Condos for Rent in Roncesvalles, Toronto, ON

Roncesvalles is like a breath of fresh air: the atmosphere is laid-back, and it sits directly beside 400 acres of public green space. Plus, the residential streets in the neighbourhood are about as picturesque as it gets in Toronto. Basically, this west-end locale is the perfect refuge from urban disturbances like skyscrapers that obstruct would-be great views and noise pollution caused by nightclubs and traffic jams.

The sanctuary offered by Roncesvalles condos for rent is no secret, and hasn’t been for some time now. As soon as the Lake Shore Boulevard streetcar made the area more accessible at the end of the 19th century, Roncesvalles has been a popular place to live. The rather small size of the older, American Foursquare-style houses in Roncesvalles point to the neighbourhood’s past as a lower class enclave, especially compared to the more elaborate homes in Parkdale. It wasn’t until the 1910s that larger, more ornate homes would begin cropping up in Roncesvalles as well.

Polish newcomers in particular have had an affinity for the Roncesvalles over the years, and this community has made quite the impact. Every year the neighbourhood hosts the Roncesvalles Polish Festival, where residents — whether Polish or not — can enjoy live music, dance performances, a sidewalk sale, and as many pierogies as humanly possible.

The neighbourhood known as Roncesvalles includes much more than just its namesake street, Roncesvalles Avenue. The area also extends to the east and west, from Indian Road to the Canadian National railway tracks, respectively. Commercial storefronts are predominantly relegated to Roncesvalles Avenue and Bloor Street West, with residential pockets falling on either side of the former.

To residents who have just moved into Roncesvalles condos for rent, the large number of independent cafés on Roncesvalles Avenue might seem unnecessary. However, after hanging out in the neighbourhood a little longer, it soon becomes clear that these spots are where locals come to both catch up and get down to business. Other businesses cater to those ready to dine, drink, or shop, although the neighbourhood’s most iconic venue serves none of these purposes. Rather the Revue Cinema is Roncesvalles’ local movie theatre, and it also happens to be the oldest one in the city that’s still in use today.

Last but not least, one of the major selling points for Roncesvalle condos for rent in High Park — or a 400-acre communal backyard. Residents can come here to explore walking trails, attend a Shakespeare in the Park performance, swim at the outdoor pool, or interact with animals at the High Park Zoo.

The Roncesvalles condos for rent are as varied as the single-family homes previously mentioned. Renters hoping to live amongst a piece of the neighbourhood’s history can seek out a hard loft conversion, such as the Sorauren Lofts at 347 Sorauren or the Robert Watson Lofts at 363-369 Sorauren Avenue. And those who are after the style of a Toronto loft with all the modern amenities of a contemporary condo will be more than satisfied by the soft lofts at the High Park Lofts or the Roncesvalles Lofts.

In terms of something a little more contemporary, the Howard Park Residences and 383 Sorauren are both great options. The former contains 81 suites spread out over 8 storeys, while the latter is home to nearly 150 homes.

Travelling to and from — as well as within — Roncesvalles is a breeze, whether one has access to a car or not. The Roncesvalles bus, for one, carries passengers north and south, and offers the chance to transfer onto the Bloor-Danforth subway line at Dundas West Station. Alternatively, residents heading east or west can take their picks between the streetcars that run along both Dundas and Queen West.

Drivers also benefit from living so close to the Gardiner Expressway, which can be reached via Parkside Drive and Lake Shore Boulevard West. Once on the Gardiner, residents can zoom toward the city centre in no time, or they can transfer onto the 427 for a trip up to the suburbs.

The Locals: Friendly as can be.

Code of Conduct: Residents can’t help but feel blessed for having access to 400 acres of green space without the need to weed the lawns and prune the trees.

What You’ll Find: More than enough cafés.

What You Won’t Find: Big-box stores.

The Homes: A high concentrations of hard and soft lofts.

Sealing the Deal: The relaxed atmosphere.