The Vibe

Immerse yourself in the culture and community love that this neighbourhood, located just 10 minutes away from downtown Toronto, has to offer.

The Story

Bordered by the CN tracks and Greenwood TTC yards, Blake-Jones is the only major entryway into what this area is also referred to as “The Pocket”. Housing a vast array of homes built from the 1870s to the 1930s, there exists a small-town vibe and old-time charm. Since 1884, this area has always been known for the existence of the independent arts with many local art shops in the area and surrounding parts. The area is known as the haven for many different ethnicities specifically Eastern Europeans in the early 1900s.

The Convenience

The main roads are beautifully lined with dense rows of trees. In the fall, it’s so beautiful to watch the trees turning colour and in the summer, adds as a canopy to beat off the hot rays of the sun. Blake-Jones is known not only for its massive tree-lined streets, this area has many cul de sacs where street events and parties take place which allow the residents to conveniently and safely enjoy the festivities.

The residents come together to raise money to plant the trees that you see to maintain and enrich the neighbourhood and surrounding areas as well. The neighbourhood has a very quiet village-like feel, as cars from the outside are restricted from using residential streets to cut through. Blake-Jones is a locals only area therefore, you can always be sure to see a high volume of cyclists on the roads.

The subway is conveniently located within walking distance which makes this area very attractive to the locals. Public transit is the best way to get around this area as the subway is within walking distance. By subway, it takes 10 minutes to get downtown and by car, it takes 15 minutes.

Because Blake-Jones is just outside of the downtown core, house prices in this area are very reasonable. Here you can find semi-detached houses, single homes and Victorian and Edwardian style townhomes. There are many restaurants to enjoy fine dining and for the food enthusiasts, there is a large variety of ethnic foods to choose from. Be sure to check out the well-known café “The Only Café”, which is a popular hot spot for the locals.

The Residents

A substantial number of people that live here are environmentally conscious individuals. Typically, people walk or bike to work. Its known for its arts, recreation and culture. Many individuals are into sports, social science, government, education and religious workers. There is a large population of Greek, Somali, Gujarati, Czech and Cantonese speaking families. Residents have planted a community orchard and have brought in maple trees to ensure that the greenery of this area remain in tact. Street parties, parks and community clean ups is a usual event for this tightly bound community.

The Best Part

Blake-Jones has a strong sense of community, where individuals love where they live and come together to enrich one not only the community, but each other.