Oakridge

Overview

Oakridge is a vibrant neighbourhood in Toronto located in the southwest part of Scarborough. The neighbourhood has a perfect mix of older houses, newer infill homes, shopping and recreational facilities. 

The community borders Birch Cliff to the south, Danforth Village to the east and Cliffside to the west. The Oakridge Community Recreation Centre on Pharmacy Avenue, and Oakridge Park on Danforth Avenue are popular areas for social and recreational activity. 

History

The history of Oakridge begins with the Oakridge Public School which was built in 1913 on Danforth Road. The school was demolished in 1967 and was converted into Oakridge Park. There is a datestone memorial to the old Oakridge school that rests at the Danforth Road entranceway. The old school was replaced by a modern school on Byng Road.

The development in Oakridge was greatly influenced by Danforth Road, one of Toronto’s oldest thoroughfares. Danforth Road had its first bus service as early as 1918, which helped attract many homeowners to this area. The growth of Oakridge further boomed in the 1950’s, when the Bloor-Danforth subway line was extended east to Warden Avenue. 

Real Estate

Most of the homes in this neighbourhood come in a variety of sizes, shapes and styles. A good portion of these homes were built from the 1910’s to the 1950’s. Many of the older homes in Oakridge were self-built and then added onto and renovated over time. 

Some of the residential landscape in this community dates from the Edwardian era, but a majority of homes were built during the interwar period and after World War II. In 2018, Oakridge was featured in Toronto’s Neighbourhood to Watch as the neighbourhood was beginning a phase of rapid gentrification. 

Lifestyle

Residents living in Oakridge are in proximity to many different shopping opportunities. The Crossroads on the Danforth business improvement area along Danforth Road is teeming with small, independently owned retail shops and restaurants. Most of these establishments cater to the immediate needs of the surrounding neighbourhood. A popular destination is Shoppers World, located at the south-west corner of Danforth Road and Victoria Park Avenue. This big shopping plaza is recognized for its many discount stores. 

Those looking to get active can go to the Oakridge Community Recreation Centre located at 63 Pharmacy Avenue. The facility has a health club with cardio and weight equipment, a sauna, and a whirlpool. The building also has meeting rooms that are used by local community groups. 

The City of Toronto offers year-round recreational programs in the evenings at the Oakridge Public School on Byng Avenue. Oakridge Park is also a great destination for picnics, walks, and various activities. 

Transportation

Residents of Oakridge have easy access to public transportation. Bus routes on Victoria Park, Danforth Road, and Warden Avenues provide a direct route to stations on the Bloor-Danforth subway line. The Danforth Go Train station can take residents to downtown Toronto’s Union Station in fifteen minutes. 

Motorists living in Oakridge can use Danforth Road as an east-west arterial roadway that leads right into the centre of Toronto. It would take roughly 20 minutes to reach one of Toronto’s most vibrant and colourful shopping districts.

Looking to Buy Real Estate in Oakridge?

If you’re taken with the urge to explore real estate in Oakridge, let us know if you have any questions. With 30 years of experience helping 1,000’s of GTA residents buy and sell property, we can address any pressing questions you may have. 

Contact us to get started on your real estate journey in Oakridge or call us at (416) 917-5466. One of our representatives would be happy to assist.