Mel's Insights:

There's a sneaking little road that runs from downtown London and goes all the way to White Oaks. Throughout the stretch, it goes by four different names: what starts as Ridout Street turns into Upper Queen Street, which turns into Nixon Ave. which turns into Ernest Ave. No matter what your direction you're heading, once you hit the Upper Queen Street area and start witnessing the ridiculously large lot sizes, you know you've hit something special: welcome to the Highland neighbourhood!

The Highland neighbourhood sits right between Old South and White Oaks, giving it easy access to both the downtown core and the 401 highway. It includes 4 blocks north of Baseline Road, an area that is more often associated with the Old South neighbourhood. To the east of the neighbourhood you'll find the London Health Sciences Centre and Parkwood Institute (part of St. Joseph's Health Care) making this neighbourhood a convenient option for anyone working at those locations.

The Highland neighbourhood has an excellent balance of shopping along its main corridors and has a number of large parks scattered throughout the area, making it perfect for families. Sitting in the center of the Highland neighbourhood is its jewel: the Highland Country Club. Funny enough, most Londoners are well aware of its presence, but to an outsider, you would have no idea that it's an 107 acre green space hidden in the middle of the city. Not only is it known for being a top-notch golf course, but the club also has curling and hosts weddings and other events.

The housing in the Highland neighbourhood ranges from apartments, townhouses to single-family residential. There are some stunning properties along Upper Queen Street, Commissioners Road, Ridout Street and Baseline Road, that boast lot of character and, at times, sprawling, country-esque lots.

Highland is an excellent neighbourhood for families and is home to one of my favourite restaurants in London: the Dawghouse Pub & Eatery. The Dawghouse is a great place to gather with friends for a drink and dinner on the weekends. Best of all, they have great live music every Friday night!

Parks in the area include: Mitches Park, Cleardale Park, Winblest Park, and the Earl Nichols Recreation Centre has a triple pad arena. There are a number of quality schools in the neighbourhood as well, including: Arthur Ford Public School, Mountsfield Public School, Sir Georges Etienne Cartier Public School, Sir Isaac Brock Junior Public School and St. Jude Catholic Elementary School.