St. Clair Avenue, just similar to many other streets crossing Yonge Street, is divided into two East and West parts in Midtown Toronto. The busy Yonge & St Clair intersection offers all sorts of choices in boutique shopping and the best café and restaurants to the residents and visitors. There are two stunning parks in this area, Moore Park and Deer Park. So, if you have decided to live in this neighborhood, you should know the parks are not too far from your home.
You can find some of the stunning Toronto condos in this area such as The St. Clair at 10 Delisle Avenue, The Carlyle at 55 Delisle Avenue and The Benvenuto at 1 Benvenuto Place. Contact Top-rated Toronto Real Estate Agents for any other information about this lovely neighbourhood real estate. Keep reading to find out all you need to know about the Yonge and St. Clair neighborhood of Toronto.
History and demography of Toronto’s Yonge & St. Clair neighborhood
In 1837, the Europeans came to Toronto and settled on St. Clair and Yonge Street intersection. By 1850s, Deer Park was established and later the western part of St. Clair Avenue underwent substantial development projects. In 1912, the 512-streetcar line was built from Yonge Street to Caledonia Road by Toronto Civic Railways. So, the neighborhood experienced huge progress and became a vital crosstown line in Toronto.
Indeed, now the intersection of Yonge & St. Clair Avenue has heavy automotive and public transit traffic. The 512 St. Clair streetcar line connects St. Clair subway station on Line 1 Yonge–University and St. Clair West station also on Line 1 Yonge-University subway. It is literally one of the most used lines during the rush hours of public transit.
This neighborhood now has a population of 12,528 residents. 38.1% of them are married couples and the median age of the population is 43.5 years. 48% of the residents of the Yonge & St. Clair neighborhood are of working age and 61.7% of the population are living in rental houses. If you decide to live in Yonge & At. Clair neighborhood, you better know that you can find different housing types there. You can easily find attractive newly built condominiums or even spacious heritage buildings. Try to choose the desirable architecture style of your Toronto house, then ask the help of a professional Toronto real estate agent to find your ideal house in the area.
Where to and what to do in Toronto’s Yonge & St Clair neighborhood
Living in the Yonge & St Clair neighborhood means taking advantage of great access to easy transportation, boutique shopping and the best dining, new mixed-use towers, condos, and retail spaces. The residents can enjoy the presence of Loblaws, Sobey’s and Longo’s in the area. They can also find the best antique stores, greengrocers, and flower stores within walking distance. Let’s see what else you can find in the Yonge & St Clair neighborhood.
Weston Center
The Weston center is an office building that hosts the corporate offices of George Weston Limited (manager of Loblaw Companies Limited). It is located at the corner of the Yonge and St. Clair intersection. It means the Weston center is very close to the St. Clair subway station. This 20-storey octagonal structure was completed in 1975 and renovated many times since then. The architectural design of Weston center has won several awards such as the American Institute of Business Designers.
St. Clair center
St. Clair Center is an office building and retail complex completed in 2018 located at 2 St Clair Ave E. It is connected underground to St. Clair Subway Station. This center includes lots of places to visit, shop, etc. There is also a well-hidden Loblaws upstairs that you can find whatever you need up there. This could be one of the most useful places to go in the area.
David A. Balfour Park
David A. Balfour Park is a 20.5 hectares urban park near the Yonge & St. Clair intersection in Toronto. It is named after the former Toronto city Councilor. It was once an important hunting ground for the local people.
This beautiful park consists of a large open space on a reservoir, reflecting pools, attractive fountains and a children’s playground. And different walking trails. The trails have several activity options leading from the David Balfour Park Trail to the Beltline Trail. Since it is accessible year-round, this park plays an important role in the recreation and personal lives of the residents in the Yonge & St. Clair neighborhood.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery
Mount Pleasant has been one of the most historic cemeteries in Toronto since 1876. The stunning botanical gardens and tree collection of Mount Pleasant have made it one of North America’s most significant arboretums. Many famous Canadians are resting in this cemetery, including William Lyon Mackenzie King, Jennie Smillie-Robinson and renowned pianist Glenn Gould.
Mount Pleasant consists of large flower gardens, walking trails, natural beauties, along with many unique artworks, sculptures and artist-made memorials. It includes lovely paths and roads through the peaceful, wooded cemetery. You can still find some traits of classic Georgian architecture in its marble-fronted crypts and the two chapels for committal, funeral or memorial services. Walking through Mount Pleasant Cemetery is more like a mini-history lesson.
Tunnel of Glam
While you are exploring around the Yonge & St Clair neighborhood, you better not forget about checking the Tunnel of Glam, which is one of the most interesting spots to visit in the area.
It is the largest ever single-use of shiny reversible sequins using 14 million interwoven units. You can draw and erase on these walls and start over. This place is highly recommended for endlessly entertaining and taking stunning photographs with your art and friends. Don’t miss this spot to show your creativity and have fun.
Where to eat in Yonge & St Clair neighborhood
Yonge & St. Clair neighborhood is the beating heart of midtown Toronto, featuring the best cafes and restaurants or music and cultural events.
One of the best places to hang around could be PATIO, which is an outdoor patio space with +10 restaurants and an on-site bar. It is located at 1503 Yonge Street, and they are careful about social distance dining venues and following all ongoing health and safety guidelines. So, you can go over and enjoy your outdoor food and drink in the outside bar while listening to the PATIO’s live outdoor jazz music.
One of the cozy and beautiful spots for friendly gatherings in the Yonge & St. Clair neighborhood would be Shenanigans. It is a pub with an expansive rooftop patio overlooking Yonge and St. Clair. This is a perfect spot to watch sports on TV with friends while enjoying the delicious burgers, wings, pizza, bowls and salads in the area. Make sure to try the plenty of beers on tap, refreshing cocktails, and easy-drinking wines by the glass at Shenanigans.
However, if you are looking for a casual dinner or pint of organic beer, you better check the Wylie’s. It is one of the best gathering spots located at 1234A Yonge Street. They serve cold drinks with low-price delicious food. They have friendly staff and a menu with many items, even veggie burgers. The place is cozy and friendly, perfect for relaxing and enjoying your drink after a long busy day.
For a sip of good coffee, you better visit the 9 Bars. It is a new coffee shop on 46 St. Clair Ave. E, with welcoming the first impression from the pressed metal counter. The place is decorated with a communal table and a series of tables and slick chairs. Although the taste of smooth, creamy coffee at 9 Bars is perfect, don’t miss their diverse menu. They serve everything you need, fresh and crisp. Enjoy the wonderful hand-crafted foods and drinks in a unique and enjoyable atmosphere of 9 Bars.
With all the attractions and popular Toronto real estate market in the Yonge & St Clair neighborhood, you better consider this ambient area to live with your lovely family.