Davisville Village got its name from the area’s first postmaster, John Davis, who helped found Davisville Public School in 1860. His grandson Jack ran the village’s first post office in a two-storey building, now housing a Starbucks. Today’s Davisville area, which was once divided into northern and southern districts, has two official neighbourhoods split on Mount Pleasant: the affluent west and family-friendly east.
Vibe
This midtown neighbourhood has a small-town feel with English cottages and Edwardian-style houses, mostly built in the 1920s, each with its own charm, from painted porches to rope swings. Residents oscillate between two key demographics: seniors (many have lived in the same house for a few decades) and young families (which explains why it’s been said that Davisville Village has “the most active storks in the city”).
Cost
The average price of housing is about $825,000, so expect a midtown address with more affordable prices than Rosedale. It’s the last pocket off Yonge to find a home for under $1 million, although some can reach $2 million.
• The custom-built brick and stucco home at 414 Manor Rd. E. is the epitome of modern geometric linear design. It’s also under a year old and priced at $1.949 million.
• At 714 Hillsdale Ave. E. is another new, four-bedroom home distinguished from neighbouring residences by its height. The price: $1.659 million.
• The two-storey stone and stucco home at 347 Manor Rd. E. is listed at $1.869 million and brings tall building romance à la Nano Design Build.
Community
The area abounds with kid-centric features, like June Rowlands Park’s wading pool and playground. There’s lots of fun to be had by the grown-ups, too, at the local baseball diamond and six tennis courts operated by the Davisville Tennis Club. The historic Regent and Mt. Pleasant theatres, which date back to the 1920s, three libraries and the scenic Mount Pleasant Cemetery are also nearby.
Grub
The influx of romantic restaurants and cosy cafés only add to the area’s friendly, family-oriented character. The French pastries at Jules Café Patisserie are divine; the cuisine at Positano Restaurant is of the Amalfi coast; and the chef at Café Pleiade, a favourite among the Mt. Pleasant crowd, is a published poet.
Shops
Davisville Village’s shopping district is bunched on Mt. Pleasant Road, where couture lovers linger over the three floors of designer brands at Second Nature Boutique, while kids play with toys at Simon Says.
Walkability
Homes in Davisville Village rank in the “very high” range on the walkability scale, thanks to the proximity of local schools, shops and restaurants as well as public transit.
Commute
Davisville Village is bordered by four major roads with easy access to the subway, not to mention Highway 401 and the Don Valley Parkway. Oh, and sidewalks aren’t wide, but cars actually give way to pedestrians here.
Schools
This area is home to a number of fine public schools, such as Maurice Cody Junior Public School, which boasts the Discovery Gardens with a council ring, a spiral garden and a meadow woodland garden.
