Coming in at number 8 in the list of wealthiest neighbourhoods in Canada compiled by Canadian Business in 2014, put your hands together for Lawrence Park. Luxuriously located north of Toronto’s Blythewood Ravine between Yonge Street in the north-west corner, Bayview Avenue in the east and Lawrence Park East in the north, this postal code is most certainly a residential haven reserved for the city's wealthiest residents.
Dating back to 1907, and named after John Lawrence of the historical land owning family of The Lawrences, Lawrence Park was bought by the Dovercourt Land Building and Saving Company. One-hundred-and-eight years later, it maintains its reputation of housing only the pedigreed one-percenters of Toronto.
One of the sprawling and lush residential estates labelled by the Toronto Star as the “geographical nucleus” of Toronto in 2014, it is no surprise when looking from the outside in you might get the feeling that the hustle and bustle of the megacity life revolves all around Lawrence Park. Yet somehow, it keeps the very centre of its existence quiet, untouched and beautiful. Grand mansions and wooded pathways are the flavour of this serene locale.
Home to famous Canadian public figures like Paul Beeston, Roberta Bondar, Isadore Sharp, Steve Stavro, Toronto mayor John Tory and Ward 16 city councillor Karen Stintz, Lawrence Park has a predominantly non-ethnic profile amidst the immigrant-rich surroundings of the city. According to Statistics Canada’s 2011 census, most residents hail from occupations in education, government, law, business, finance, arts, television and recreation, and medical professions, with an average household net worth of $10.44 million.
Given the royal environs of Lawrence Park, it is only natural to expect a lawn bowling and croquet club in the area. Its wooded ravines provide the perfect backdrop for parkettes and neighbouring golf courses and country clubs. Students attend privileged private and public schools such as the bilingual Toronto French School, Lawrence Park Collegiate and York University’s Glendon campus. The area has a WalkScore of 50/100, which makes it “Somewhat Walkable” to the neighbouring amenities.
When not in their top-of-the-line designer cars, area residents have the convenience of commuting via the Lawrence subway station, with TTC buses running regular service along Lawrence Avenue East, Bayview Avenue and Yonge Street. The upscale shopping complexes of Bloor Street West are but a 10 minute drive away, and access to HWY 410 is just a 5-minute drive from the neighbourhood.
Lawrence Park’s residential living brings with it a comforting sense of predictability and assurance. It spells riches, success and a sense of accomplishment parallel to none other. The beautiful and well-maintained woods and ravines provide a beautiful, clean, safe and protected space where one can commune with nature. Life is antiquated and stands still here, and that might pose a problem for those who are driven by nightlife, restaurants, crowds, and the madness that epitomizes a city life.
Lawrence Park averages home prices at $2.8 million. Dining options along the Yonge side begins from upwards of $20. Residents mostly spend time in the exclusive, invitation-only golf and country clubs which maintain a rigid admission policy with waiting lists, where membership price tags starting at $50,000.