Bordered by Jane Street to the west, High Park to the east, and centred along Bloor Street West, Bloor West Village is one of the true gems of Toronto’s west end. Drawing in daytrippers and home buyers alike, Bloor West Village’s charm is simply undeniable.
Sure, the neighbourhood may be best known for its locally-owned boutiques, foodie staples, and European vibe, however, Bloor West Village is also a close-knit residential community.
The History of Bloor West Village
Bloor West Village has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century, characterized by rapid growth in residential development and a strong sense of community.
Bloor West Village takes its name from Bloor Street West, which serves as the community’s main thoroughfare and much, much more. If you’ve ever visited the neighbourhood, you’ll know that this stretch of Bloor Street West is a lot more than just a main drag. Instead, it’s a bustling hub of life and culture – home to unique cultural amenities, quaint mom-and-pops, dining, shopping, and more.
This one-of-a-kind ‘main street’ style atmosphere is no coincidence. In fact, Bloor West Village was the site of Canada’s very first Business Improvement Area (BIA) back in the seventies. This initiative helped to craft the neighbourhood’s distinct flair and flavour and has gone on to inspire dozens of other communities in Toronto to do the same.
Today, Bloor West Village stands out as one of the most unique communities in all of Toronto. Its charming selection of boutiques, European bakeries, grocers, delis, and cozy cafes attract more than just locals as people flock from all over the Greater Toronto Area to soak up everything the neighbourhood has to offer.
Types of Homes for Sale in Bloor West Village
Bloor West Village real estate reflects the neighbourhood’s family-oriented atmosphere. When it comes to the types of homes found here, two-storey detached homes and semi-detached homes are by far the most common. They often have spacious front porches and quiet backyards that serve as a nice escape for families.
If you take a stroll along Bloor West Village’s residential streets, you’ll find many of Toronto’s classic architectural styles, with Edwardian and Craftsman styles being the most common. You’ll also spot charming Tudor-style cottages on occasion, as well as a handful of recently built custom homes.
As you may expect from a residential area with a historic and well-preserved character, Bloor West Village doesn’t yet feature any major condo developments. However, the neighbourhood right next door, High Park has a lot of great options for condo buyers. So if you’re drawn to the Bloor West Village lifestyle but are looking for something more compact, it could be a perfect alternative for you.
Looking for locals-only tips on what to do in Bloor West Village? Check out these blog posts!
- Bloor West Village: A Gourmet Grocery Hot Spot!
- Brunch in Bloor West Village: Our Top Picks
- Where to Get Your Coffee in Bloor West Village
Who Lives in Bloor West Village?
Bloor West Village is a diverse and welcoming neighbourhood, home to a wide range of residents.
Since its early development, Bloor West Village has been a popular choice for families. This is largely in part due to its suburban-style atmosphere, quiet streets, parks, and excellent schools. Today, families are still flocking to the area, which has helped to preserve the down-to-earth, close-knit community dynamic.
You’ll also find older residents and retirees – many of whom have lived in Bloor West Village for several decades and simply can’t imagine calling another neighbourhood home. This is thanks to Bloor West Village’s down-to-earth feel, super convenient walkability and transit access, and senior-oriented amenities.
Although Bloor West Village is mainly family-oriented, it also attracts some young professionals who are looking for a peaceful retreat from the bustle of downtown Toronto while still maintaining easy access to the city as a whole.
Curious about homes for sale in Bloor West Village? Check out some latest listings here:
Things to Do in Bloor West Village
There are so many things to do in Bloor West Village that it might be easier to tell you what you can’t do.
Along with the wide selection of unique, locally-owned boutiques, you’ll also find plenty of great spots for grabbing a drink or a bite to eat. Whether you’re in the mood for a sunny patio, scrumptious brunch, or just a quick on-the-go coffee, you’ll find it in Bloor West Village.
One staple of Bloor West Village is the annual Toronto Ukrainian Festival, which takes place each fall and showcases the neighbourhood’s rich cultural heritage. Over a weekend, Bloor Street West comes alive with music, art exhibitions, craft vendors, and, of course, plenty of Ukrainian food. It’s the perfect way for Toronto’s Ukrainian community to share and celebrate their heritage with the city!
In addition to the local buzz of shopping and dining, Bloor West Village is also a nature lover’s dream. Located just next to High Park (arguably the crown jewel of West Toronto) you’re within a stone’s throw of everything the park has to offer – like kilometres of scenic trails for walking, jogging or biking, beautiful outdoor gardens, sports facilities, and even a zoo.
Searching for more insights on Bloor West Village real estate? Explore these posts from the Nested blog.
- Our Top 5 Favourite Neighbourhood Blocks in Bloor West Village Toronto
- 5 Reasons to Love Upper Bloor West Village
- Why You Should Buy Real Estate in Bloor West Village
Community Services in Bloor West Village
As a family-oriented neighbourhood, it’s no surprise that Bloor West Village is home to several highly-regarded schools, including some of the best in the west end. Families can choose from both public and private options, ensuring that their children have access to quality education.
Some of the top public schools are King George Junior Public School (Jr. K-6), Humbercrest Public School (K-8) and Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School (K-8). St. Pius X Catholic School (K-8), which is part of the Toronto Catholic District School Board is a great option for faith-forward learning and sits at the neighbourhood’s western edge.
With subway stations on each side of the neighbourhood (Jane Station to the west and Runnymede Station to the east) getting around on transit is a breeze. Bloor West Village is also further connected to the city with a wide network of bus routes. This, paired with Bloor West Village’s amazing walkability makes it a good fit for residents who prefer a car-free lifestyle.
How to Pick the Right Bloor West Village Real Estate Agent?
If you’re looking to buy or sell a home in the neighbourhood, you’ll want to work with a local Bloor West Village real estate agent. Why? Real estate in Bloor West Village is unique. As one of the west end’s top neighbourhoods, Bloor West Village real estate can follow trends of its own. If you choose to work with someone who isn’t familiar with these local nuances, you may not get the best result possible.
That’s where we come in. At Nested, we’re true west enders – It’s where we live, work, and play. We know Bloor West Village like the back of our hands. When we become your real estate partners, we share specialized insider knowledge about the Bloor West Village’s micro-market so you can make confident, educated decisions toward your goals.
Hoping to call Bloor West Village home? Click here to learn how our team can help you find the perfect place to nest:
Selling a home in Bloor West Village? We have the winning formula to help you achieve a great sale.
Learn more about our selling services here:
Bloor West Village Real Estate FAQ
Absolutely! Bloor West Village’s relaxed atmosphere, quiet residential streets, easy access to public transit, amenities, and green spaces make it one of the best family neighbourhoods in the west end (if not all of Toronto)! Plus Bloor West Village families have access to truly great public and private schools.
For-sale homes in Bloor West Village can come at a wide range of price points. However, because the area is steadily becoming more popular, buying conditions can be sometimes competitive depending on the home. If you’re looking to find a great home within your price range, working with a local real estate team is your best bet.
Bloor West Village is home to (and close by) a number of fantastic schools. To name just a few, Runnymede Junior and Senior Public School, King George Junior Public School, Humbercrest Public School, St. Pius X Catholic School, and James Culnan Catholic School cater to a wide range of grades and education types. There are also a few smaller private options such as Tamarack West Outdoor School and Summit Micro School.
Although Bloor West Village has a suburban vibe, it’s not as far from the city centre as you might think – and, in most cases, you can get downtown in as little as 30 minutes (or less). Thanks to the neighbourhood’s unmatched transit access and swift proximity to the Gardiner Expressway, Bloor West Village residents have some of the easiest commutes in the city.
One of the best parts of Bloor West Village is the sheer volume and diversity of its culinary offerings! If we had to list all of our favourite places to eat or grab a drink, we’d run out of space. Bloor West Village truly has something for everyone. Whatever you may be craving, there’s a good chance you’ll find it here. Or, if you’re looking to whip something up yourself, Bloor West Village’s gourmet grocery shops have plenty of fresh and unique ingredients to add to your culinary creations.
