Forest Hill South
Location & Borough
Forest Hill South is the prestigious southern portion of the Forest Hill neighbourhood in the City of Toronto borough, roughly between Eglinton Avenue West to the south and Lonsdale Road/Clarendon Avenue to the north, bounded by Avenue Road to the east and Spadina Road to the west. This is one of Toronto's wealthiest enclaves, with grand Tudor-revival and Georgian homes on winding, tree-lined streets that were designed to recall English garden suburbs.
Character & Vibe
Forest Hill South has an unambiguous identity: wealth, privacy, and architectural grandeur. The neighbourhood was incorporated as its own municipality until 1967 specifically to exclude Toronto's social services and poorer residents. That legacy persists in the physical fabric: private tennis clubs, an architecturally coherent streetscape of large family homes, and a quiet that feels maintained rather than accidental. The Jewish community — particularly the Conservative and Reform streams — has a strong presence here, anchored by several major synagogues along Bathurst. Renters are almost exclusively high-income professionals or executives.
Transit
Four subway stations and 35 bus stops give reasonable transit access considering the neighbourhood's residential character. The Spadina and Yonge lines both serve the area. The 32 Eglinton West bus connects westward.
Landmarks & Amenities
Sixteen dining options along the Spadina-Forest Hill Village corridor, 4 grocers including specialty food shops, and 4 healthcare facilities. Five schools including Upper Canada College (private) and Bishop Strachan School (private all-girls). Two fitness studios.
Parks & Green Space
Eight parks including Cedarvale Ravine and the Forest Hill Road Park. The neighbourhood's private green space — large private lots with mature trees — is arguably the most significant "green" feature, even if not publicly accessible.
Dining & Nightlife
Forest Hill Village — the small commercial strip along Spadina Road — has upscale cafés, wine boutiques, and fine dining. Sixteen restaurants total with no nightlife venues, consistent with the neighbourhood's residential orientation.
Schools
Five schools, including Upper Canada College (Canada's most prestigious private boys' school) and Bishop Strachan. Forest Hill Collegiate Institute is the coveted public school in this catchment.
Rental Market
With 76 listings, average rent is $4,193 — the second-highest in this batch — and median is $2,700. The extreme range of $715–$30,000 reflects the coexistence of basement apartments in converted houses and exclusive estate rentals. The average is skewed dramatically upward by luxury listings. Budget renters can find basement units in the $1,500–$2,200 range.
Who It's Best For
Executives on relocation packages who want Toronto's most prestigious address. Families targeting Upper Canada College or Bishop Strachan admissions proximity. High-income professionals who value neighbourhood prestige and architectural quality above all else.
