For over one hundred years Rosedale has held the distinction of being Toronto's most fashionable address. Many of Toronto's wealthiest and most prominent citizens reside in the Rosedale neighbourhood.

Rosedale was founded in 1824 when Sheriff William Botsford Jarvis purchased a 110-acre estate in what is now South Rosedale. His wife, Mary Jarvis was said to be impressed by the profusion of roses that dotted the hillsides around her estate, which led to the name Rosedale.

Mary's frequent walks and horseback rides through Rosedale blazed a trail for the meandering and winding streets that are today a Rosedale trademark. 

Both South and North Rosedale have earned the Heritage Conservation District status.  The inspired garden suburb street pattern, ravine topography, grand old homes and classical architecture of Rosedale merits this designation. Rosedale’s Victorian, Georgian, Tudor and Edwardian style mansions were built between 1860 and 1930. Many Rosedale homes are listed on the Toronto Historical Board's Inventory of Heritage Properties.

Rosedale residents living west of Mount Pleasant Road are within walking distance of the upscale shops and restaurants, located on Yonge Street, in the Summerhill area.

Rosedale is traversed by a network of ancient ravines, including the Vale of Avoca, Moore Park, Park Drive and Rosedale Valley ravines. The beautiful trails in these ravines are enjoyed by nature, and fitness enthusiasts alike.