As west end locals, we are always out and about exploring whats new in all our favourite neighbourhoods.  We absolutely love Roncy and Parkdale, these two neighbourhoods are, in fact, neighbours! One or both of us can often be found grabbing a coffee or a quick lunch on the go at one of the many great spots on the Roncy strip.  But there is more to this neighbourhood than just restaurants and coffee shops, there are the people who make it the great community it is, and the streets on which they live.

Here are some of our favourite blocks in Roncy and why we love them…

Galley Avenue

(Between Sorauren Ave. and Roncesvalles Ave)

Galley is one of those classic Roncy streets, lined with beautiful old houses, and a phenomenal tree canopy.  Though we haven’t measured, Galley seems to be wider than most streets in the city and has no speed bumps.  It is rumoured to be an ambulance route for St. Joseph’s Hospital. Despite connecting directly to the Roncy strip, with all the buzz, streetcars and traffic, Galley is exceptionally quiet.  This is an ideal street to get the best of both worlds.  The fun, vibrant Roncy life and the quiet park life with Sauroren park just a few streets north.

Pearson Avenue

(Between Roncesvalles Ave and Sorauren Ave)

Never underestimate the value of a great laneway!  In a city known for choking traffic and scarce parking spots, having a laneway is like having a secret passage.  Some of the homes on Pearson Ave. have parking pads out back, enabling the lucky home owners to park behind their homes and come through their yards.  No worries of traffic tickets, blocking the sidewalks for others while unloading groceries etc.  We’ve bought and sold a few houses on Pearson, and it is always a joy to work on this street.  The homes are stunning and the neighbours as oh, so friendly.   We recently had the pleasure of selling a home we helped our clients buy a few years ago.  Click the link to view the stunning property gallery and get a sense of what a Roncy home truly looks like on the inside.  Here’s a hint, they’re gorgeous!

★ Click here to see 134 Pearson Ave, a classic example of a property in this area.

Indian Road

(At Algonquin Ave, between Wright Ave. and Garden Ave.)

All of the homes on this block have something virtually unheard of in Toronto.  Huge lots!  Most are as deep as 200 ft. A walk down this block is like walking in a different city.  So much open space and so many unbelievable front gardens, it is a true breath of fresh air.  Another reason to love this block is its proximity to High Park as well as Lakeshore.  It is also walking distance to the Roncy strip.  Another ideal location in the west end.

★ For ideas on how to explore to the neighbourhood read:

• 5 Roncy Coffee Shops With More Than Just Coffee
• Our Favourite Patios In Roncy
• Our Favourite Breakfast Spots In Roncesvalles

Geoffrey Street

(Between Sunnyside Ave and Indian Rd.)

This block is probably the ultimate sweet spot in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood. Outstanding front gardens, old trees, and gorgeous architecture, Geoffrey St. is a real standout.  This block is right in the middle of the Roncy strip and High Park.  This is one of those areas where you don’t ever have to leave, as everything you could ever need is within walking distance.  You don’t even need a car if you are so inclined.  Quick access to the streetcars on Roncy and also walking distance to Dundas West subway station on Bloor, what more could you ask for?  Check out one of our previous listings on Geoffrey St. and see for yourself!

★ Click here to see our listing for 36 Geoffrey Street.

MacDonell Avenue

(North of Pearson Ave)

At one point this block would have been considered Parkdale, but now it is a proud member of Roncesvalles Village. Macdonell is special because it has one of the largest collections of Victorians in the neighbourhood.  One way going south makes it a relatively quiet street with easy access to both Sorauen Park and the shops at Queen West. Bonus: Super Easy access to the highway! With tall Victorians, come tall trees and this street is not lacking in either. Around the corner from Queen west and a short walk to Sorauren Park, Macdonnell is such a quintessentially west Toronto street.

★ Thinking of moving to Roncesvalles? Check out:

• Roncesvalles Neighbourhood Guide
• West End Schools: Our Guide to Roncesvalles
• Why You Should Buy Real Estate in Roncesvalles

There are so many places to explore in the west end, beyond the cafés and shops.  If you’d like to know more about our favourite our favourite west end nooks, check out our list of Favourite Blocks in Bloor West Village

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