Jefferson, Richmond Hill Neighbourhood Guide: A Scenic Gem In The City

The Jefferson, Richmond Hill, neighbourhood has a rich and storied past that dates back to the 18th century and some who fled the French Revolution. While many of the current homes are a reflection of its local heritage, there are a number of newer dwellings in the area to help keep up with its rapid growth.

While there are several eateries and shopping centres near Jefferson, a large nature trail runs straight through the heart of the community. That means you can take a leisurely stroll through the greenery and hit up a nearby restaurant afterwards.

To trace the roots of Jefferson, Richmond Hill, one needs to go back to the 1830s. That was around the time a family with this namesake first arrived in the area from England and established a general store.

By the following decade, the community was referred to as Jefferson. There is also a small schoolhouse constructed in 1868, known as the Jefferson Common School on Yonge Street. It was in use until 1951 and is now designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Since the Jefferson community dates back well over a century, one can find some historic-looking home styles in the area. For example, there are Tudor homes as well as Georgian-inspired houses near the protected Oak Ridges Moraine in the city’s north end.

However, Richmond Hill is among the fastest-growing cities in the Greater Toronto Area — actually, in all of Canada. There are a variety of newer-styled detached dwellings. Recently, some low-rise residences and townhomes have been planned (or completed) in the area to accommodate the demand.

There are a few artistic and cultural institutions of note in the Jefferson, Richmond Hill, area. One of them is the Richmond Hill Art School on Old Colony Road, offering classes and studio space for both kids and adult students.

Those who like taking in live performances can visit the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on Yonge Street, with its programming geared toward "celebrating the many cultures of York Region." The centre itself is a visual gem, costing $30 million to construct.

There are a few artistic and cultural institutions of note in the Jefferson, Richmond Hill, area. One of them is the Richmond Hill Art School on Old Colony Road, offering classes and studio space for both kids and adult students.

Those who like taking in live performances can visit the Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts on Yonge Street, with its programming geared toward "celebrating the many cultures of York Region." The centre itself is a visual gem, costing $30 million to construct.

A stroll or ride along nearby Yonge Street reveals several other nearby plazas to browse, including Upper Yonge Place with more than 50 retail outlets. You can find popular chain stores such as Sobey’s, Farm Boy, and Canadian Tire close by as well.

If bigger malls are your thing, then you’re in luck. Jefferson is located fairly close to Hillcrest Mall on Yonge Street, which boasts more than 130 businesses.

There are a number of eating establishments in the Jefferson, Richmond Hill, vicinity. You can hit a family restaurant at Turtle Jack’s or Sunset Grill that’s a short skip from the heart of the community.

If you’re looking for something a bit more international, you can try Persian Kebab House on King Road. There’s also MI-NE Japanese Restaurant on Yonge Street serving up sushi and other Asian delights.

There’s no shortage of green space in the Jefferson neighbourhood. Families can visit the William Neal Community Park on Tower Hill Road, complete with a playground, splash pad, and a shade shelter to escape the summer heat.

There’s also the French Royalist Park on Rollinghill Road with a playground. The name of this park is historically significant as the area became a place to live for some fleeing the French Revolution in the late 1700s. (Jefferson is still known as the de Puisaye/Windham settlement.)

There are several opportunities to play sports in William Neal Community Park, as it offers a soccer field and basketball facilities.

But the jewel in the centre of it all is Saigeon Trail, which runs about five kilometres through the neighbourhood along a scenic route with a river. It is used most often in spring, summer, and early fall for hiking and biking.

Those living in the Jefferson, Richmond Hill, area know they have the best of both worlds. While there are parks and a great recreational trail within the neighbourhood, there are also nearby shopping centres to browse as well.

If you’re into theatre, there are few better places in the region to enjoy a live performance in a modern venue. However, the community still tips its hat to its roots, with some of the architecture reminding residents of times past.