East York has a number of different style of houses because homes were built over such a long period of time in the neighbourhood. There are detached and semi-detached homes, bungalows, and even high-rise buildings in the area.

There are a number of places for shoppers to go in this area, for most every need. Woodbine, Greenwood, Coxwell, Pape and Donlands Avenues all have plenty of shops, restaurants, and stores to satisfy most needs. One can also go to Danforth Avenue to hit Greektown for a wider range of shopping options.

Although East York is not considered a suburb of Toronto anymore, it still has that close-knit neighbourhood feel. There is the East York Tennis Club, Dentonia Park Tennis Club & Golf Course, the local highschool, East York Collegiate, has tennis courts as well. In the area, one can also find numerous baseball diamonds, swimming pools, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Not only that, but there is a paved trail that is used for joggers, cyclists and walkers alike. The East York Community Centre is home to many sports facilities as well and hosts different teams and clubs.

In 1924, when East York officially became a Township, it was full of gardens, brick making yards and a horseracing track. The people who lived in the area were mainly people who worked at the yards and the track, and World War I veterans. However, starting in 1946, housing in the area began to grow rapidly. Until 1998, East York considered itself an outskirt of Toronto, proud of its small-town and friendly feel. That year, it officially became a part of the City of Toronto.