St Andrews & York Mills Homes | Explore the Neighborhood

Welcome To St Andrews & York Mills

History of St Andrews & York Mills

“York” makes reference to the former Town of York – the forerunner to modern day Toronto and “Mills” refers to the grist and saw mills that churned in this valley from 1804 until 1926. During this period of industry York Mills was a busy place. It included a distillery, a tannery, a blacksmith shop, three churches, a school, a post office, a toll gate and the Jolly Miller Tavern which is still standing today at 3885 Yonge Street. Another York Mills landmark is St.John’s Anglican Church which began in 1816. The original log church was replaced by the present day white brick church in 1844. The church bells of St.John’s still ring out over the valley every day at noon cheerfully piercing the monotone roar of the traffic below on Yonge Street. York Mills’ transition from a rural hamlet to a residential neighbourhood began in the 1930’s on the ridge of the hill near St. John’s Church, and in the Hedgewood Road area south of York Mills Road. St. Andrew’s College, a venerable boys private school owned the land east of Old Yonge Street over to Bayview Avenue during the early 1920’s before moving north to Aurora in 1924. The former St. Andrew’s College grounds were then purchased by St. Andrew’s Estates which operated a championship golf course at this site until the 1950’s when the club was sold to developers. St. Andrew’s Park, Tournament Park and local street names including Foursome and Lower Links, are reminders that this part of York Mills was once a golf course.Ed

Note: E.P. Taylor, a giant in the archives of Canadian business, oversaw the development of York Mills Plaza in 1952 and was responsible for subdividing much of York Mills east of Bayview Avenue.

Overview

York Mills is one of Toronto’s most affluent neighbourhoods. Its mills are long gone replaced by shining office towers and luxury condominiums. Its main arterial roadways including Yonge Street and Bayview Avenue – which were once impassable by car, now serve as major roadways to and from the city core. Yet, despite all these changes York Mills has managed to maintain a peaceful tranquility and natural beauty that has helped make it one of Toronto’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

Educational Institutions and Opportunities

York Mills boasts a range of educational facilities catering to various age groups and educational needs. The neighbourhood is home to several highly regarded public and private schools, making it an ideal location for families prioritizing education. Public schools in the area, such as York Mills Collegiate Institute, are known for their strong academic programs and extracurricular activities. Additionally, prestigious private schools like The Toronto French School offer bilingual and international baccalaureate programs. The proximity to these educational institutions adds to the appeal of York Mills for families seeking quality education for their children.

Community and Cultural Engagement

The community of York Mills is rich in cultural and social activities, fostering a strong sense of belonging among residents. The neighbourhood hosts various community events and festivals throughout the year, which are often held in local parks or community centers. These events provide an excellent opportunity for residents to engage with their neighbours and celebrate diverse cultures. The York Mills branch of the Toronto Public Library is a hub of community activity, offering programs for all ages, including book clubs, educational workshops, and storytelling sessions for children. This vibrant community life contributes significantly to the quality of life in York Mills.

Real Estate Market Trends

York Mills continues to be one of Toronto's most sought-after neighbourhoods, reflected in its robust real estate market. Over recent years, the area has seen a steady increase in property values, driven by its desirable location, large lots, and the prestige associated with the neighbourhood. The market here is characterized by a mix of luxury single-family homes, new custom-built estates, and upscale condominiums. While the area retains many of its original homes from the mid-20th century, there's a growing trend of redevelopment, where older homes are being replaced with new, larger residences. This rejuvenation of the housing stock is attracting a mix of established families and affluent professionals, further solidifying York Mills' reputation as a premier Toronto neighbourhood.

Lifestyle

York Mills Plaza is conveniently located at the south-west intersection of Bayview Avenue and York Mills Road. This popular outdoor shopping plaza is anchored by a large drug store, and a supermarket. York Mills Plaza also features an international restaurant, a wine shop, small specialty retail stores and a fine selection of gourmet food shops. The Bayview Village Shopping Centre is located at the north-east corner of Bayview and Sheppard Avenues. This upscale shopping centre caters to the affluent York Mills market with several designer clothing and accessory stores, gift shops, a magazine and book shop, jewellery stores, and an excellent selection of restaurants. The York Mills Centre located on the north-east corner of Yonge Street and York Mills Road has about a dozen retail shops and professional services in addition to medical offices and a food court. St. Andrew’s Square on Tournament Drive is a handy little shopping plaza that features a quaint courtyard of stores including a bank, dry cleaners, a video store, a restaurant, a veterinary clinic and professional and medical offices.

Homes

York Mills is famous for its expansive properties, century old trees and lush landscape. All of these trademarks form the perfect backdrop for the executive-style houses found in this neighbourhood. The original York Mills housing stock dates from the late 1920’s to the 1960’s. There are pockets of Tudor inspired manor houses, English Cottage style designs, and contemporary designs. There are also large numbers of ranch-style bungalows and split-level houses which are gradually being replaced by large new custom-built homes. York Mills also has its share of luxury condominium apartment buildings that have recently been built on the well treed hills around the Yonge Street and York Mills Road intersection. The Bayview Mills condominium townhouses located at the north-east corner of Bayview Avenue and York Mills Road provide entry level prices into this exclusive neighbourhood.

Recreation

The multi-faceted York Mills Park, located at the south-east corner of York Mills Road and Bayview Avenue is well used in the summertime for a variety of pursuits. There is an outdoor pool for recreational swimming, a children’s playground, and a baseball diamond with recreational house leagues. This park also provides access to Windfield’s Park which has an attractive footpath through a ravine valley that follows the winding course of Wilkett Creek, a tributary of the Don River. York Mills Park is also the home of the York Mills Arena. This arena is busy year-round with organized hockey leagues, as well as power and pleasure skating. There are many parks located north of York Mills and west of Bayview Avenue. The largest of these neighbourhood parks is St. Andrew’s Park which features a mini valley and lush greenspace that is popular for walks and light recreational pursuits. Tournament Park located next to St. Andrew’s Square features tennis courts and an active tennis club program.

Why Live in St. Andrews & York Mills, Ontario

Living in St. Andrews and York Mills means enjoying one of Toronto's most prestigious and beautifully established residential enclaves — where grand estate homes, mature tree canopies, and a genuine neighbourhood quietude coexist with excellent connectivity to the city's finest schools, amenities, and employment corridors. These neighbourhoods sit in the heart of North York, offering residents a refined retreat that feels removed from urban density while remaining well within reach of everything Toronto offers.

Residents enjoy boutique shopping and dining along Yonge Street, convenient access to the York Mills Valley trail system and Brookbanks Park for outdoor recreation, and some of the city's most sought-after private and public school options. TTC subway access at York Mills and Lawrence stations, combined with proximity to the DVP and 401, makes commuting throughout the GTA genuinely practical for executives, professionals, and families alike.

Who Lives Here

St. Andrews and York Mills attract residents who place a premium on privacy, architectural distinction, and a prestigious North Toronto address.

Families

Top-ranked public and private schools — including Crescent School, Toronto French School, and strong TDSB options — make these neighbourhoods among Toronto's most family-driven luxury markets.

Executives and Business Leaders

The neighbourhood's established prestige, generous lot sizes, and access to the financial district via the DVP consistently attract C-suite professionals and entrepreneurs.

Long-Term Residents

Many families have remained for generations, contributing to the neighbourhood's deep sense of community continuity and stability.

Retirees and Downsizers

Quiet streets, walkable amenities, and access to premium healthcare make St. Andrews and York Mills a natural choice for retirees seeking elegance without compromise.

Luxury Buyers

Buyers seeking significant estate properties — many exceeding 10,000 square feet on ravine or oversized lots — consistently target this corridor as one of Toronto's most enduring luxury addresses.

Buying and Renting Tips

For Buyers

Inventory in St. Andrews and York Mills is limited and moves discreetly — many significant properties transact off-market. Working with a local luxury specialist with established neighbourhood relationships is essential
Lot size, ravine exposure, and proximity to specific schools drive meaningful price variation between adjacent streets. Hyper-local comparable analysis matters more than neighbourhood-wide averages.
Many homes are older estate properties — commission thorough inspections covering foundation, mechanical systems, roofing, and any heritage or conservation overlay restrictions before purchasing.

For Renters

Rental inventory is scarce and skews toward luxury single-family homes at premium price points.
Properties near York Mills subway, private school corridors, and the DVP access points are most competitive and move quickly.

Factors to Consider When Buying

Ravine and Conservation Restrictions:

Properties backing onto the York Mills or Wilket Creek ravine corridors carry TRCA conservation overlays that govern additions, landscaping, and any work near the ravine edge. Understand these restrictions before purchasing with renovation intentions.

School Access:

Proximity to Crescent, Toronto French School, and other top private institutions significantly influences demand and long-term resale value in this market.

Lot Size and Setbacks:

Large lots are the neighbourhood's defining asset, but Toronto's lot coverage and setback rules limit how much of a larger parcel can be built upon. Review zoning specifics before any addition or rebuild project.

Long-Term Investment:

Limited supply, persistent luxury demand, and the neighbourhood's enduring reputation among Toronto's most established families support stable long-term values.

Factors to Consider When Selling

Target Buyer Profile:

Most buyers are multi-generational families, executives, and international purchasers seeking trophy estate properties. Lead with architectural distinction, lot quality, school proximity, and the neighbourhood's prestige narrative.

Presentation:

Updated kitchens and primary suites, well-maintained landscaping, and preserved architectural details consistently move the needle on both pace and price at this tier.

Pricing Strategy:

Comparable sales in St. Andrews and York Mills require careful interpretation — ravine versus interior lot, renovation quality, and specific street position all drive meaningful price differences. Off-market transaction history must be accounted for.

Professional Marketing:

Architectural photography, cinematic video, and storytelling that captures the estate scale and neighbourhood character are non-negotiable for attracting the qualified buyer pool this market attracts.

St. Andrews & York Mills, Ontario Real Estate FAQ

What is the average home price in St. Andrews & York Mills?

As of early 2026, home prices typically range from approximately CAD $3 million to well over CAD $15 million for premier estate properties on larger or ravine lots. The neighbourhood consistently ranks among Toronto's highest-priced residential markets.

What types of homes are available?

Primarily large detached estate homes — Georgian, Tudor, Contemporary, and custom-built — on generous lots, many with ravine exposure. Townhome and condominium inventory is extremely limited; this is overwhelmingly a single-family estate market.

Is St. Andrews & York Mills good for families?

Yes. Access to some of Toronto's most prestigious private schools alongside strong public school options, safe residential streets, park and trail access, and a deeply family-oriented community character make it one of the GTA's premier family neighbourhoods.

How are the commuting options?

York Mills and Lawrence TTC subway stations provide direct access to downtown Toronto. The DVP and Highway 401 connect residents to the broader GTA road network efficiently. Most residents also rely on personal vehicles for daily convenience given the neighbourhood's lower-density character.

What is the lifestyle like?

Refined, private, and community-oriented — estate-scale living on generous lots with mature landscapes, proximity to the ravine trail system, convenient access to Yonge Street amenities, and the particular quiet that comes from a neighbourhood where residents have deliberately chosen permanence over transience.

Is St. Andrews & York Mills a good place to retire?

Yes. The combination of estate-scale single-floor living options, proximity to world-class healthcare at Sunnybrook and North York General, walkable Yonge Street amenities, and the neighbourhood's genuine tranquility make it an exceptional retirement address for those who want Toronto's finest residential setting without urban density.