Excellent schools, being close to downtown and transit, easy access to the highways, and big lots with fully detached houses.

It’s quiet and family-friendly, with big trees. We love the original floors, the built-ins and mouldings, and the welcoming feel of the house.

It had been updated, but not gutted or made overly modern, so it kept its original charm.

By transit, several buses serve a stop one block away. It’s only two stops to St. Clair Station, and from there a short subway ride to the downtown hub and its connections. Driving is easy too, and so are cycling and walking.

There are options in every direction: west to St. Clair and Yonge, north to Davisville and Mount Pleasant, or east to Leaside. There are so many it’s hard to list them, and they’re all within a 10-minute drive or on a bus route.

The Don River trails are fantastic. Moorevale Park was a constant while the kids were growing up, from walks and playground visits to tennis lessons and day camps.

It’s so quiet. At night there’s no traffic or street noise at all. In the morning the birds are the loudest sound, and construction is limited in this neighbourhood. Out back, it can feel like you’re in the country; it’s so peaceful. The cardinals that have nested in our trees for generations are what we hear most!

Go for a walk in Mount Pleasant Cemetery. It has some of the most diverse trees and nature in the region.

Everything and anything you could need. It’s all within walking distance.

We walked to school from JK to Grade 8 at one top-rated school, Deer Park Public School, with excellent teachers, a pool, a gym and a huge playground. Private and Catholic schools are close by too, if you need them. The high schools in the district are top-notch, with several to choose from. We chose North Toronto Collegiate Institute for its strong academics, as well as its arts, music and athletics programs, and it was an easy, quick commute by transit or bicycle.