Roncesvalles Village, better known as “Roncy,” is a hipster-heavy community with fine local amenities, great restaurants, a rich history and a location equidistant to the lake and downtown as well as gorgeous High Park.

Vibe
Roncesvalles roots are with the city’s Polish community, which is still present and adds some wonderful life to this community’s exuberant mix of young and old. New families are heading to the area to enjoy the many neighbourhood amenities usually reserved for areas further afield. But Roncy offers the best of both worlds: green space and room, but also the convenience of urban living.

Cost
Entry into this burgeoning area is pegged at about $750,000, which is reasonable, all things considered.  Expect to pay upwards of $900,000 for a decent semi-detached home. What makes Roncesvalles competitive when compared to other neighbourhoods close to downtown is the mix of housing stock that favours semi-detached homes, condos and townhomes as opposed to larger detached homes. 

Scene
Roncesvalles Avenue is the focus of life in the neighbourhood. Here, a collection of old school and trendy shops and eateries provide much benefit to local residents. In addition, there are many cultural and sporting activities in the area. High Park sits along Roncy’s western border and provides endless opportunities for locals with skating, sledding and cross-country skiing in the winter. There is even a small zoo, a big pond and a tennis club, and come summertime it is the home of the Shakespeare in High Park theatre festival.

Grub
Where do we start? Over the last five years, this strip has become a mecca for foodies. Primo vittles purveyors include BBQ restaurant Barque, Hopgood’s Foodliner and family-friendly restaurants that also appeal to adults, such as the Ace. But there is also a slew of small gourmet food shops, grocers, cheese boutiques and far more cute cafés per capita than most Toronto nabes.

Shops
Wow. So many cute and trendy boutiques including Planet Kid, Frock, the eco-friendly finds at Fetch and the local designers featured at Fresh Collective.

Walkability
Roncesvalles is a closely knit community, and everyone walks or bikes. A big separated bike line runs the length of the main drag. There really isn’t anywhere in the community you’d want to get to that isn’t easier by foot or pedal.

Commute
Here is Roncy’s secret advantage. There are streetcars everywhere, including those that slither up to subway stops in rapid fashion or downtown. There is the Gardiner Expressway and Lakeshore Avenue to the south, for those who work further afield, and main thoroughfares in all directions.

Schools
There are a number of very good public schools in the area including Fern Avenue Junior and Senior Public School and Howard Park Junior Public School, both of which offer French immersion. There is also a French school in the area and a Catholic school. High Park Gardens Montessori School offers an alternative for those looking for private education.