The neighbourhood is very green, with many trees and some of the largest gardens and yards in Toronto, and it has a very active nightlife, with many "hip" and urban restaurants scattered along Bloor and College.

Dufferin Grove's semi-detached and detached houses are larger than those found in most downtown Toronto neighbourhoods.

In 1834, with the city encroaching at their doorstep, the Denisons decided to clear the dense forest covering their property, and began cultivating this land.

In the west (and to an extent east) end of the neighbourhood there is a large population of Portuguese, spreading out from Little Portugal located to the south-west.

The area has a larger than average population (compared to the rest of Toronto) in the age groups between 25–39, according to 2006 census data.