute (9-12) (french immersion)
• Western Technical-Commercial School (9-12)
• Ursula Franklin Academy (9-12)
• THESTUDENTSCHOOL (11-12)

RECREATION

• Beresford Park/Beresford Dog Park – Local neighbourhood residents turn the dog park into a skating rink in the winter!
• Ravina Gardens Park
• Kennedy-Margdon Parkette
• Neil McLellen Park
• George Chater Park
• Maher Circle Parkette
• High Park and Humber River just moments away

LOCAL HOTSPOTS

• Restaurants – Amber European Restaurant, GIN MILL, Queen’s Pasta, Sushi 2 Go, The Works, Queen Margherita Pizza,JP Sushi, Buddha Pie, 
• Bars – Bryden’s, The Swan and Firkin, Shakey’s Sports Pub, Fiddler’s Dell,
• Coffee Shops/Cafes – BAKA Gallery Cafe, Hot Oven Bakery, Bread & Roses, Brioche Doree, Coffee Culture
• Worth Mentioning – Blow, Bloor Kennedy Flower Shop, Fresh and Wild, Snapper’s Fish Market, Body & Soul, Butcher By Nature, Grillway Souvlaki House, A Changing Nest
• Stores – Trixie, M for Mendocino, Buck’s Hard Goods, Maison Apothecare, Marlborough’s,

GETTING AROUND

Bloor West Village is serviced by the Jane and Runnymede subway stations, as well as the Bloor, Windermere, Runnymede and Jane buses. It is also easily accessible to the Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard.

WHAT KIND OF HOMES WILL WE BE LOOKING AT?

The homes in Bloor West Village are traditionally 2 storey detached homes, most with mutual drives or front pad parking.  There are also some 2.5 storey homes scattered throughout the area.  Most of the area was developed in the 1920’s and 1930’s.  There are more semi-detached homes in the north part of Bloor West Village and the prices tend to increase as you get closer to Bloor, however you may also have to fight for parking in the block between Bloor and Colbeck.