Long Branch

An early version of cottage country, Long Branch was a popular destination, with Etobicoke Creek and its attractive shoreline keeping city folks cool in summer months. The area was just far enough away to provide a ‘getaway’ from the downtown bustle, but close enough that even in the age of steamers you could get back and forth in a day if necessary. These days, it takes about 40 minutes on the Queen streetcar, which runs 24 hours right through the heart of the long, narrow neighbourhood.

Long Branch is located at the southwest edge of Toronto bordering Mississauga, a gateway community stretching along the beautiful waterfront area from Marie Curtis Park at 43rd Streets to Humber College at 22nd Street.

Houses south of Lake Shore are, as you might expect, more expensive (the median price is approximately $600,000) than those just north (where selling prices start from $350,000+); although the housing stock is almost identical, landscaping and general maintenance are better closer to the water. Lake Promenade, which follows the shoreline, is the area’s poshest street, though a good number of the houses on the south side (their backyards directly on the shore) are quite modest. Despite the amenities of Long Branch, the population dropped by more than seven per cent between the past two censuses. But with its low housing prices and easy access to transit (there is a GO station), and gas prices going the way they’re going, the neighbourhood is due for an influx.

If there’s an average Long Branch residence, it’s the 1,000-square-foot detached bungalow. However, housing runs the gamut, ranging from seven-figure waterfront homes to the smaller bungalow or 1-½ storey houses just north of Lakeshore. There is an abundance of rental apartments in seven-storey complexes with rent starting around $700 a month. There are also duplexes, and small two- and three-storey apartment buildings.

With new condo developments being built along Lakeshore Boulevard and other bold business initiatives this area is transforming into another trendy neighbourhood.
The “Village” has many recreational and sport facilities in the area, including the new state-of-the-art Lion’s Club Recreational and Training Arena. This facility will have four ice pads — three NHL-size pads and one Olympic-size pads, will seat 1,000 spectators, and features a full service restaurant that is open to the public, pro shop and community meeting rooms.
There is a public library, four elementary schools, two secondary schools and several places of worship. In addition to many parks, residents also enjoy traveling the Waterfront Trail and events at the Assembly Hall, art centres, a vibrant shopping district, full of eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and professional services.

Over the last fifteen years, improvements to the streetscape have been made such as custom lamp posts, seasonal banners, beautiful large planter boxes, new street signs and trash receptacles.

From this quaint corner of Etobicoke, you can easily access several major highways, two Go Transit train stations, TTC streetcars and the Toronto International Airport.

Looking to buy, sell or lease a home in Long Branch? Please call Gillian Tenneson, Coldwell Banker Terrequity Realty – 416-495-2267