Townhouses For Sale in Westbrook, Richmond Hill

Ravine streets west of Yonge

Westbrook's setting is defined by water. Several small rivers run through the neighbourhood, including a branch of the Don, and it sits on the edge of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Ravines shape the street pattern, and a lot of homes back onto green space.

The housing is mostly newer subdivisions of large detached brick homes, often on bigger-than-average lots. Townhouses are a smaller part of the mix, ranging from entry-level freehold rows to larger units. For buyers, a Westbrook townhouse is often a way into a neighbourhood they'd otherwise price out of.

That's especially true for families who want the parks and community centre but can't stretch to a large detached house. A townhouse here puts them on the same trails and in the same school catchments as their neighbours, with the option of moving up within the neighbourhood later.

Twickenham Park and the Trans Richmond Trail

Twickenham Park on Canyon Hill Avenue is Westbrook's largest green space, with a trail along a branch of the Don River, a wildflower meadow, a pond, a playground and picnic areas. Smaller neighbourhood parks include Alias Grace Park, Larratt Lea Park, Toll Bar Park and Rouge Crest Park.

The Trans Richmond Trail runs 3.7 kilometres along the East Don River and a tributary of the Rouge. For families and dog owners, it's a big part of daily life.

The Elgin West Community Centre and Pool on Bathurst Street has a leisure pool, a toddler pool, an ice rink for recreational skating and fitness programs.

Shopping at Rutherford and Elgin Mills

Westbrook is a car-oriented neighbourhood for errands. Rutherford Marketplace at Bathurst and Rutherford and the Elgin Mills Centre at Yonge and Elgin Mills cover most daily needs.

For commuting, York Region Transit runs to Finch station on Line 1, and Viva along major corridors connects to the subway and GO. Richmond Hill GO station is a short drive east. Driving downtown takes about half an hour with good traffic, and longer at rush hour.

Highway 400 to the west and the 404 to the east are both reachable, though neither is right next door. Test the commute at the hours you'll actually travel.

Ravine lots and freehold upkeep

Most Westbrook townhouses are freehold, with no condominium fee. The ravine setting adds a few specific checks:

• Lot backing. If a unit backs onto a ravine, ask about any restrictions from the conservation authority on fences, decks and tree removal.
• Drainage. Homes near slopes or watercourses may face drainage issues. Look at grading and the basement's history.
• Big-ticket items. Ask about the age of the roof, furnace, air conditioner and windows.
• Insurance. Check with your insurer about water and sewer backup coverage.

For downsizers, Westbrook townhouses tend to be larger and more stair-heavy than condominium complexes nearer Yonge. For families, they offer access to parks, trails and a community centre in a neighbourhood mostly made up of detached homes.

Schools are run by the York Region District School Board and the York Catholic District School Board. Use each board's locator for the exact address.

Westbrook's supply is modest. Compare the live data here with Jefferson just north, which shares a similar setting and style of housing.