Wanless Park is a quiet family neighbourhood tucked away so well it is often overlooked by potential buyers in favour of other high-profile and upscale areas in the central area of the city. Long story short, it shouldn’t be.
Although Wanless is expensive, there are savings to be had when compared to similar areas. In addition, the feature park that defines the community is cute as a button and truly provides a sense of place and community for local residents.
Beyond that, there are nearby restaurants and shops, transit, quiet roads, ravines and parks aplenty, and some of the best schools in the city are within walking distance.
Vibe
People who move to Wanless Park stay in Wanless Park. It isn’t surprising to find families who grew up in the area moving back as soon as possible or never leaving Mom and Dad. Here, neighbours know each other. The kids play at the park together, while the parents practise their tennis game on the somewhat private courts. And locals have been known to put on a pretty sweet fireworks show.
Cost
Housing stock in the area tends to consist of larger, detached family homes, and as a result, the average price for entry is high. Expect a starting point of more than $2 million, although there is the occasional home that starts below that price and gets bid up. There are not many condos in the area.
Grub
The main street for Wanless Park is Yonge north of Lawrence, which is constantly evolving. There are plenty of restaurant options, from fine dining to no finer diner. Landmark restaurants include the fantastic Italian restaurant Coppi. For something fast and filling, there is the delish Burger’s Priest. Blackod has opened up recently at the former location of Trapper’s restaurant. McCoy Burger Company has also opened up shop in the area as well as Mashu Mashu. The Rolling Pin bakery is another fine attraction.
Shops
Need a sneaker fix? Look no further than Getoutside shoes for everything from Chucks to Vans. The Coop is a long-standing menswear shop with designer labels. And of course, Melmira is the place for swimwear and lingerie.
Walkability
If there is one area that needs improving, it is this. Much of the neighbourhood doesn’t even have sidewalks, so walking happens, but it doesn’t necessarily always happen safely. Wanless Park rates a below-average 49 for walk score.
Commute
Wanless Park is basically a commuting family’s dream locale. Just to the north is Highway 401. A slight pivot east and there is Highway 404. Need to get downtown? The Yonge subway line is close at hand, as is handy Bayview Avenue with its fancy extension that whisks folks downtown in the (well, almost) blink of an eye.
Schools
The prestigious Toronto French School is located on the corner of Lawrence and Bayview and offers everything from early years education at age two all the way to Grade 12. York University’s Glendon Campus is around the corner. Hot local tip: affordable fitness memberships can be had at Glendon, which is equipped with a great exercise facility. Nearby Bedford Park Public School is highly regarded.
