Lawrence Park has long been one of the neighbourhood jewels of Toronto. Originally Lawrence Park was a planned suburb of Toronto dating back to the early 1900s. A developer purchased the land and subdivided the area to sell plots of land and build homes. Interestingly enough, the City of Toronto considers Lawrence Park to be two areas, North and South. Frankly, this is news to us! Why are we surprised, you ask? Good question. Having been a real estate broker since 2006, Lawrence Park (aka LP) has always been referred to as one neighbourhood. We went to Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute (LPCI) for high school. Not only did we grow up in the area (in fact, second-generation Lawrence Parker) go to school in Lawrence Park we have sold here for years. It’s only been in recent times that we have discovered that the city views Lawrence Park as two areas.
If we didn’t know, then it’s likely that many other Torontonians and buyers may not know as well. Let’s dive into what makes Lawrence Park so unique and how to differentiate between Lawrence Park North and South. Whether one agrees with these newer city neighbourhood boundaries or not, we feel it’s essential to inform our clientele.
Lawrence Park North
Since the City of Toronto added “Lawrence Park North” to their database, it has been infiltrating the lexicon of the Toronto homeowner and buyer. What is being referred to as Lawrence Park North has long been held as Teddington Park (to the east of Yonge Street) and Bedford Park (to the west of Yonge Street). The funny thing with neighbourhood definitions is that they change over time and are influenced by Torontonians’ perspective. Not to mention real estate agents’ marketing and positioning tactics.
Lawrence Park South
Lawrence Park South comprises the original or traditionally referred to Lawrence Park Neighbourhood and Lytton Park (west of Yonge). Being traditionalists who grew up in Lawrence Park, it’s surprising that city hall has redefined these old Toronto neighbourhoods, but nonetheless, they have, and it’s essential that we pass this along to our clients. The boundaries are much different than previously known.
➤ For more on the Lawrence Park area check out:
Who’s Who of Toronto Business Leaders
Many of Toronto’s business leaders live in Lawrence Park. It’s no wonder so many homeowners are happy considering how simple the commute is to work, the access to some of Toronto’s finest clubs (Rosedale Golf Course and The Granite Club). Many successful families move to Lawrence Park to enjoy the beauty and local clubs and the schools are fantastic. Whether that be the private schools (like Havergal College, Toronto French School or Crescent School), the elementary, middle and high schools are some of the top schools in Ontario (not too biased as former Lawrence Park Panthers, but it’s true!)
Peace and Tranquillity
Lawrence Park has larger properties than most of Toronto. Neighbours are not one or two feet apart. There is space to walk between the houses, but there is, in fact, a side yard that homeowners can utilize. The trees also provide a sense of peace for residents. Adding to the sense of peace is that Yonge Street and all of its shops are on the western edge of the neighbourhood, much less traffic in the heart of Lawrence Park. The Parks systems that run diagonally through Lawrence Park from George Locke Library and the Flower Gardens provide excellent walking trails for residents and dogs. It’s a quiet reprieve.
No matter how one defines Lawrence Park, we can be assured that the area remains one of Toronto’s finest neighbourhoods.
