Forest Hill Neighbourhood Toronto

Notably one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Toronto, Forest Hill is located in the central interior of the city.

Forest Hill was originally incorporated as a village in 1923, and later annexed by the City of Toronto in 1967, along with the Village of Swansea. Until that time the area had been known as “Spadina Heights”. The word Spadina is derived from the First Nations word “Ishapadenah,” which means a hill or sudden rise in land. The village was named after the summer home of John Wickson, which was constructed in 1860. Mr. Wickson’s summer home originally stood at the intersection of Eglinton Avenue and Old Forest Hill Road.

Development of "lower Forest Hill" (south of Eglinton) was completed  in the 1930's. Development of "upper Forest Hill" was slower as it  had formerly been owned by the old Belt Line railway, and then by industry.

The streets of Forest Hill are bursting with tradition and have an identity of their own. Theprice of a home in Forest Hill South starts at around one million dollars but if you are looking for the luxuries of life it's worth every penny. With its proximity to downtown we have seen property values consistently increase in this neighbourhood.

The north homes (north of Eglinton Avenue) are more modest on 40-50 ft lots dominated by Tudor and Georgian style homes. What is unique about the north is that you are still able to find traditional English country manors and French colonials that tend to be luxurious in their detail. Forest Hill North extends from Briar Hill Avenue in the north to Eglinton Avenue West in the south, and from Latimer Avenue in the east to Allen Road and Marlee Avenue in the north-west and south-west, respectively.

Forest Hill, like Rosedale, is set amongst the Beltline railway and boasts beautiful walking and biking paths throughout. Known for its beautiful architecture and gardens a stroll down most of the streets is a wonderful escape from everyday life.

Forest Hill Village is a part of Forest Hill occupying most of the original area of the village. The designations Upper and Lower are based on height of land and not on positions on a map or along a watercourse.

The Lower Village is known for its upscale shopping and dining, although the actual mix of stores includes several modest enterprises. The Lower Village has attracted extensive residential development (especially of condos/apartments), both within the original boundaries of Forest Hill and in adjacent neighbourhoods to which developers have now extended the Village and Forest Hill names.

Shopping is wonderful in the Forest Hill area as you see less of the big box stores and the streets, particularly in The Village, are lined with small boutiques and fine restaurants to please any taste. If you are looking for one of the finest neighbourhoods in Toronto, close to both north and south Toronto, then Forest Hill is the place to live.

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