If you’re raising a young basketball player in Toronto, finding the right neighbourhood is essential. It’s not just about location—it’s about access to great basketball courts, strong schools, and thriving AAU teams, all within a community that fits your family’s budget. In this guide, we’ll explore Toronto’s top three neighbourhoods for basketball families, each offering affordable homes and unique opportunities for young hoopers.
What Makes a Neighbourhood Great for Basketball Families?
When choosing a neighbourhood for your family, especially if you’re raising the next NBA or NCAA star, here are the key factors to consider:
- Basketball Courts: Both indoor and outdoor options for year-round play.
- Strong Schools: High schools and prep programs with a history of basketball success.
- AAU Teams: Access to thriving rep teams for advanced skill development.
- Affordable Homes: Family-friendly housing options, whether condos or freehold homes.
- Transit and Accessibility: Easy access to games, practices, and tournaments across the city—and beyond.
Top 3 Neighbourhoods for Basketball Families in Toronto
Neighbourhood #3: Waterfront/Liberty Village
If you want to balance urban living with basketball opportunities, Waterfront and Liberty Village is where it’s at. This neighbourhood combines access to great basketball facilities with the convenience of downtown living.
- Courts: Harbourfront Basketball Court, Canoe Landing rooftop courts, Stanley Park Courts.
- Schools: Central Tech High 5 Prep Academy, Jarvis Collegiate.
- AAU Teams: DFA (Downtown’s Finest), Toronto Lords, Nu Step Basketball.
- Transit: Walking distance to Union Station and Billy Bishop Airport, perfect for GTA and U.S. basketball trips.
- Market Stats:
- 42 family-sized condos priced under Toronto’s average home price.
- Average price: $855,367, median: $862,500, 29 days on market.
“If you’re interested in seeing what’s currently available in Waterfront/Liberty Village, reach out for a tailored list of family-friendly homes!”
Neighbourhood #2: Eglinton West/St. Clair West
Eglinton West and St. Clair West bring basketball culture and community together. With deep basketball roots and a strong sense of community, this neighbourhood is perfect for raising young hoopers.
- Courts: Walter Saunders Memorial, Bert Robinson, Earlscourt, Oakwood, Rawlinson.
- Schools: Oakwood Collegiate (back-to-back OFSAA champs), Uchenna Academy Prep.
- AAU Teams: Grassroots Canada (founded by Ro Russell), Ballmatics, Toronto Triple Threat, Basketball World Toronto.
- Transit: The Crosstown LRT will soon provide seamless access across Toronto.
- Market Stats:
- 36 family-sized homes priced under Toronto’s average home price.
- Freehold homes: Average $881,644, median $875,000, 34 days on market.
- Condos: Average $740,790, median $730,000, 26 days on market.
Neighbourhood #1: Scarborough Town Centre
Scarborough is setting the standard for basketball families in Toronto. With elite basketball programs, excellent facilities, and affordable homes, it’s the gold standard for raising young hoopers.
- Courts: Pan Am Centre, Playground Scarborough, Kings Court, Ellesmere Courts, Confederation Park.
- Schools: Royal Crown Academy (top prep program in Canada), Bond Academy, William Academy, Mother Teresa, Malvern CI.
- AAU Teams: Scarborough Blues, Northern Kings, Canada Elite, Triple Balance, Team Sanctuary, Top Tier.
- Transit: Easy access to the 401 and TTC routes for seamless city-wide travel.
- Market Stats:
- 58 family-sized homes priced under Toronto’s average home price.
- Freehold homes: Average $926,050, median $904,000, 17 days on market.
- Condos: Average $690,100, median $680,000, 41 days on market.
My Story as a Basketball Dad in Toronto
As a parent of two young hoopers, I understand the challenges of raising basketball kids in Toronto. Therefore, my wife and I sometimes considered moving to the suburbs for better facilities and programs. However, Toronto’s vibrant basketball culture and family-friendly neighbourhoods ultimately kept us here.
It hasn’t been perfect—both my sons play for suburban AAU teams, which means lots of commuting—but the opportunities and diversity Toronto offers are unmatched. I’d love to hear your story if you’re in a similar situation. Why did you stay in the city, or why did you leave? Share your experiences in the comments!
Find Your Family’s Perfect Basketball Neighbourhood
Whether you’re looking for a family-sized condo in Waterfront/Liberty Village, a freehold home in Eglinton/St. Clair West, or the perfect mix of value and opportunity in Scarborough, I can help.
📩 Get in touch to see current listings or book a consultation:
Email: [email protected]
Calendly: [Link to Booking]
Key Takeaways:
- Toronto has some of the best neighbourhoods for basketball families, each offering a unique mix of courts, schools, and homes.
- Affordable homes and condos are available in each of these hotspots—if you know where to look.
- Raising young hoopers in Toronto comes with challenges, but the rewards are worth it.
