Condos for Rent in High Park | Swansea, Toronto, ON

Sure, Toronto might be the largest and most densely populated city in Canada, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find a tranquil neighbourhood to call home. Enter High Park and Swansea, where a breath of fresh air is always guaranteed. These neighbourhoods can’t help but feel peaceful, especially thanks to their proximity to the largest green space in the city. The former is situated just east of High Park, while the latter sits just west of Toronto’s most beloved playground.

While some renters hesitate at the prospect of not having access to a backyard, High Park’s amenities are truly unparalleled. High Park condos for rent are within walking distance from a zoo, two ravines, cherry blossom trees, a swimming pool, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and so much more. Plus, it’s even possible to find some privacy in the park’s countless hiking trails and cozy picnic spots.

The park may be the pièce de résistance for renters interested in High Park and Swansea, however the commercial areas that service these neighbourhoods are also worthy of note. Swansea condos for rent are particularly close to the Bloor West Village, a charming stretch of Bloor Street West that has everything a resident might need — and then some.

The Bloor West Village is frequented by Swansea locals, yet visitors from all over the city also flock to the neighbourhood in order to indulge in Eastern European treats. In fact, the Bloor West Village also hosts the Toronto Ukrainian Festival each September, where participants can enjoy performances, art, and cultural activities, as well as some truly authentic food.

Yet another great commercial area available to High Park and Swansea residents is Roncesvalles. Situated just east of the High Park neighbourhood, Roncesvalles Avenue is packed with independent and locally owned shops, restaurants, bars, and cafés. Roncesvalles is also a great place to visit on a Saturday night: music fans living in High Park condos for rent can check out a concert at Hugh’s Room Live, while film buffs can attend a screening at the Revue Cinema, the oldest functioning movie theatre in the city.

When it comes time to stock up on staples, High Park and Swansea residents have plenty of options. Renters living in High Park can shop for produce at any of the small markets on Roncesvalles Avenue, however those who prefer a one-stop-shop can simply head straight to Sobeys Urban Fresh. Swansea residents, on the other hand, can take their pick between Rabba Fine Foods, Bulk Barn, and No Frills, all of which are situated on Bloor West.

And finally, it would be inexcusable not to mention the water that surrounds High Park and Swansea. East-end Torontonians may head over to the Beaches whenever the weather permits, however anyone living in this end of the city knows that the beaches just south of High park are underrated — and therefore less crowded. Residents can walk between High Park and Swansea using the Sunnyside Boardwalk, or they can cool off at the Sunnyside-Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, which offers great views of the lake to the south.

There are perks to living on either side of the park, but anyone dead set on Toronto condos for rent to the east will have to be patient: there are just two options here, and they both happen to be quite small. The 53 High Park Condos is a 1930s-built home that has since been divided into 4 units that span approximately 2,000 square feet each. Then there’s The Abbey Lofts, a hard loft conversion situated in a church that’s been around since 1910. While the turnover rate is slightly more promising here, there are still only 24 homes in the whole building.

Swansea is a whole other storey. The neighbourhood is home to 19 buildings in total, a couple of which are still under construction. Most of these homes are concentrated close to either Bloor Street West or the Queensway, making life extremely convenient for renters. Those who prefer to live near the lake can check out the Southampton Residences, NXT Condos and NXT II Condos, or Windermere By The Lake. Renters more concerned with living near a subway line, on the other hand, can opt for a unit in Kingsgate Motors or Home Condominium.

High Park condos for rent are well situated, and not just because they’re so close to High Park. Living within close proximity of Bloor Street West has its perks when it comes to transportation too, whether one owns a car or not.

Bloor West can be used by drivers to access the city centre in no time, or to reach the 427 before heading into the suburbs or toward neighbouring towns. Those without cars can use the Bloor-Danforth subway line to traverse the city from east to west, with the option to ride all the way west to Kipling or as far east as Kennedy.

Speaking of public transit, the 501 Streetcar also comes in handy when living in High Park and Swansea. This streetcar can even be used to reach Osgoode and Queen Stations on the Yonge-University-Spadina line.

The Gardiner Expressway also makes life more convenient for renters living in High Park and Swansea. This major highway hugs the shore of Lake Ontario, and carries cars east and west across the southern edge of the city. Using this highway, it’s possible to reach the Don Valley Parkway in just 15 minutes.

The Locals: Nature lovers.

Code of Conduct: It’s not uncommon to make friends in the communal backyard known as High Park.

What You’ll Find: Enough green space to go around.

What You Won’t Find: Densely packed skyscrapers.

The Homes: Contemporary towers to the west, and hard loft conversions to the east.

Sealing the Deal: The cherry blossom trees.