Tucked into the southeast corner of Etobicoke, you’ll find the vibrant community of Mimico. This west Toronto neighbourhood boasts the natural beauty of the lakefront and the friendliness of a village, yet it’s only fifteen minutes from downtown.
Mimico’s affordability, outdoor amenities and unique array of independent businesses have made the area increasingly popular with homebuyers in recent years. It’s no surprise that the neighbourhood has consistently ranked well on best neighbourhoods in the GTA lists in recent years.
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Here’s everything you need to know about living in Mimico.
The Residents
Over the past decade, real estate trends in Toronto have had a big impact on Mimico. As many buyers became priced out of the city centre, they began to explore communities outside of the core. Despite the area gaining early recognition due to its affordability, Torontonians quickly fell in love with Mimico’s unique charm and lakefront atmosphere.
As a blossoming community that offers something for everyone, Mimico is home to a diverse range of residents. As young families and professionals move in alongside older residents who’ve called the area home for decades, the neighbourhood continues to foster a strong sense of community among residents.
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Amenities
Mimico has two central commercial districts—one on Lake Shore Boulevard West, and one on Royal York Road. Along these main drags, you’ll find a variety of small shops, restaurants, and cafes.
When it comes to food, one of the biggest highlights is Tich. This stylish Indian restaurant on Lake Shore serves up pitch-perfect butter chicken and lamb korma. Those who prefer Spanish fare will want to check out Lavinia Restaurant, which offers an extensive selection of carefully-prepared tapas. Last but certainly not least, the authentic Neopolitan pizza at Pizzeria Oro di Napoli has to be tasted to be believed. These eateries prove you don’t have to go to Ossington or Little Italy to have a memorable meal.
For caffeine fanatics, Birds & Beans Coffee offers flavourful organic options that are freshly roasted in the neighbourhood. Those who fancy a casual drink should try Firkin on the Bay or the Blue Goose Tavern.
Of course, no list of Mimico highlights would be complete without mentioning SanRemo Bakery. This local favourite is known for its doughnuts – which usually sell out daily! They also have a delicious hot food menu that features some Italian classics.
Interested in buying a home in Mimco? Find out why your real estate agent should be a local expert on our blog.
Recreation
If you’re an urbanite who’s a nature lover at heart, Mimico is the neighbourhood for you. You’ll love the area’s parks, green spaces, lake access and bike trails along the waterfront. Humber Bay Park and Mimico Waterfront Park offer kilometres of combined trails along the shoreline, plus breathtaking views of the lake and city skyline.
Those with kids will also love Amos Waites Park, which features a public pool and two play structures. The neighbourhood is also home to Mimico Arena—a hub of recreational activity, including hockey and lacrosse—along with the Mimico Tennis Club and the Lakeshore Lawn Bowling Club. In short, living in Mimico is perfect for those who want to stay active.
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Getting Around
One of the primary benefits of living in Mimico is its ease of access. The neighbourhood is exceptionally well served by transit regardless of which direction you are travelling. The Mimico GO Train Station is located directly in the centre of the neighbourhood and can connect travellers to downtown Toronto in just 15 minutes. The GO Train also serves commuters heading beyond the city limits with several stops along the lake towards Hamilton to the west, and Oshawa to the east.
TTC bus routes offer easy access to the Bloor-Danforth Subway line, which can connect commuters to virtually anywhere in the city they need to go. Along the lakeshore, TTC streetcars offer service to downtown and greater Etobicoke.
For drivers, Mimico’s proximity to the Gardiner Expressway makes getting around the GTA a breeze.
Mimico Real Estate
As a growing neighbourhood, there has been a lot of buzz about real estate in Mimco lately. Alongside its diverse community of residents, the neighbourhood features a variety of properties that appeal to a wide range of lifestyles. Along the Lakeshore you’ll find several modern condo developments with more on the way. A real estate agent who specializes in Mimico and Southern Etobicoke will have key insights about future developments in the area based on their relationships with builders.
As you may expect of an area with a rich history, Mimico is also known for its historic homes. The neighbourhood features fairly large lot sizes and plenty of beautiful older bungalows in the Tudor and Arts-and-Crafts architectural styles. The influx of young families to the area has seen lots of upgrades made to older properties. In addition to this, there are also a growing number of custom-built homes in the area as buyers seek out larger lots in the city. Despite this, Mimico retains its historic charm.
It’s no surprise that as one of the hottest areas in the GTA, housing prices in Mimico are rising steadily. This growing popularity means bidding wars on for-sale homes are increasingly common. That being said, homes in Mimco are still significantly more affordable than homes in downtown Toronto.
Even in a seller’s market, a local real estate agent who specializes in Mimico properties can help you be successful when buying in the area.
Ready to find your perfect home? We can help. Explore our approach to buying here. You can also call us directly at 416.882.8322 or email info@acriteam.com!
