For anyone moving to a new, relatively unknown city, it can be challenging to know where to start when choosing your ideal neighbourhood. Are you planning a move to Toronto? If so, which are the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for you?
Why Should I Move To Toronto?
Toronto lies on the shore of Lake Ontario and is easily the largest city in Canada. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and very popular with immigrants.
People are drawn to the city’s fast-paced and dynamic urban culture, but the biggest attraction is the availability of great jobs and business opportunities.
In addition, Toronto has some of Canada’s best public transportation, hospitals, and social facilities. There are also concert halls, museums, cultural centers, and sports venues to suit everyone.
Is Property Expensive In Toronto?
Property is expensive in Toronto, both by Canadian and global standards. For example, the average cost of a home in Greater Toronto is around $1.15 million, almost double the national average of $630,000. Only Vancouver’s real estate is more expensive in Canada.
Property prices reduce as you move away from Toronto’s downtown district, and the city’s excellent public transport system means that commuting into the city is an option chosen by many. Here are some of our top choices of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto.
The Annex
The Annex is located in Toronto’s West End, at the boundary of what is considered the downtown district. It is known for its tree-lined streets, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, vibrant arts scene, and quaint shops and pubs.
The area originally developed as a student town populated mainly by the faculty and students of the University of Toronto. However, the area has evolved to attract young people from different backgrounds.
It is one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for young professionals and couples, though the small property sizes may not be ideal for families with kids. Many of the shops have student-friendly prices so that you can eat out frequently on a small budget. It is also close to three subway stations for a fast commute.
Roncesvalles
Called “Roncy” by the locals, this neighbourhood encompasses the areas around Roncesvalles Avenue up to the West End. It is very family-friendly and dog-friendly, and many people who move into this area will stay here for decades; it’s a great place to settle down and raise your kids and grandkids.
Roncesvalles is very picturesque, with Victorian-style homes and plenty of greenery. The streets are lined with shops, restaurants, and more coffee shops and patisseries than you can count.
As for recreation, the community hangout is Sorauren Avenue Park. It has playgrounds, picnic areas, sports facilities (including a soccer field and baseball diamond), dog parks, skating rinks, and much more.
Roncesvalles is also commuter-friendly. It is well-served by bike lanes and has several public transport options for reaching downtown. Neighbouring districts such as High Park, Brockton, Little Portugal, and Bloor West offer additional recreational, shopping, and dining options.
Kensington-Chinatown
Kensington is one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for people looking for a lively area with a strong bohemian vibe, lots of food, and plenty of Asian culture. Most properties here are condos and small apartments tucked behind the storefronts and cafes that line the main roads.
In this area, you are only a few steps away from the action. There are plenty of indie music shops, artisanal cafes, and boutiques that sell crafts or clothes made by the locals. Aside from the iconic Kensington Market (considered the “bohemian heart” of the country), it’s also right next to Chinatown, where you can find fresh ingredients at low prices and affordable restaurants.
Some will find this neighbourhood a little noisy. It will probably appeal to students, young professionals, or people who love the energy of a bustling city. However, it may not be the best choice for families with young kids or retirees.
Bloordale Village
Bloordale is one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for young families or busy couples.
You don’t have to go far to get what you need. Dufferin, the community mall, is a one-stop shop for all your personal and household items and even has a large Walmart. There are also plenty of restaurants, bars, and a brewery – perfect for date nights or dinner with friends.
Bloordale also attracted a lot of artists and art lovers, thanks to the Mercer Union Center for Contemporary Art. Many stores sell local art, antiques, and other curios.
You will also find it easy to commute to work thanks to the subway stations at Lansdowne and Dufferin and the extensive bus network.
West Queen West
If you’re looking for a fun, eclectic and exciting place to live, West Queen West is worth a look. Vogue magazine included it in its coolest neighbourhoods in the world because of the art galleries, fashion-forward boutiques, vintage shops, speakeasy bars, and music stores.
The area is a delightful mix of original brick buildings and high-rise condos. There are also semi-detached homes – private and quiet but still within walking distance from the commercial district and the parks.
West Queen West architecture is also known for its character. Some older, red-brick Victorian and Edwardian homes are still standing, with their red brick facades intact.
As for transportation, you can get around by street car or by bus. However, traffic can be a headache at peak hours, so many people prefer to bike.
King West
This downtown area is one of Toronto’s prime residential districts. Its convenient location gives you front-and-center access to restaurants, bars, yoga and fitness studios, and entertainment venues.
Most of the properties are condos and apartments, so don’t expect a lot of yard space or much space at all. Most of the residents are young professionals or couples with money to spend. Renting a one-bedroom unit can cost about $1,600 per month.
High Park North
High Park North has a quiet village atmosphere in contrast to King West. It is one of the best neighbourhoods In Toronto for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
High Park is a sanctuary for the soul: you can feed ducks and swans, explore the Chinese garden and labyrinth, or read a book at one of the quaint cafes. You will also find sports facilities, picnic areas, and jogging trails. It’s the largest park in Toronto and one of the largest in North America.
Transportation is easy, with numerous subway stations that are also served by the local buses. You can reach the downtown area in 20 minutes.
Are You Planning A Move To Canada?
Are you wondering whether to make the move and have endless questions?
Do you want to know if it would be better to live in Montreal or Toronto, what a physiotherapist earns in Canada or what ringette is?
We have the answers to these and many more questions.
FAQ – Best Neighbourhoods In Toronto
What are the Disadvantages of Living in Toronto?
The biggest disadvantage of living in Toronto is the cost of living; the city has some of the most expensive real estate in Canada. Other disadvantages of Toronto are the high levels of traffic congestion and the long, harsh, bitterly cold winters.
Why do so Many Immigrants Move to Toronto?
One of the main reasons so many people move to Toronto is the large number of job opportunities. Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the heart of the Canadian economy. It is one of the best places to be in Canada for business and career advancement.
Is Toronto a Nice Place to Live?
There are many advantages to living in Toronto. It is a very green city with an extensive system of parkland. It also has a lakefront location with many kilometres of waterfront walking and biking trails. It is clean and safe compared to most other cities of its size.
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