For Sale: 5 Family-Friendly Homes Near Toronto’s Best Schools

These homes are top of the class for family-friendly amenities and proximity to the region’s best elementary schools. Best of all: they’re on the market now.

By Josh Sherman | 3 minute read

Some images courtesy of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

Living near a top-rated school isn’t just beneficial for the children of homebuyers. Property located close to a school tends to command a premium on the open market, making it a compelling investment as well as a practical choice.

Using the most recently available rankings of top elementary schools in Ontario from Canadian thinktank the Fraser Institute, we searched the Wahi listings for homes in neighbourhoods in and around the catchment areas of the top-rated schools in the province. Here’s what we found. 

1. Summerhill

The school:  Cottingham Junior Public School

Score: 10/10

The home: 423 Avenue Rd #13, Toronto

OK, condos might not be what first comes to mind when you think family-friendly, but hear us out. This sprawling two-bedroom residence, listed for $1,195,000, is nearly 2,000 square feet. It has its own sunroom. And it features a fully renovated kitchen, alongside two bathrooms plus a powder room. Most importantly, it’s just minutes from Cottingham Junior Public School, which received a perfect score on the Fraser Institute’s Report Card on Ontario’s Elementary Schools 2024.

2. Rosedale

The school:  Rosedale Junior Public School

Score: 10/10

The home: 20 Cluny Dr., Toronto

The prestige of Rosedale — one of Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods — is on full display here. Traditional without being stuffy, this 6,000-plus-square-foot detached home, listed for a cool $11,995,000,  has five spacious bedrooms as well as an additional third-floor living space ideal for multi-generational accommodations. It’s truly an all-ages abode with a lower level that features a rec room, home gym, and, strictly for the adults in the room, a wet bar. Built-in bookshelves give the home a bookish touch, while the backyard pool is sure to be a hit during summer vacation.

3. Bayview Wood Steeles

The school: Bayview Fairways

Score: 10/10

The home: 9 Seinecliffe Rd., Markham

Located just outside of the City of Toronto, this 11,000-square-foot estate is ideal for well-heeled families who want a slightly more suburban lifestyle without compromising on amenities. Listed for $6,088,000, the expansive house offers lots of room for a growing family and is packed with extras. Notably, a resort-inspired walk-out basement with a full-on fitness studio, hot tub, sauna, media lounge, and wine cellar. Outside, the inground pool is surrounded by a cabana and some seriously meticulous landscaping.

4. West Oak Trails

The school: Forest Trail Public School

Score: 10/10

The home: 2045 Rosemount Cres., Oakville

Here’s a 5,400-square-foot detached home nestled in a leafy suburban enclave in Oakville. The grand two-story living and dining room creates the perfect backdrop for family time, but, with four bedrooms and four bathrooms, each member of the household should also have plenty of private space. It could be yours for $2,299,900.

5. Lakeview

The school: St. Edmund Catholic Elementary School

Score: 10/10

The home: 797 First St., Mississauga

For families who want new accommodations, this custom-built five-bedroom home in Lakeview could be the answer. Listed for $1,779,000, the house has a designated private office, so there won’t be any distractions during study time. The great room’s fireplace is bookended by shelves, making it the ideal spot to curl up with a book. Yet another family-friendly highlight: the finished basement, complete with separate entrance.