As every entrepreneur knows, consumer’s needs create markets and markets give life to businesses. In this community, the consumer market is diverse, often contradictory and constantly changing. Depending who you talk to, South Riverdale is either perceived as the ‘next big thing’ with untapped business opportunity geared towards an ‘upmarket’ crowd; or as a lower income area flush with marginal businesses appealing to an ‘edgy’ population. In some ways, both perceptions are accurate. From new immigrant families to gay couples, from single mothers with children to young urban professionals, Riverside’s surrounding market reflects a range of alternative lifestyles, mixed incomes and various ethnic backgrounds.

• household income map
• full demographics

Historically, South Riverdale has been the blue-collar cousin to the more expensive housing and higher incomes north of Gerrard Street. However, the gap between the two areas is diminishing. According to the Toronto Real Estate Board, Riverdale is currently one of the top five areas within the GTA for appreciation of residential property values in 2004. It is consistently among the most active real estate markets across the city with average prices for detached houses currently in the mid-300’s. You just need to look at the going rate of a semi on Logan Avenue or a unit in the new Broadview Lofts to understand that a wealthier market has arrived in South Riverdale.

• real estate statistics