Subdivided in 1889, Moore Park is a wealthy, private enclave but not quite Rosedale. Its namesake developer, John Thomas Moore, was instrumental in building the Belt Line Railway — Toronto’s first commuter train — whose showpiece station happened to be located here. But the 1893 depression led to its bankruptcy after only two years of operation, postponing the development of homes in the area until the early aughts. By the 1930s, his vision of Moore Park as a picturesque retreat was complete.
Vibe
This quintessential high-end neighbourhood (or, Rosedale’s northern neighbour) has an understated elegance. The residents range from artsy to Gordon Gekko types. Mature trees line the quiet avenues. And many homes have shared driveways and views of the area’s three ravines.
Cost
The average price of housing in Moore Park — primarily built in English cottage, Georgian and Tudor style — is just under $2 million. Bragging rights: Christ Church Deer Park’s Sunday schoolhouse, which has been turned into an art studio-cum-residence, can be found here.
• The 15-year-old house at 500 St. Clair Ave. E. has a covered outdoor kitchen, a wet bar, a cabana and an in-ground pool. The price: $4.998 million.
• At 2 Governors Rd. is a rare, three-bedroom bungalow with a garden studio. It’s priced at $1.695 million.
• Listed at $1.295 million, the two-bedroom house at 83 Moore Ave. has a huge parterre garden.
Community
Surrounded by nature on all sides, Moore Park provides a quiet alternative to other high-end areas. Fitness enthusiasts will gravitate toward Moore Park Ravine’s eight-kilometre trail, which passes through the Rosedale Ravine, the Mount Pleasant Cemetery and the Evergreen Brick Works. There’s also the Beltline Trail, a nine-kilometre cycling and walking trail. Mooredale House, one of the city’s first community centres, comes alive on the weekend, so does Moorevale Park, which is home to the Moore Park Tennis Club.
Grub
Moore Park benefits from the many fine dining restaurants in Deer Park and Summerhill (think Brownes Bistro, where diners can watch meals being prepared through the open kitchen). The former owners of the Corner House have also taken over John and Sons Oyster House, which is south of St. Clair, to open Barnsteiner’s.
Shops
From organic Irish salmon to marinated flank steaks, the Summerhill Market has been popular among Moore Park residents since 1954. They also tend to hit the smattering of retail stores on Summerhill Avenue.
Walkability
Homes in Moore Park rank in the “very high” range in walkability, thanks to the proximity of local schools, shops and restaurants as well as public transit.
Schools
This area is home to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School. It’s also close to a few good private schools like Branksome Hall and the York School.
Commute
Although John Thomas Moore did not live to see the commuter-friendly community he envisioned, the traffic volume continues to be low here. Residents can walk to St. Clair Avenue East subway station within minutes, and drivers have quick access to the Don Valley Parkway.
