December 21, 2023 | Buying
High Park Vs. The Junction: Which is Right For You?
Hey there, fellow west end fans! We’re absolutely hooked on spending our time in this area. Each corner of the west end has its own vibe, making it totally unique. When we’re guiding families through home purchases, we’re frequently quizzed about what sets The Junction apart from High Park. So, before you dive into choosing a new home and spot to settle your family, it’s worth thinking about which of these awesome west end pockets suits your vibe and family style the best!
The Junction: The admirable west end pocket that always exudes a cool vibe!
The Junction’s relaxed vibe and diverse collection of conveniences on the Dundas West shopping strip, are just a couple of the many reasons why so many families absolutely love living in this unique west end neighbourhood. One thing’s for sure, there’s always something new and exciting happening here.
The primary shopping hub is overflowing with diversity, offering everything you require for a laid-back lifestyle: cafes, unique boutiques, art galleries, antique stores, quality shops, and some of the tastiest restaurants in the west end. Here you can enjoy a satisfying culinary experience with a relaxed and family friendly vibe. The Junction’s charm lies in its eclectic, relaxed and effortlessly cool atmosphere. Folks from all walks of life find their niche here, adding to the neighbourhood’s allure.
Want to know more about the communities we serve? You can find our neighbourhood guides below:
What kind of homes will you find in The Junction?
The Junction showcases a range of homes within several boundaries and various price points, ranging from detached to semi-detached homes, and even charming row houses from the Victorian era. Many of these homes stand tall at two or two-and-a-half stories, with character that spills from the interiors to the exteriors. And while the average size is cozy, there are a few streets in The Junction where larger homes proudly display spacious porches and roomier lots. It’s safe to say, there’s a home style here for every taste.
High Park: Where nature meets urban commute bliss!
High Park has a refined yet laid-back outdoorsy atmosphere. It’s a spot where you’ll find a mix of young families and longtime locals who really like this vibe. The place is split into two areas: High Park North, close to The Junction and BWV, and High Park Proper, right by Roncesvalles. Both spots revolve around the park itself, which happens to be Toronto’s biggest green space and a real gem in our bustling city. In the park itself, you’ll find kids’ play areas, a pool, splash pads, dog trails, a petting zoo, the High Park Club, tennis courts, and even a curling arena inside. The residents take pride not only in their homes but also in the park. A strong community spirit thrives here.
Living in High Park North offers the advantage of a convenient 10–15-minute stroll to not one, but two vibrant neighbourhoods, namely The Junction shopping strip, renowned for its eclectic offerings, and the bustling Bloor West Village shopping strip, where you’ll find a diverse array of shops and eateries to explore and enjoy.
What kind of homes will you find in High Park?
In High Park North, you’ll discover a blend of detached and semi-detached homes, coming in various sizes and styles, but many will be bigger than the homes you find in The Junction and even some parts of Bloor West Village. High Park Proper is the more established and pricier neighbourhood near Roncy Village, showcasing larger residences typically spanning two and a half to three stories, brimming with character and constructed with brick and stone. The charming, meandering streets of High Park Proper boast homes with expansive lots, impressive entrances, driveways, and well-established gardens. Both areas primarily feature detached two to three-story houses, along with a few larger semi-detached properties. The prevalent Edwardian and Arts & Crafts architectural styles beautifully enhance the area’s sophisticated yet welcoming ambiance.
Looking for some fun things to do in the West End? Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Best Tobogganing Hills In The West End
- Breakfast in Roncesvalles: Our Favourite Breakfast Spots
- Happy Hour in The West End: Our Top 5 Picks
Further distinctions to consider when deciding between High Park or The Junction?
Since these two places are adjacent on the map, they may often appear quite similar. Yet, before you pick one over the other, it’s essential to consider some further significant variations between them.
1) Proximity to the shopping strip: When it comes to being close to shopping, restaurants, and cafes, The Junction takes the lead. Its proximity to Dundas St West means all your daily shopping and food necessities are conveniently located right in this area.
2) Access to green space: For those who cherish nature and are drawn to that lifestyle, it’s important to consider your access to green spaces, especially if having easy entry to High Park is vital for your family with kids, pets, or for your fitness needs. High Park North and High Park Proper’s lifestyle revolve around the easy and close access to various parts of the park.
3) Work commute: When evaluating your work commute, transit and subway access is a significant factor to consider, especially if you use transit regularly. While both areas provide decent access to the city core, living in High Park means you will be closer to the subway and can skip taking a bus or enduring a lengthier walk to reach it. The Junction might mean a slightly longer commute compared to High Park.
4) Coffee culture: Are you someone who brews coffee at home, or is hitting up your favourite local coffee spot an essential part of your routine? If it’s the latter, then The Junction is the place for you. It boasts a vibrant coffee culture, with a diverse range of unique coffee shops practically on every corner. However, in High Park, getting your favourite cup might entail a bit more of a walk.
5) Prices of homes: When it comes to home prices, The Junction is the more diverse and eclectic of the two neighbourhoods. It’s got different areas with varying price tags, so you can find homes here in all sorts of price ranges, sizes, and styles. In High Park, though, homes are generally larger and often come with a higher price.
Are you ready to kick off your home search in Toronto’s vibrant West End? Give us a call at 416-909-1602 or email hello@getnested.ca to get started.
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