The neighbourhood was originally a collection of farming hamlets in the early 19th century and takes its name from the Don Valley in Yorkshire, UK.

[citation needed] The plot of land formed between the divergent lanes is the site of Woodbine Junior High School, Woodbine Public Arena, Oriole Park and the Oriole Community Resource Centre, Georges Vanier Secondary School, and the "Peanut Plaza" shopping centre.

[citation needed] Don Valley Village contains low- to middle-income housing, and is home to many new Canadian immigrants, including those of Romanian, Armenian, Chinese, Caribbean, Indian, African, or Middle Eastern descent.

It is home to four notable housing projects (Sparrowways, Villaways, Allenbury Gardens, and Brahms), which comprises "4 Corners."

Opened in 1970, Fairview Mall is a large shopping centre located in Don Valley Village.

Several major roadways serve as the neighbourhood's boundaries, including Sheppard Avenue to the south, and Highway 404 to the east.

Other major roadways that pass through the neighbourhood include Finch Avenue, and Don Mills Road.

Line 4 Sheppard of the Toronto subway is accessible from Don Mills station, adjacent to Fairview Mall.