Riverdale, Hamilton Neighbourhood Guide

Riverdale Neighbourhood Overview

Truly ‘the Town with Pep’, Toronto’s Riverdale is beautiful, eccentric, and just as whimsical as Archie's Riverdale, and is, in every sense, real. You can book a ticket and visit this absolutely beautiful neighbourhood.

Old and young Torontonians alike are enchanted by Riverdale's eclectic, funky, earthy, and urban character and its incredibly adorable residences and local businesses. It's one of the most sought-after neighbourhoods in the city, along with Cabbagetown and Leslieville, especially among youngsters, and hip couples with or without children. One of the trendiest places to live in the city, Riverdale boasts the Danforth as its northern border, amazing parks, independent stores and boutiques all around, and its own list of neighbourhoods within neighbourhoods. It's one of Toronto's largest neighbourhoods and is situated a few blocks north of Lake Ontario and east of the Don River.

Livability & Lifestyle of Riverdale

The Livability Score for Riverdale is 84/100, which is great. The average crime rate in Toronto is 1% higher than it is in Riverdale. A better ranking than 99% of places was achieved by Riverdale, which came in at number 52 in Toronto and placed #460 overall in Ontario. The livability score is determined by several variables, such as crime rates, employment opportunities, etc., as indicated in the following table.

Livability	84
Amenities	A+
Cost of Living	F
Employment	C-
Housing	B
Schools	A

This brief overview of Riverdale's crime statistics shows how the community values safety and how friendly and secure its residents are:

Index	Liberty Village /100,000 People	Toronto /100,000 People	Ontario /100,000 People	National /100,000 People
Total crime	2892 (estimate)	2,915	3,086	4,223
Violent crime	743 (estimate)	748	792	1,042
Property crime	2150 (estimate	2,167	2,294	3,181

People & Culture of Riverdale

The neighbourhood is perfect for neo-hippies, semi-urbanites, and young hipsters. Filled with beautiful parks and schools, Riverdale is also a good fit for many families who enjoy having quick access to fantastic parks and schools from any part of the neighbourhood. People who don't enjoy living in the concrete jungle of downtown but still want to live somewhat close to it will probably find what they're looking for anywhere in Riverdale. For singles, couples, parents with young children, and the elderly, it's an absolutely terrific location. In Riverdale, bowling shoes, Betty Boop lipstick, and well-groomed moustaches coexist on the streets with pep and pompadours. In Riverdale, you can find your neighbourhood community gardens, a welcoming organic patisserie, a cafe, and a nearby movie studio. It is a very large neighbourhood, one of the largest in the province of Toronto, and contains smaller communities within itself, each of which has its own distinct character, virtues, and values. In spite of this, the diverse population of Riverdale enjoys a variety of activities, including walking the streets, browsing farmer's markets, and taking the day off to relax in Withrow Park. In comparison to the national average, Riverdale's median household income is 15% greater. In comparison to the national average, Riverdale's unemployment rate is 35% lower. 13.5% of residents of Riverdale make $20,000 or less each year. Between $80,000 and $100,000 is the range of income for 9.3% of Riverdale residents. 5.7% of Riverdale residents make $300,000 or more.

Index	Riverdale	Toronto	Ontario
Median household income	$94,886	$81,376	$87,353
Unemployment rate	4.20%	4.80%	4.20%
In labour force	74.40%	65.50%	61.70%

Neighbourhood Nearby Riverdale

Riverdale is home to three main parks, the largest of which, named after the park, is located at the west end of the neighbourhood and hugs the Don River. Additionally, there are Jimmie Simpson Park and Withrow Park. All three have wading pools for children, baseball diamonds, hockey rinks, and big lawns that are great for picnics. The Danforth is the place to go for dining, shopping, and generally making an impression. The Danforth and Greektown are a mecca of fantastic food, rad lounges, live music, shows, clubs, Greek bakeries, delis, and any other independent stores and services you could want. There are many antique stores in the Riverside neighbourhood that sell home furnishings for fans of all things vintage. A child's major source of knowledge is schooling. It offers young people the option to study a wide range of subjects, such as people, literature, history, arithmetic, politics, and many other subjects. Some of the popular schools in the area include the following:

É Élém La Mosaïque
Frankland Community School
Riverdale Collegiate Institute
Collège français secondaire
É Além Gabrielle-Roy
Earl Grey Senior Public School
Withrow Avenue Junior Public School
Queen Alexandra Middle School
Pape Avenue Junior Public School
ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
Holy Name Catholic School
ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
Montcrest School
Quest Alternative Senior School
City Adult Learning Centre

The neighbourhood restaurant's primary purpose is to serve as a gathering spot for friends old and new. In most small towns, the restaurant serves as a hub where people congregate to talk, laugh, exchange pleasantries, and take in their environment. The top eateries in the area include the following:

Rockefeller Center
Tapps
Gabby's - Danforth
Riverdale Perk Cafe
Cosy restaurants
Fiorentina
Pizzeria Libretto
Mamakas Taverna
Figo Toronto
Factory Girl
Allen's
Tapas at Embrujo
Lady Marmalade
7Numbers
Mi Mi Restaurant

Essentially, shopping malls offer advantages that are time-tested that no other location can match, not even online stores. They function as neighbourhood hubs that provide effectiveness, connectedness, and convenience, much like traditional marketplaces found in historic town squares or souqs. The top shopping centres in the area include the ones listed below:

Grocery Gateway by Longo's Fulfilment Centre
Withrow Park Farmers' Market - June to October
Cabbagetown Farmers' Market
Fruitland
Riverside Market
Pappas market
Philippine Oriental Food Market

People can receive a range of medical treatments at neighbourhood clinics, including those provided by family doctors, dentists, paediatricians, obstetricians/gynaecologists, mental health specialists, pharmacists, and others. They are located in areas where limitations related to geography, economy, or culture limit the accessibility of healthcare. The top healthcare facilities in the area are the ones listed below:

MCI The Doctor's Office at Bloor
South Riverdale Community Health Centre
Riverdale medical Centre
Riverdale East Medical
Paper & Danforth Community Care Clinic
WEBSITERiverdale Community Midwives
Danforth Greenwood Walk-in Clinic
CMCC South Riverdale Student Clinic
Magenta Health - Riverside

Top Attractions & Places to Visit in Riverdale

There are a tonne of attractions and activities in Riverdale. With our suggestions regarding where to go, what to see, and when to see it, we can assist you in choosing a place to stay and make it simple for you to explore the neighbourhood. In Riverdale, it's easy to locate points of interest so that you can make the most of your time and make sure you don't miss anything, regardless of how long your visit. Leaving the headache behind and leaving the local expertise to us.

Things to do in Riverdale

It goes without saying that Toronto's east end is a fantastic place to live. Several localities stand out within this sprawling neighbourhood, but Riverdale is one of the most popular. The neighbourhood has a lot to offer, even in the midst of a pandemic. Are you looking for a good time in this vibrant part of town?

Visit Riverdale Park East

When we're all feeling cooped up, a little extra open-air time is the ideal cure. Riverdale Park East is a wonderful place to enjoy spring greenery and a variety of recreational opportunities. There are baseball diamonds, sports fields, tennis courts, a picnic area, a playground, and other amenities on this 18-hectare property. If you enjoy a leisurely stroll, you'll want to explore the park's numerous walking trails. It's the ideal way to while away an afternoon.

Visit the Market

You can't order in every night, of course. Why not start your next meal with ingredients that stimulate you? Galaxy Fresh Foods is a supermarket. Gourmets looking for high-quality meats will be pleased with this establishment. Another must-visit meat stop is St. James Town Steak & Chops. This is frequently regarded as the finest butcher shop in the neighbourhood. The food is excellent, and the service is even better. They also have a very adorable dining area.

Relish a Cold Beer

East Toronto is a wonderful place to be if you like beer. There are plenty of great breweries in the area, and Saulter Street Brewery is one of the finest. This hidden gem is a little difficult to find. Their copper pilsner is still a crowd favourite. Eastbound Brewing is yet another popular option. With $5 pints and snacks on weekdays (12-6 PM), their happy hour is a steal. Other food deals are available based on the day of the week. Make sure to try their pretzel!

Distance & Commute from Popular Locations

The distance between Riverdale and Toronto Airport (YYZ) is 34.1 km. The driving time is about 23 min.
Avenue Broadview Erindale Ave from Riverdale is 134 metres away and a 2-minute walk away.
Danforth Ave at Carlaw Ave from Riverdale is 184 metres away and takes 3 minutes to walk.
Broadview Station from Riverdale is 245 metres away and a 4-minute walk away.
Broadview Ave at Millbrook Cres from Riverdale is 293 metres away and takes 5 minutes to walk

Popular Markets in Riverdale

Riverdale has some of the best markets in town. Buzzed with fresh produce and exquisite items, the public markets and farmers’ markets are a must-visit when you’re in Riverdale.

Olympic Meat Market
Withrow Park Farmers Market
Gerrard India Bazaar BIA
Evergreen Brick Works Farmers Market
Pape Flower Market
Naomi Sung, Rmt
LiveNF Makers Market
Stackt
Main Street Unionville

Riverdale Demographics

Please see the following table to get an idea of the demographics of the neighbourhood.

STATISTICS	RIVERDALE
Population	9,542
Population density (sq km)	7,149
Median age	38.7
Male/Female ratio	1.0:1
Married couples	58%
Families w/ kids at home	36%
Speak English only	78.2%
Speak French only	0.1%

Things to Do in Riverdale With Kids & Pets

Riverdale offers a fun-filled day for the entire family, with countless cafés, parks, and Instagram-worthy ice cream shops. Riverdale, situated just east of the downtown core and across the Don Valley Parkway, is undoubtedly one of the city's most family-friendly neighbourhoods. Riverdale offers the culture, walkability, and vibrancy of city living with a kid-friendly mentality, and has a reputation for being a place where Toronto hipsters migrate to start families. Children are welcome, and Riverdale, with its abundance of greenery, makes a great backdrop for a family-fun day. Here's how to spend a day with your kids in the neighbourhood.

Begin your day with coffee and pastries

We are all aware that a fun-filled family day necessitates the consumption of freshly brewed coffee and delicious baked treats. Fortunately, Riverdale has a variety of independently owned neighbourhood cafés to keep you going throughout the day.

Shop locally: Visit Small, Independent Stores

Spending some time shopping or window shopping is a great way to enjoy the neighbourhood, as plenty of small shops cater to families. The children in your group will enjoy perusing the carefully curated selection of children's clothing and activities, while the adults will appreciate the welcoming atmosphere of family-friendly establishments.

Take in Some Fresh Air By Going Park Hopping

One distinguishing feature of Riverdale is the abundance of parks and parkettes to explore, making it an ideal place to spend time with your family! Ensure to visit one of the larger parks in the neighbourhood and enjoy park hopping all of the smaller parkettes and playgrounds along the way.

Get Some Food to Eat Outside

Nothing beats a day spent outdoors in the many parks of Riverdale. Fortunately, there are plenty of places in the neighbourhood where you can get a delicious lunch to eat outside on a patio or to take to the park so the fun doesn't have to stop. If you happen to be near Withrow Park, a break time at Riverdale Perk will be a great addition to your morning. Riverdale Perk, dubbed Riverdale's best-kept secret by locals, is well-known for light breakfast and lunch that packs a lot of freshness and flavour. The best part is that Riverdale Perk has a kids' menu!

Average Cost of Living in Riverdale

Riverdale has a 2% lower cost of living than the rest of Toronto. Riverdale's cost of living is 9% higher than the nationwide average. The Riverdale real estate is 8% more expensive than the national median.

Index	Riverdale
Cost of Living	109
Goods & Services	108
Groceries	100
Health Care	103
Housing	108
Transportation	107
Utilities	130

Real Estate Housing Market of Riverdale

Riverdale's real estate market is currently hot, with a low inventory level in recent months. The real estate market of the neighbourhood is somewhat competitive. Riverdale's average home sale price has come down 3.7% since last year. The neighbourhood has also seen a downswing of 10.6% from last year in their average sale price per square foot.

Location Insights

FAQ

What is the average home price in Riverdale, Toronto?

The average sales price in Riverdale, Central Toronto, Toronto is $1,880,000.

How much does a townhouse cost in Riverdale, Toronto?

Townhouses in Riverdale, East End Toronto, and Toronto, ON are priced between $649,000 and $1,539,000.

What are the nearby neighbourhoods of Riverdale, Toronto?

Some nearby neighbourhoods in Riverdale, Toronto are Downtown, Midtown, West End, East York, North York, Scarborough, York-Crosstown etc.

How many homes are for sale in Riverdale, Toronto?

There are many homes up for sale in Riverdale, Toronto.

How quickly are homes selling in Riverdale, Toronto?

Houses in Riverdale, Toronto, have been selling like hot cakes, and the sales market has skyrocketed in recent years.

Where does Riverdale rank among other cities in Toronto?

Riverdale is considered to be one of the nicest neighbourhoods in Toronto to live in. The neighbourhood would rank differently in accordance with different requirements.