Alderwood is a quiet, family-friendly residential area located in the Etobicoke district, around 18 minutes west of Downtown Toronto. The neighbourhood mostly appeals to young families and couples looking for a peaceful living environment, with plenty of green spaces and a strong sense of community. If you find the houses for sale in Toronto a bit overpriced for your budget, Alderwood is an excellent spot to find more moderately affordable housing.
About Alderwood In Toronto
After analyzing 141 neighbourhoods, MoneySense named Alderwood the best place to buy real estate in the City of Toronto in 2020. The neighbourhood continues to be one of the best suburban areas to settle in the Greater Toronto Area. Alderwood prides itself on its serene atmosphere, relatively affordable dwellings, high-quality schools, and proximity to Toronto’s financial district.
About Alderwood Real Estate
The Alderwood real estate market consists primarily of detached and semi-detached single-family homes, with an average house price of around $973,000. Since most of the houses in Alderwood were built around the final years of WWII, you can find plenty of properties from the 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s. However, the area is experiencing constant redevelopment works, which means would-be homebuyers can easily find myriad dwelling styles to their liking, from modern two-storey houses to post-war spacious red-brick bungalows.
Duplexes, multi-family homes, and newly constructed townhomes and condos are also part of the neighbourhood’s diverse housing stock. For new-build property seekers, several new condo developments can be found on Evans Ave. in the north and Lake Shore Blvd. on the southern side of Alderwood.
Alderwood Schools
Alderwood is a highly family-oriented neighbourhood with plenty of primary schools and daycares within walking distance from many of its homes for sale; high schools are less abundant and primarily accessible by car. The Toronto District School Board serves the community with plenty of non-denominational and catholic schools, both public and private, to choose from. Most of them are primary level. Here are some of the best ones:
- Sir Adam Beck Junior School: This primary dual-track school offers English programs and early French immersion for students from Kindergarten through fifth grade. They are in partnership with the Alderwood Centre.
- St. Ambrose Catholic School: Part of the Toronto Catholic District School Board, St. Ambrose offers K-8 instruction with a flexible curriculum to include all children according to their development level, learning style and interests. Co-curricular activities include various athletics and clubs such as Chess, School Band, and a Choir.
- Lanor Junior Middle School: Built-in 1952, this public middle school has seen many Alderwood generations throughout the years. This school is a STEAM centre for children from Kindergarten to eighth grade.
- New Haven Learning Centre: One of the few centres in Canada offering ABA-based programs in an actual school setting for children and adults with autism. This non-profit organization provides full-day, year-round treatment and instruction for students from 2 to 21 years old living with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs).
- Lakeshore Collegiate Institute: Lakeshore is one of the best local high schools offering 9th to 12th graders a demanding curriculum and several technology programs with courses such as culinary arts, cosmetology, transportation, and construction. Athletics include junior and senior-level teams that compete in football, basketball, soccer, and hockey.
Living In Alderwood
With its magic tree-lined streets, manicured home front lawns, and relaxed character, Alderwood is a quiet and community-oriented neighbourhood that over 13,000 people love to call home. Residents enjoy the abundant greenery and how easy it is to find a park or parkette within walking distance.
Alderwood locals are very friendly. This is the type of place where you can expect neighbours to say “hi” to you while you walk your dog down the street (even if it’s not your street). Keep reading for more insights about what living in Alderwood is like:
Parks In Alderwood
Green spaces are neighbours’ favourite way to spend time outdoors in Alderwood. With just a brief stroll you’ll notice people jogging, walking, playing sports, taking kids to playgrounds, or simply walking their dogs. The neighbourhood has several parks and parkettes, including:
- Etobicoke Valley Park
- Alderwood Memorial Park
- Connorvale Park
- Enfield Park
- Sir Adam Beck Park
Recreational Facilities In Alderwood
A variety of leisure activities are available for homeowners in Alderwood’s many recreational facilities. The neighbourhood offers families several playgrounds, tennis courts, clubhouses, community centers, and ball diamonds. A picnic facility, a sports field, an indoor swimming pool, and an outdoor rink are additional spots to spend a fun afternoon. The Alderwood location within minutes from Lake Ontario offers further outdoor activities for locals.
Amenities In Alderwood
Running daily errands is an easy task with Alderwood’s nearby amenities and services. Grocery stores, supermarkets, retail stores, shopping malls, pharmacies, gyms, restaurants, and cafes are conveniently scattered around the neighbourhood.
Healthcare In Alderwood
As far as healthcare options go, Alderwood residents count on several multidisciplinary medical groups and clinics to visit, along with diagnostic and naturopathic centres, dental clinics, and rehabilitation facilities. Those looking for more comprehensive medical care can see a doctor at one of Toronto or Mississauga’s hospitals located a short drive away.
Transportation In Alderwood
Many Alderwood homes for sale are located in pretty walkable areas, and residents enjoy moving around on foot and on bikes. However, depending on how far you’re travelling, having a car can come in handy. Overall, commute times from Alderwood to Toronto or Mississauga city centres are quick due to the neighbourhood’s proximity to major highways, QEW-Gardiner Expressway and Lake Shore Boulevard.
The neighbourhood also has a good public transit infrastructure that includes bus and train lines and subway routes. The Toronto Pearson International Airport is located only 12 minutes away, driving north.
Jobs In Alderwood
Alderwood has a low unemployment rate and a growing labour force with a median household income of around $73,000. Newcomers can find employment locally at warehousing and manufacturing businesses that populate the southeastern part of the neighbourhood, including a Daimler-Chrysler casting plant. Additionally, there are employment opportunities in the retail, healthcare, and hospitality industries.
Nearby Neighbourhoods In Alderwood
- 17 kilometres to Downtown Toronto
- 4.6 kilometres to Lakeview
- 4.8 kilometres to Mimico
- 1.5 kilometres to Long Branch
Things To Do In Alderwood
Franklin Horner Community Centre
Franklin Horner Community Centre has been part of Alderwood for over 30 years, and it’s where the community comes together. Here, residents congregate to enjoy various recreational activities, seasonal events, workshops, and more.
Marie Curtis Park
Outdoor lovers will spend many happy afternoons here. This park is located on the banks of Lake Ontario and features walking trails, a public beach, a playground, a wading pool, and a fenced Dogs Off-Leash Area.
Alderwood Centre
This community centre is a local favourite and houses an indoor heated swimming pool, branch library, and meeting rooms. Sir Adam Beck Park and rink are adjacent for extra family fun.
Etobicoke Valley Park
Located right in the border between Alderwood and Orchard Heights and along Etobicoke Creek is this 19-hectare park that features four ball diamonds, a children’s playground, and a scenic creekside trail.
Sir Adam Beck Rink
One of the neighbour’s favourites, Sir Adam Beck Rink, is a single pad public outdoor rink equipped with a change house and washrooms. It is the perfect spot to skate or play hockey in the winter season.