Dufferin Grove, Toronto Neighbourhood Guide

Dufferin Grove Neighbourhood Overview

First settled by the influential Denison family from England in 1792, Dufferin Grove is a vibrant neighbourhood in the west end of Toronto, popularly known for its strong sense of community and commitment to sustainability. The Denisons, in their time, were actively involved in the military and political affairs of Toronto, which helped weave the rich tapestry of the history and development of this area. The bustling community of Dufferin Grove today has evolved into a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational areas, and the neighbourhood’s unique character is reflected in the diverse population, earnest commitment to local businesses, and multiplicity of green spaces. It is an ideal destination for people seeking to live in a thriving, urban neighbourhood replete with significant historic roots, a growing culture, and modern amenities.

Liveability Index and Lifestyle of Dufferin Grove

Let us take a look at Dufferin Grove’s overall Liveability and Lifestyle score:

Liveability	77
Amenities	A+
Commute	A+
Cost of Living	F
Crime	B+
Employment	B-
Housing	F
Schools	A+
Health	A+

Dufferin Grove is a safe and secure neighbourhood, with crime rates that are lower than 38% of the national average. In Dufferin Grove, the chance of becoming a victim is 1 in 39, where violent crimes are also lower than 36% of the national average, making it safer than 54% of cities in Ontario.

Index	Dufferin Grove/100k People	Toronto/100k People	Ontario/100k People	National/100k People
Total crime	2,612 (estimate)	2,915	3,086	4,223
Violent crime	671 (estimate)	748	792	1,042
Property crime	1,941 (estimate)	2,167	2,294	3,181

People and Culture of Dufferin Grove

In Dufferin Grove, the median household income is 10% lower than the national average. An impressive and significant statistic is that the unemployment rate in Dufferin Grove is a full 20% lower than the national average, highlighting the multitude of opportunities and the economic stability of the area. 11.2% of people earn $20,000 and under, while 9.6% earn between $80,000 and $100,000, and 3.1% earn $300,000 or above.

Index	Dufferin Grove	Toronto	Ontario
Median household income	$74,346	$81,376	$87,353
Unemployment rate	5.1%	4.8%	4.2%
In labour force	78%	65.5%	61.7%

Dufferin Grove is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood, with 6.37% of the population having Chinese roots, 6.21% of its inhabitants originating from South Asia, and 4.93% of the population forming the black community of the area. These communities contribute a wealth of cultural heritage and traditions to the neighborhood, and their presence is a testament to Dufferin Grove’s commitment to inclusivity and its multicultural, welcoming atmosphere for people from all backgrounds. Although diversity and multiculturalism are important aspects of the neighborhood, English remains the primary language of communication in Dufferin Grove. While it lacks a stronger francophone community, the dominant culture of the neighbourhood contributes to a sense of unity and commonality among residents.

Language Spoken	Percentage of Population
English only	78.4%
French only	0.1%

Dufferin Grove Neighborhood Nearby

Dufferin Grove is an active neighbourhood and offers easy accessibility to quality education, healthcare, diverse dining options, and shopping centres.

Schools

Dufferin Grove boasts an excellent quality of education, with a wide amalgamation of public, private, and Catholic schools in the area. The school test scores in Dufferin Grove are 18% higher than the national average. Here is a list of some of the popular schools in Dufferin Grove:

King Edward Jr & Sr Public School
Brock Public School
Alexander Muir/Gladstone Ave Jr and Sr Public School
Westside Montessori School
St. Mary Catholic Academy
St. Anthony Catholic School

Restaurants

The diverse culture in Dufferin Grove makes for a neighbourhood with a wide selection of restaurants offering various kinds of local specialties and foreign cuisine.

Buster’s Sea Cove
Khao San Road
Avenue Open Kitchen
The Burgernator
Kinton Ramen Original
Sanremo Bakery

Shopping Malls

Dufferin Grove offers impressive shopping centres nearby, attractive to those seeking recreational shopping or otherwise.

Scarborough Town Centre
Square one
Yorkville

Hospitals

Dufferin Grove is a secure neighbourhood where you’ll find several medical health services, including treatment centres, walk-in clinics, and hospitals. These are:

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre
Toronto Western Hospital
Queensway Health Centre
Providence Healthcare

Top Attractions and Places to Visit in Dufferin Grove

The neighbourhood of Dufferin Grove offers a range of attractions and places to visit, including:

Dufferin Grove Park

The most popular park, Dufferin Grove’s namesake, features a playground, sports fields, and a weekly farmer’s market.

Museum of Contemporary Art, Toronto

The museum showcases contemporary art from various local and international artists. The museum hosts in-person and online workshops, courses, and guided tours for people of all ages.

Robert Kananaj Gallery

This gallery hosts an impressive collection of contemporary art featuring both established and emerging artists. Its exhibits change monthly and include installations, sculptures, paintings, and photo-based works, as well as works that are still in progress.

Things to Do in Dufferin Grove

Dufferin Grove is a destination that invites exploration and offers something for everyone within and around the area.

Take a trip to Niagara Falls: The majestic Niagara Falls is just a short drive away from Dufferin Grove, a stunning and unforgettable natural wonder within reach.
Museums and Galleries: Dufferin Grove has several interesting art galleries and museums that curate contemporary art and are worth exploring.
Wellness spas: Dufferin Grove’s thriving South Asian population contributes to providing wellness and beauty spots that offer Henna services perfect for a day of unwinding and relaxing.
Brew Tours: Popular distilleries in Toronto make it possible to experience curated tours and tastings, making for a great trip to remember.

Distance and Commute from Popular Locations

Toronto Pearson International Airport is approximately 25 km from Dufferin Grove and takes around 35–40 minutes to reach, depending on car or public transport.
Canada’s Wonderland is approximately 25.5 km from this neighbourhood and takes around 45 minutes by car.

Popular Markets in Dufferin Grove

Dufferin Grove’s Weekly Farmer’s Market

If you are looking for the taste of the local food scene, Dufferin Grove’s Farmer’s Market every Thursday is a must-visit destination that truly embodies the heart and soul of the neighbourhood. It’s highly popular among residents for a chance to support sustainable agriculture and enjoy fresh, seasonal produce along with a lively and festive atmosphere.

Dufferin Grove Demographics

Dufferin Grove’s population density is 130% higher than Toronto's and enjoys a median age of 8% lower than Toronto. The significantly younger demographics of the neighbourhood make it a proactive and bustling community.

Statistic	Dufferin Grove
Population	11,507
Population density	10,835
Median age	36.3
Male/Female Ratio	1:1
Married couples	55%
Families with kids at home	36%

Things to Do in Dufferin Grove with Kids and Pets

Dufferin Grove is a family-friendly neighbourhood with plenty of activities that are perfect for kids and pets alike:

Visit Dufferin Grove Park and enjoy the playground, as well as the sports fields and community garden. It’s a great place for kids and pets to run around and play.
The High Park Toronto is a large park that features a zoo, a nature centre and plenty of green space for your family to explore.
Indulge in the Doughnut Festival of Dufferin Grove and explore the range of sweet treats and desserts with your kids.

Average Cost of Living in Dufferin Grove

The cost of living in Dufferin Grove is 15% higher than the Toronto average and 28% higher than the national average. While Ontario's sales tax is 33% higher than the national average, the state income tax is 40% lower than the national average. Here is a table displaying the cost of living in Dufferin Grove (on 100):

Index	Dufferin Grove
Cost of living	128
Goods and services	108
Groceries	100
Healthcare	103
Housing	171
Transportation	107
Utilities	130

Real Estate Housing Market of Dufferin Grove

The dynamic neighbourhood of Dufferin Grove offers properties that generally range from $1,999,900 to $3,780,000, catering to a wide range of budgets and necessities. Additionally, renters can browse the options available expansively, from $1250 to $6799 monthly.

Location Insights

FAQ

What is the typical housing cost in Dufferin Grove?

Housing in Dufferin Grove typically falls under the wide range of $1,999,900 to $3,780,000.

How much does rеnting a home in Dufferin Grove cost?

The rental costs of properties in Dufferin Grove range from a monthly expense of $1250 to $6799.

Which neighbourhoods are close to Dufferin Grove?

Popular neighborhoods like Lawrence Park, Sunnylea, and Moore Park among many others surround the prospering area of Dufferin Grove.

How many homes are available for purchase in Dufferin Grove?

Dufferin Grove offers a wide range of homes, including a mix of condos and apartments, and semi-detached and detached houses that are larger than the other neighbourhoods in Toronto and feature spacious yards.