If you are looking for a luxury lifestyle and a high-end community to call home, Forest Hill and Bridle Path are two of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Toronto that you should consider. Both offer luxurious living options and easy access to top-rated schools, trendy shopping centers, fine dining restaurants, and lush green spaces.

However, while the two areas share many similarities, some distinct differences between them can affect your lifestyle and the overall living experience. Here are some key differences between Forest Hill and Bridle Path that you should be aware of before making your decision:

Location

Forest Hill is located in midtown Toronto and is known for its tree-lined streets, large lots, and upscale homes. It is a well-established residential neighborhood that offers a perfect blend of urban living and suburban charm. On the other hand, Bridle Path is located in the north-central part of Toronto and is considered to be one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Canada. It is a secluded enclave that offers exclusivity and privacy to its residents. The difference between these two neighbourhoods is in their walk scores. The walk score in Forest hill is 70, while in The Bridle Path, it is only 17, which makes this area fully car-dependent. If you look at the map you will notice that The Bridle path is located a little bit aside from Yonge street. So keep in mind that you will need a car each time you’d like to get to the local coffee shops, restaurants, convenience stores, supermarkets, schools, etc. Transit scores in these two neighbourhoods are also different. It is 80 for Forest Hill and only 50 for The Bridle Path.

Learn more about the best Toronto neighbourhoods for your relocation. Read our blogs and watch our neighbourhood videos right here:

• The Most Walkable Neighbourhoods in Toronto
• Pros and Cons of Living in the Most Prestigious Toronto Neighbourhoods
• A Tour of the Best Neighbourhoods in Toronto

Housing Options

Forest Hill offers a limited variety of housing options. There are mainly detached homes in the area. Just recently a few condo developments started, which will bring a bit of diversity to this neighbourhood. The homes in Forest Hill are known for their classic charm and elegant architecture. In contrast, Bridle Path is a neighborhood of sprawling mansions, each unique in design and architecture. The properties in Bridle Path are among the most expensive in the city and are owned by some of Toronto’s wealthiest residents. In recent years, Forest Hill became very popular among wealthy families who aim for prestigious neighbourhoods with highly ranked public and private schools and good proximity to the transit lines as well as area amenities. Due to this increasing demand, the prices for real estate went significantly up, which made Forest hill one of three of the most expensive neighbourghoods in Toronto.

Lifestyle

Forest Hill is a family-friendly neighborhood with a tight-knit community feel. It is a great place to raise children, with access to some of the best schools in the city, including Forest Hill Public School and Forest Hill Collegiate Institute. Forest Hill is also home to many parks, including Cedarvale Park and the Beltline Trail, providing residents with ample green space to enjoy.

Bridle Path, on the other hand, is an exclusive neighborhood that offers a luxurious lifestyle with unparalleled privacy and security. It is home to some of Toronto’s wealthiest residents, including politicians, business magnates, and celebrities. The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown Toronto and private golf clubs, such as the Rosedale Golf Club and the Donalda Club, makes it an ideal location for those who value exclusivity and prestige.

To summarize the information above, take a look at the short list of pros and cons of Forest Hill and The BridlePath.

Here are some of the pros and cons of living in Forest Hill

Pros:

1. Great location: Forest Hill is centrally located in midtown Toronto, making it a convenient location for commuters who work in the downtown core. The neighborhood is also close to some of the best schools in the city, making it an ideal location for families.
2. Family-friendly: Forest Hill is a family-friendly neighborhood, with a strong sense of community. The area is home to many parks and green spaces, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The schools in the area are also highly regarded, making it an ideal location for families with children.
3. High-end amenities: Forest Hill is home to some of the best shopping and dining options in the city. The area is known for its high-end boutiques, fine-dining restaurants, and upscale bars and clubs.

Cons:

1. High cost of living: Forest Hill is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Toronto, with a high cost of living. The properties in the area are also expensive, making it difficult for some people to afford to live here.
2. Traffic: Like many neighborhoods in Toronto, Forest Hill can experience heavy traffic on St Clair Ave West and Avenue Rd during peak hours. This can make commuting to work a challenge.
3. Limited nightlife: While there are some great restaurants and bars in Forest Hill, the neighborhood does not have a particularly vibrant nightlife scene. If you’re looking for a lively area with plenty of nightlife options, you may need to venture into other parts of the city.

Learn more about Toronto’s exclusive neighbourhoods with these posts next:

• Guide to Living in Yorkdale-Glen Park
• Your Guide to Living in Lytton Park
• 5 Bridle Path Mansions that are Architectural Wonders

Here are some of the pros and cons of living in the Bridle Path

Pros:

1. Exclusive location: The Bridle Path is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Toronto, with many of the properties owned by some of the city’s wealthiest residents. This makes it an ideal location for those who value exclusivity and privacy.
2. Large properties: The Bridle Path is known for its expansive properties and large mansions. This makes it an ideal location for those who value space and luxury.
3. Safety and quietude: The Bridle Path is a very quiet area close to the park and remote from major city streets. This makes it safe, secluded, and very quiet. The number of households is limited, so there is not much traffic on the streets. You will see only local vehicles passing by.

Cons:

1. High cost of living: The Bridle Path is the most expensive neighborhood in Toronto, with a high cost of living. The properties in the area are also very expensive, making it impossible for average people to afford to live here. The high prices for real estate are the reason why a specific demographic of like-minded people with very similar income levels lives in the neighborhood.
2. Limited amenities: While there are some great restaurants and shops in the area, the Bridle Path is not known for its amenities. The area is relatively quiet and secluded, which may not be ideal for those who value a vibrant community.
3. Limited public transportation: While the Bridle Path is located close to downtown, the area is not particularly well-served by public transportation. Residents usually have a few cars in the household and barely use public transportation. The Bridle Path creates a car-dependent lifestyle, which is well-compensated by the other benefits of this area.

In conclusion, both Forest Hill and Bridle Path offer a high-end living experience with unique features and advantages. Choosing between the two neighborhoods ultimately depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle. Whether you prefer a family-friendly community with a suburban feel or an exclusive enclave with unmatched luxury, Toronto has something for everyone. As a realtor in Toronto, I am here to help you find your dream home in your preferred neighborhood.