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The Best Areas to Consider for Living in Toronto

24 July, 2024
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Toronto offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Whether you’re a family looking for a community-oriented environment or a young professional seeking a bustling urban life, Toronto has a place for you. In this guide, we will explore some of the best areas to live in Toronto, highlighting the unique features and considerations of each neighbourhood. We’ll also showcase housing options and latest new developments in Toronto to give you a glimpse of what’s available.

1. Rosedale-Moore Park

Rosedale-Moore Park is one of Toronto’s most affluent neighbourhoods, known for its lush greenery, historic homes, and excellent schools. It offers a serene environment that feels removed from the city’s hustle and bustle while still being close to downtown.

Advantages

  • Beautiful parks and green spaces
  • Prestigious schools and educational institutions
  • Quiet and peaceful residential area

Considerations

  • High living costs
  • Limited nightlife and entertainment options
  • Scarcity of condos/apartments

New Developments

  • No. 7 Dale Avenue

In the historic Rosedale neighbourhood, new developments are rare. Currently, residential project No. 7 Dale Avenue is almost finished. It features 26 private ravine residences on a quiet tree-lined street, designed to preserve 150-year-old trees. Located at 7 Dale Ave, the low-rise building offers suites ranging from 2000 to over 5000 sq.ft., with tentative 2024 occupancy. Amenities include a 24-hour concierge, chef’s kitchen, spa, fitness studio, private trainer room, lounge with kitchenette, bicycle lockers, and a tea house overlooking the ravine.

 

2. The Annex

The Annex is a lively and eclectic neighbourhood popular among students, academics, and young professionals. It boasts a mix of historic homes and modern condos, with vibrant cultural and social scenes. Its rough boundaries are at Dupont & Bathurst in the northwest and Avenue & Bloor St W in the southeast.

Advantages

  • Proximity to the University of Toronto, several subway stations, and the Royal Ontario Museum
  • Diverse dining and entertainment options
  • Well-connected public transportation

Considerations

  • Busy streets and higher noise levels
  • Competition for rental properties

New Developments

  • ANX Condos

At Dupont & Spadina (328 Dupont St), near Casa Loma and Dupont Station, a 13-storey condominium by FREED Developments with curved balconies is underway. ANX (pronounced “Annex”) Condos offer 1 to 3.5 bedroom suites from 740 to 1443 sq.ft. with units starting at $1.3M.

The Annex is vibrant, with green spaces, cycling trails, and Bloor Street’s energy. It’s home to many renowned professionals. With a high Walk Score and bike lanes on St. George, Davenport, and Bloor, it’s a great midtown starting point for reaching the Beltline or Lake Ontario.

  • CIELO

Located at 300 Bloor St W, Cielo by Collecdev offers luxury living in the heart of the Annex. This residence combines modern design with the historic 19th-century Bloor Street United Church. Steps from Mink Mile’s designer boutiques, the University of Toronto, and top restaurants, it offers 1 to 3 bedroom suites starting at $1.2M. With Spadina and St George subway stations nearby, you can reach almost any part of the Greater Toronto Area easily. Cielo Residences provide stunning views over tree-lined Victorian streets, blending historic charm with modern luxury.

 

3. Liberty Village

Liberty Village is a trendy and fast-growing neighbourhood that attracts young professionals with its industrial-chic vibe and proximity to downtown Toronto. It offers a range of lofts, condos, and townhouses, along with numerous dining and entertainment options. 

Notable attractions include the Liberty Market Building, a hub for shops and eateries; Lamport Stadium, hosting various sports events; Exhibition Place, home to trade shows, concerts, and the annual Canadian National Exhibition (CNE); and BMO Field, where you can catch soccer and football games. Residents also benefit from being close to the lakefront, with easy access to parks and waterfront trails.

Advantages

  • Vibrant community with a young demographic
  • Modern housing options
  • Lots of shopping and dining options

Considerations

  • Can be crowded during peak hours as there are many attractions/events in this area
  • Many pet-owners, parks can get messy

New Developments

  • Liberty Yard

Liberty Yard is a pre-construction development that’s been proposed to bring 2 mixed-use condominium buildings to Liberty Village at 61 Hanna Ave. The builder, First Capital, has completed many buildings in the GTA and are planning to revitalize their current site, Shops at King Liberty, into Liberty Yard. Besides residential apartments, expect offices and retail as part of the buildings too.

 

4. Riverdale

Riverdale is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, picturesque streets, and vibrant parks. It is an ideal neighbourhood for families, offering a mix of Victorian homes and modern houses, along with excellent schools and community amenities. This neighbourhood offers a place for individuals to plant their roots and grow. Located between Cabbagetown, the Danforth, Broadview Avenue, and Leslieville, it’s a pocket-sized gem that seems to pay tribute to the simple pleasures of everyday life without losing the everyday luxuries of Toronto city-life.

Advantages

  • Great schools and parks
  • Strong sense of community
  • Variety of housing options

Considerations

  • Limited nightlife
  • Farther away from the downtown core
  • Depending on exact location, you may be not be within walking distance of a subway station

New Developments

  • Biblio Lofts

Biblio Lofts currently under construction at 761 Queen Street East, Toronto, by NVSBLE Development, is set to be completed in 2025. This boutique condo community is located between Riverdale and Leslieville, next to the historic Queen & Saulter Library.

Designed for both quiet and lively moments, BIBLIO offers 30 luxurious loft-style condos. The award-winning project promises elegant living spaces that blend seamlessly with the creative vibe of the area.

 

5. Leslieville

Leslieville is a trendy neighbourhood known for its artistic vibe, independent shops, and vibrant food scene. It attracts young professionals and families alike, offering a mix of historic homes and new developments.

Advantages

  • Hip and trendy atmosphere
  • Excellent dining and shopping options
  • Close-knit community

Considerations

  • Rising property prices
  • Limited parking

New Developments

  • Queen & Ashbridge

Experience urban living at its finest with Context and RioCan Living’s new development, offering 366 units across 17 storeys, set for fall 2024 occupancy. Located with the 501 Streetcar at your doorstep and downtown Toronto just a bike ride away, Queen & Ashbridge condos  feature a range of amenities. Enjoy The Bridge Lounge lobby, The Coast Club’s fitness centre, and the rooftop Sky Club with an outdoor terrace. Additional features include coworking spaces, guest suites, concierge services, and a lush courtyard known as The Valley. Discover luxury and connectivity in one of Toronto’s most anticipated residential projects.

The Poet

Inspired by Queen Street’s energy and Leslieville’s charm, The Poet is a modern 6-storey residence by Fielgate Urban, featuring 66 condos, 3 townhomes, and commercial space. With units starting from the mid-$900s, it offers stepped terraces and recessed balconies that blend with the neighbourhood. Residents have direct laneway access to Maple Leaf Forever Park, with many suites overlooking it.

Amenities include a party room, media room, fitness centre, BBQ area, and a landscaped roof terrace. Conveniently located, the 24-hour Queen Streetcar is right outside, and future transit expansions will enhance connectivity. The Poet provides a balanced urban lifestyle with modern comforts and a warm community feel.

Conclusion

Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods offer something for everyone, from the quiet and affluent streets of Rosedale-Moore Park to the vibrant and trendy Liberty Village. Each area has its unique charm and set of advantages, making it essential to consider your lifestyle and priorities when choosing where to live. Whether you’re a family seeking a community-oriented environment or a young professional looking for a lively urban experience, Toronto has a neighbourhood that will feel like home.

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