[1] It is recognized as a millionaires' mile, alongside the other Toronto neighbourhoods of The Bridlepath, Forest Hill, and Rosedale.

The area once linked by radial railways (Metropolitan line and the successor North Yonge Railways) and Highway 11, now can be reached via Highway 401, GO Transit, and Toronto Transit Commission buses and York Mills station on the Yonge-University Spadina subway line.

The area was the site of a tragic accident on March 17, 1960, when five Italian construction workers on a water main project were killed in a tunnel fire.

Houses in York Mills are highly distinguishable and contribute greatly to the proclaimed affluence of the neighbourhood.

Designed by Stanley Thompson as an 18-hole course and later as 27 hole course,[6] it was sold to developers and now a residential area centred at Old Yonge Street and the Links Road.

South of York Mills Road and Yonge Street sits the sub-neighbourhood of Hoggs Hollow.

The directional slope and other natural features serve as identifiable landmarks, edges, and paths, making this area highly legible in terms of a Lynchian analysis.

As York Mills is a mainly residential neighbourhood, commercial activity occurs strictly at intersections of major arterials.

Having Highway 401 in such close proximity adds to the benefits of owning a car, as the degree of mobility to the rest of Toronto greatly increases.

As much of the land surrounding the major arterials are claimed by private residences, there is no room to develop along pedestrian paths and make walking a more appealing option.

Oriole GO Station is also situated in the northeast of the neighbourhood, providing access to GO Transit's regional commuter railway.