Nestled in the southwest corner of Etobicoke, Long Branch is a lakeside residential community with a charming, small-town feel. One of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods, Long Branch has been modernizing in recent years. In addition to newer amenities, the area has also been blossoming with new residents. The area’s larger lot sizes, natural atmosphere, and more affordable housing compared to other parts of Toronto have made Long Branch one of the GTA’s fastest up-and-coming neighbourhoods.
If you’re not familiar with the area, it’s helpful to know where Long Branch sits on the map. The neighbourhood is bordered by Lake Ontario to the south and Marie Curtis Park to the west. The northern boundary is created by the Lakeshore West line GO Train tracks, while the eastern border runs along Twenty-Third Street, just shy of Kipling Avenue.
More of a visual learner? Check out Long Branch on the map here.
Natural Beauty
One of the best parts of Long Branch is its outdoor amenities and natural spaces. The neighbourhood is home to a number of parks with amazing views of the lake and city skyline. In the west end of Long Branch, Marie Curtis Park offers stunning nature trails for walking or biking, plus areas for picnicking along Etobicoke Creek and Lake Ontario. During the summer, Marie Curtis is a great place to soak up some sun on the sand beach or hop in the water for a quick swim.
In the winter months, Long Branch Arena hosts shinny hockey games for local residents. If you’d prefer a more casual skate, Colonel Samuel Smith Park (located on the neighbourhood’s eastern border) features one of the best outdoor skating trails in the entire city! It’s safe to say, If you love spending time outside, you’ll love Long Branch.
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A Blend of New and Old
Despite the area once having a grittier reputation, Long Branch has been steadily modernizing over the past few years. Several new commercial developments have arrived in the neighbourhood, bringing a handful of notable chains such as Starbucks, CoCo Bubble Tea and Pita Pit. A few contemporary residential buildings have also begun sprouting up along Lake Shore Boulevard and adjacent streets.
While the neighbourhood is showing some signs of gentrification, many of the small businesses that give Long Branch its charm aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. From quirky cafes to bakeries and pubs, the neighbourhood is overflowing with local staples and some of the best food in the city. Sloppy Joes, Pulcinella and Black Goat Cafe are some neighbourhood favourites.
Buying a house in Toronto can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be! Explore my approach to buying here to learn how I help buyers land their dream homes.
Housing in Long Branch
As you may expect with a historic neighbourhood, Long Branch is home to many charming older properties. The neighbourhood’s many detached bungalows have proved popular with the influx of young families settling in the area. As Long Branch has grown in recent years, housing styles have become more diverse. An increase of investors in the area also has resulted in lots of upgrades made to older homes. There is also a growing number of custom-built homes in Long Branch as resourceful buyers seek out larger lots within the city.
As one of the hottest areas in the GTA, It’s no surprise that housing prices in Long Branch are rising steadily. This growing popularity means bidding wars on for-sale homes are increasingly common. However, in comparison to the city centre, homes in Long Branch are still significantly more affordable. Of course, not all Long Branch residents are homeowners. The area also features a large number of rental properties and student housing options as Humber College’s Lakeshore Campus sits next to the neighbourhood.
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Getting Around
Despite its small community atmosphere, Long Branch is well connected to both downtown Toronto and the surrounding GTA. Commuting from the neighbourhood is a breeze. Lake Shore Boulevard cuts right through the heart of Long Branch, with other major roadways such as the QEW, 427 and Gardiner Expressway close by. Frequent travellers will love that Long Branch is only a quick 15-minute drive to the airport.
Long Branch is also extremely well served by public transit, especially compared to other Etobicoke neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood’s designated GO Transit station can connect residents to downtown Toronto in less than 30 minutes. For more local routes, Lake Shore Blvd sees frequent streetcar service. Regular bus connections also offer residents easy access to the Bloor-Danforth subway line via Kipling Station.
If you’re looking to find your next home in Long Branch, I’m here to help. Call or text me at 647-239-7587 or send me an email at melissa@southetobicoke.com to get started.
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