Neighborhood Overview
Northwood Park, also known as York University Heights, is one of Toronto’s northernmost neighbourhoods, located along the northern boundary of Steeles Avenue in the former city of North York. The neighbourhood is so named because it contains the main campus of York University, one of Canada’s largest and most diverse universities.
Northwood Park is a 25-hectare park that follows the Black Creek ravine south from Grandravine Drive to Sheppard Avenue. Connecting with Derrydowns Park to the north and Downsview Dells Park to the south, this park features a fire pit, bike trails, picnic sites, and a washroom facility. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Northwood Park, such as its livability, culture, attractions, real estate market, and more. Whether you are planning to buy or rent a home in Northwood Park, or just curious about this neighbourhood, you will find this guide useful and informative.
Northwood Park has a livability score of 72 out of 100, which is considered very livable. Here is a chart that shows how Northwood Park compares to the city of Toronto and the province of Ontario in terms of livability:
| Factor | Northwood Park |
| Livability | 72 |
| Crime | A+ |
| Cost of Living | D |
| Housing | D |
| Schools | B |
| Employment | C |
| Weather | C |
Northwood Park is a safe and pleasant neighbourhood but also an expensive one, especially when it comes to housing. The lifestyle of Northwood Park is influenced by its proximity to York University, which makes it a hub of academic and cultural activities. The neighbourhood also has a lot of green space and natural beauty, which makes it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The neighbourhood is also well-connected to other parts of the city by public transit, which makes it convenient for commuters and travellers.
Northwood Park is a vibrant and diverse neighbourhood where people of various backgrounds and lifestyles live together peacefully. They respect their diversity and foster a sense of belonging and friendship among themselves. In Northwood Park, the median household income is 31.4% higher than the national average, indicating a prosperous and stable economy. Here, the unemployment rate is 18% lower than the national level, highlighting the community’s resilience and potential.
| Index | Northwood Park/100k People | Toronto/100k People | Ontario/100k People |
| Median household income | $67,456 | $84,489 | $87,353 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 3.8% | 4.2% |
| In labour force | 55.8% | 57.5% | 61.7% |
The neighbourhood has a mix of cultural backgrounds, with 17.6% of its inhabitants originating from South Asian backgrounds, 9.4% from Chinese backgrounds, 7.8% from Filipino backgrounds, and 6.9% from Black backgrounds.
The neighbourhood is a diverse and multicultural place where people speak different languages and come from various linguistic backgrounds.
| Speaks English | 54.2% |
| Speaks Urdu | 9.2% |
| Speaks Mandarin | 6.4% |
| Speaks Tagalog | 5.8% |
Northwood Park is a vibrant and friendly neighbourhood that offers a variety of amenities and services to its residents. This lively neighbourhood boasts easy access to quality education, healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and recreational centres. Each of these aspects contributes to creating a rich and enjoyable lifestyle for those who live in Northwood Park.
Northwood Park has many excellent educational institutions. You can find both public and private schools in this area. Here is the list of some of the popular schools in the area:
The culinary scene in Northwood Park is a delightful mix of many cuisines, with several restaurants offering international dishes to local delicacies.
Northwood Park is a well-developed neighbourhood that has many shopping malls in the area. These malls provide a great shopping experience with various brands, making them a favourite choice for shoppers.
Northwood Park has a hospital within the area, as well as other medical centres and hospitals in the nearby areas. Some hospitals and medical centres that serve the general area include:
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that has many attractions and places to visit, both within and near the area. Here are some of the top attractions and places to visit in Northwood Park:
Step into the past at this living history museum, where you'll experience life in a 19th-century rural village in Ontario. Wander through more than 40 historic buildings, chat with costumed interpreters, witness traditional crafts and skills in action, and join in seasonal events and activities.
Explore the universe at this public observatory, offering free viewing sessions, lectures, and guided tours of the night sky. Peer through telescopes to marvel at stars, planets, moons, and celestial wonders while learning about astronomy and astrophysics from knowledgeable staff and volunteers.
Experience excitement year-round at this versatile venue, hosting tennis tournaments, concerts, festivals, and trade shows. Home to the prestigious Rogers Cup, it draws top athletes and fans worldwide for thrilling matches and entertainment.
Train like a champion at this cutting-edge facility, offering indoor and outdoor tracks, a field house, a weight room, and a fitness studio. Open to the public, it also hosts local and international competitions and serves as the training hub for elite athletes and coaches.
Escape to nature in this expansive urban oasis, boasting trails, ponds, forests, meadows, and sports fields. Enjoy concerts, festivals, markets, and more, including Canada’s largest indoor flea market, the Downsview Park Merchants Market.
Connect with nature and community at this urban farm, producing organic fruits, vegetables, eggs, and honey. Join tours, purchase fresh produce, attend workshops and events, and volunteer to support food security and well-being initiatives in the neighbourhood and beyond.
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that has many things to do, both indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the things to do in Northwood Park:
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that is well-connected to other parts of the city by public transit, car, and bike. Here are some of the distances and commute times from popular locations to Northwood Park:
This is a year-round market that operates every Thursday from 7 am to 2 pm at the York University Campus. It features local farmers, bakers, artisans, and vendors who sell fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, flowers, crafts, and more.
This farmer's market operates every Tuesday from 3 pm to 7 pm from June to October at the Jane Finch Mall. The market features local farmers and vendors who sell fruits, vegetables, honey, eggs, jams, sauces, and more.
This is a year-round market that operates every Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm at Downsview Park. It features over 500 vendors who sell everything from antiques to electronics, clothing to furniture, books to toys, and more.
Northwood Park Community Market is a seasonal market that operates every Saturday from 10 am to 2 pm from May to October at Northwood Park. The market features local farmers, artisans, and community groups who sell organic produce, handmade products, and information on various causes and initiatives.
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that has a diverse and dynamic population. Here are some of the demographic statistics of Northwood Park:
| Statistic | Northwood Park |
| Area Code | 614 |
| Population | 11,680 |
| Population density (sq km) | 2,086 |
| Median age | 35.8 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 |
| Married couples | 49% |
| Families with kids at home | 42% |
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that has many things to do with kids and pets, both indoors and outdoors. Here are some of the things to do in Northwood Park with kids and pets:
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that has a high cost of living, especially when it comes to housing. Here are some of the average costs of living in Northwood Park, according to the website numbeo.com:
| Index | Northwood Park |
| Cost of living | 2,300 |
| Goods & Services | 108 |
| Groceries | 400 |
| Health care | 50 |
| Housing | 45 |
| Transportation | 156 |
| Utilities | 150 |
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that has a competitive and expensive real estate housing market, with high demand and low supply. The average home price is $748,000, which is much higher than the national average. Most of the homes are single-detached houses with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and 1,500 square feet of space. The homes sell very quickly, usually within a week, and often for more than the asking price. The average monthly mortgage payment is $3,700, which is more than the average rent of $2,500. However, the rental yield is only 2.9%, which means that renting out a home is not very profitable. Northwood Park is a neighbourhood where the real estate market is hot and competitive.
The average home price in Northwood Park is $748,000.
The average rent in Northwood Park is $2,500, which is higher than the city average of $4,300.
Northwood Park is bordered by Steeles Avenue to the north, Keele Street to the east, Sheppard Avenue to the south, and Jane Street to the west.
The number of homes available for purchase in Northwood Park varies depending on the season, the market, and the inventory. Currently, the number is at 7.
The average day on the market in Northwood Park is 7 days.
Northwood Park is a neighbourhood that has its own unique characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages compared to other neighbourhoods in Toronto. Some of the aspects that make Northwood Park stand out are its proximity to York University, its diversity and multiculturalism, its natural and urban amenities, its transit accessibility, and its high cost of living and housing.
