The time has come for you to move to Toronto. While living in Toronto is a good decision, you want to make it the best possible one. For this reason, you should find out which Toronto neighborhood is right for you. Since you’re moving already, why not get the most of it, right?
What makes a Toronto neighborhood good?
If you’re coming here from Ottawa and settling down in Toronto, there’s a good chance you’ll want to live in a neighborhood with kind people, amenities in close proximity, and good traffic. However, when it comes to other qualities you want your neighborhood to have, it really depends on you. So, the real question is which neighborhood in Toronto is able to offer just what you need. These are the main areas in the city:
- Downtown Toronto neighborhoods (among the priciest here)
- Midtown
- Midwest
- West End
- East End (safe and family-friendly neighborhoods)
Yorkville (Downtown)
This is one of the wealthiest areas in the city. However, the middle-class citizens might be able to afford to live in some of the buildings around the neighborhood. Here’s where you can see famous people shopping in pricey fashion stores.
Downtown Core
There is a good number of people who live in the downtown core, even though living here is not so cheap. But downtown core is not only about pricey restaurants and fancy cocktail bars. Easy access to anything you might need has its perks. Here is where the banks, offices, and malls are located. And, of course, easy transit access makes living here quite convenient. However, if you work in Downtown Toronto and this location is too expensive for you, check out some other areas.
Fashion District/Entertainment District (Downtown)
This lively district of Toronto is busy, night and day. During the day, you can find cafes packed with people from creative agencies and companies while in the evening, bars and restaurants become crowded.
Yonge & Eglinton (Midtown)
Just around the intersection of the streets with the same name, you’ll find the Yonge & Eglinton neighborhood. It might seem that living in this area is quite expensive. However, you can actually find affordable housing here. This is great news, since this Toronto neighborhood has plenty to offer.
There are many amenities, restaurants, and boutiques in the neighborhood. Maybe that’s the reason why many young British and Irish professionals choose this area. And, the nightlife in the neighborhood is very good, making this area popular among young people. As you can see, there’s no reason for you to go downtown. But it’s good to know if there is a need for it, you can take the subway and be downtown in twenty minutes.
Davisville Village/St Clair & Yonge/Mount Pleasant (Midtown)
Between Rosedale and Summerhill and Yonge & Eglinton, you’ll find the Davisville Village/St Clair & Yonge/Mount Pleasant area. It’s in the middle, between these two neighborhoods, in more ways than one. This area is more affordable than Rosedale and Summerhill and quieter than Yonge & Eglinton. There are small parks around the neighborhood, as well as a running path, making this area great people who like to work out. Overall, this is a good location for families and downtown workers.
High Park North (Midtown)
If you’re looking for a peaceful residential area, away from the noise of the city, then try High Park North. High Park is actually one of the biggest parks on the continent. There are plenty of things to do in the park, from bird-watching to playing tennis and baseball or swimming in a pool. Another perk of living in this neighborhood is that you can reach downtown in about twenty minutes.
Little Italy (Midtown)
Walking past Kensington Market, you’ll find Little Italy, the perfect Toronto neighborhood for those who enjoy delicious food. Even if you’re a vegetarian, you’ll love what Little Italy has to offer. However, what might come as a surprise is a vibrant nightlife. If you like an annual carnival or you’re a fan of soccer, you’ll love living in Little Italy.
The Annex (West End)
This Toronto neighborhood is located in the West End. More precisely, it’s located northwest of Downtown Toronto. Here’s where you can find students of University of Toronto since the main campus is located here in the neighborhood. Walking down the tree-lined streets with old houses, you’ll notice many pubs, restaurants, and book stores, where students can get what they need at a reasonable price. However, with more and more businesses opening in the neighborhood, we can see young professionals settling down in the Annex.
Roncesvalles (West End)
Roncevalles, or “Roncy,” if you will, is one of the pretty Toronto neighborhoods. Coffee shops, bars, and independent shops make this neighborhood popular among creative individuals. And the side result of this popularity is the rent prices increasing. However, the rents are still cheaper than in the neighborhoods closer to downtown. But, if you decide to live here, while your office is downtown, even with cheaper rent, you’ll have a problem with a longer commute.
Kensington Market (West End)
This is one of the most special neighborhoods in Toronto. This bohemian neighborhood is a place where you can get lost in thrift shops, record shops, cheap eateries, and lots of bars. Also, one of the best things about Kensington Market is that you can reach downtown very easily. Of course, bars and the eclectic style of the neighborhood might be a reason for someone to move here. However, for some, it’s actually a reason to choose a different area and avoid Kensington Market altogether. But, that’s all right, the whole point is to find a Toronto neighborhood that’s right for you.
Danforth-Greektown and Leslieville (East End)
If you’re moving with a family, then these are the Toronto neighborhoods to consider. While there is a bar scene in Danforth-Greektown, it’s quite subtle and you’ll find more locals here than party people. Leslieville is maybe “cooler” for creative individuals, with independent shops and restaurants.
Choose Wisely
Before you move here, choose wisely which Toronto neighborhood is right for you. There are many reasons to buy a home in Toronto, but there isn’t any reason to do it in the neighborhood where you can’t have a great life.
