Find A home Among The 10 Best Neighbourhoods In Toronto

Finding a home in a new city is always a daunting but unavoidable task! However, in this blog, we are here to help you find a home among the best areas to live in Toronto, Canada, in case you are feeling lost. Of course, as a vibrant, multicultural city, there are a multitude of Toronto neighbourhoods that offer affordable living. Each of these top neighbourhoods in Toronto is unique and offers a different pace of life to its residents. In this blog, you will explore the 10 top neighbourhoods in Toronto that are trendy, lively, entertaining and definitely keep you coming back for more! 

Why Toronto? 

Are you considering a shift to Canada? Then, Toronto as a city is one of your best picks! It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world. More than 140 languages and dialects are spoken, and almost half the population of Toronto was born outside Canada. It is, therefore, an intricate blending of food, music, art, culture and ideas from around the world. While we search the best Toronto neighbourhoods for you here, meanwhile, you can check out other things to do in Canada. 

Top 10 Neighbourhoods In Toronto

Toronto is the hub of multicultural lifestyle and cuisine, so choosing the right Toronto neighbourhood will depend on your preferences for a lifestyle. The list below will provide you with a brief understanding of the ambience of top neighbourhoods in Toronto. These neighbourhoods are constantly evolving, and boundaries often become blurred between the different sections of the city- downtown, midtown, east, west and suburbs. Let's take you through the 10 best neighbourhoods in Toronto.

1. Yorkville

Established: 1830

Best known for fashion and cuisine

What it offers as a neighbourhood 

• Affordable housing for the middle classes 
• commercial offices, high-end residences and condos, five-star hotels, gourmet restaurants, and luxury shopping.
• Proximity to the colleges and universities in Toronto

The high-end fashion hub with fashion stores such as Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton, and many high-end hotel bars have paved Yorkville's transition from hippie to hip! Today, it is the prime location for celebrity spotting during the Toronto International Film Festival, which takes place every September. As the wealthiest part of the city, Yorkville is also the busiest centre of creativity, with many designers, creative industries, agencies, and media companies. After dark, the nightclubs, bars, and restaurants make sure this part of Toronto never sleeps! 

2. The Annex

Established: 1887

Best known for Architecture and casual eateries 

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• Long-running brunch locations like Bloor's Insomnia and Bathurst's Grapefruit Moon 
• Proximity to the University of Toronto
• plenty of parks and green spaces to explore 
• The ultimate destination for bookworms- Book City 
• Close to The Royal Ontario Museum, one of Canada's largest and most important cultural institutions

Toronto's oldest neighbourhood, the Annex, is a lively area whose main attraction lies with the casual eateries, indie bookshops, bars and cafes, theatres, and galleries on Bloor Street West. This Toronto neighbourhood has the aesthetics of a nostalgic town with a slow, peaceful ambience to live away from the hustle and bustle of Yorkville! Young, spirited college students mostly inhabit this trendy Toronto neighbourhood. The neighbourhood really comes alive in the summer when patios open up, and you can enjoy the weather with your meal. In short, Annex reminds us of "The Dreamers" (2003) for a moment, no? 

3. Kensington Market 

Established: 1815

Best known for Market area for independent shops/cafes, meat and fish. 

What it offers as a neighbourhood 

• Collection of a colourful, long-standing marketplace for your daily needs with a splash of multicultural richness
• Local cuisine, take in some of the unique architecture
• Great place for real estate 

If you are looking for a classic Toronto feel, then this is one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto! Locals have successfully opposed chain stores and property development and preserved the old-school vibe. This Toronto neighbourhood strongly upholds the independent spirit of the town, which makes it one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto to find a home. Kensington Market consists of a network of streets that are home to a variety of thrift stores, bookshops, cafes, quirky bars, and fresh food outlets. It screams of boho vibes! You can gain experience in the local Asian community while dining on authentic Chinese, Japanese, Thai, and Vietnamese cuisine, get immersed in the strong mix of flavours and aromas in Toronto's African restaurants, or browse the markets for international produce, unique products, and souvenirs. 

4. Greektown

Established: 1993

Best known for: Food and music 

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• proximity to the Bloor-Danforth Subway line makes commuting to the downtown core convenient and quick
• Multiple bus routes also run through the neighbourhood
• Elementary schools and one secondary school are situated within the community,

Also known as "The Danforth", it is a major tourist attraction for an exotic mix of Greek tavernas and pastry shops, as well as a vibrant mix of speciality boutiques. You can count on every Friday and Saturday for Greek music nights at modern eatery Soula's and drench in the aroma of loukoumades, or Greek doughnuts, wafts from Athens Pastries. This Toronto neighbourhood has its rich history- it is, in fact, named after Toronto's Greek population prior to World War II. Unlike other Toronto neighbourhoods, this is the safest and most family-friendly and, therefore, among the best neighbourhoods in Toronto.

5. Riverdale 

Established: 1880

Best known for wholesomeness

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• Unique rear parking laneways and street permit parking are also common.
• Easy access to the nearby Don Valley Parkway, Lakeshore Boulevard, and the Gardiner Expressway. 
• Regular buses and streetcars are operated by The TTC, along with other major services such as Broadway, Carlaw, Jones, and Greenwood Avenues and Queen and Gerrard Streets.
• Five stations serve Riverdale, including Broadview at the Bloor-Danforth subway.  

Since the days of Riverdale on Netflix, the name of this neighbourhood is itself an attraction for many, we suppose! Do you want to live your thrilling and thriving teenage life again in an extremely entertaining neighbourhood in Toronto? Don't worry! There's nothing sinister here, only convenience! Riverdale is distinguished for Victorian and Edwardian-style homes. During summer, Riverdale Park hosts a variety of activities. The park offers the best view for evening strolls, meditation, or just relaxing on the soft grasses. 

6. Little Italy

Established: 1920

Best known for architecture and International cuisine

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• Well-preserved buildings; exciting food and entertainment spots. 
• Access to several schools, like- Harbord Collegiate Institute, Clinton Junior Public School Central Toronto Academy (CTA) and nearby parks.
• GoodLife Fitness Toronto College and Euclid is a small gym at the heart of the Little Italy neighbourhood.
• The Roman Catholic church of Saint Francis of Assisi has been located on the west side of Little Italy since 1968.

Located in downtown old Toronto, between College and Bloor and Dovercourt and Bathurst, the neighbourhood is characterised by its historical architecture and extravagant food joints serving an international mix of cuisine and entertainment. It has a youthful energy and thriving nightlife and is known as the most multicultural neighbourhood in Toronto. The Little Italy neighbourhood, with its rich history, hosts magnificent Victorian-era houses with marvellous views of gable roofs and very large bay windows. There is no shortage of restaurants, cafes and bars. Diverse entertainment and dining options along College Street, Bloor, and Bathurst attract families who aspire to call this place home.

7. Kingsway South 

Established: 1850

Best known for upscale residences with newly constructed homes 

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• Development of affordable new condos.  
• Unique boutiques to fine-dining restaurants.
• Home to some of Toronto's best schools, including- Lambton-Kingsway Junior Middle School, Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic School, Etobicoke Collegiate Institute, Prince Edward Montessori School and others.
• No compromise on transport and convenience- The 73 Royal York and 48 Rathburn buses, Royal York station, and the Old Mill station connect it to other parts of Toronto. Moreover, many residents are within walking distance of the two handy subway stations.

Kingsway is one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto because of its perfect balance of prestigious lifestyle, sophistication and inclusivity to both Elite and Middle-class masses in the city. It can be divided into two sections- Bloor West Village with an upscale tone and Tom Riley Park along Mimico Creek and the Humber River provide beautiful spots for walking and cycling, and affordable condos make it easier for first-time buyers to reside here. Given its ability to cater to all needs, it is one of the best areas to live in Toronto.   

8. Lawrence Park North

Established: 1907

Best known for architectural styles and lush green topography 

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• A quiet and affluent neighbourhood
• Safe streets and proximity to A-grade schools like Bedford Park and Blessed Sacrament.
• Recreational facilities are located on the periphery to keep the traffic on the residential streets to a minimum.
• Well-connected to the rest of the city by public transit- the Lawrence subway station at Yonge and Lawrence Ave

Located in midtown Toronto, it is safe for walkability and biking and is. Homes here are characterised by Georgian, Colonial and Tudor Revival styles, along with leaded glass windows, wood trims around the door and window frames, decorative fireplace mantels and rich hardwood floors. Smaller parks and playgrounds scattered throughout the area enhance the family-friendliness of the area. It is one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto, offering a mix of greenery, affluence and recreation. 

9. Trinity-Bellwoods 

Established: 1800s

Best known for historic architecture and fine dining 

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• Trinity Bellwoods Park serves as an area with sports fields, a wading pool, an ice rink and playgrounds. 
• Home to Toronto's best vintage stores, indie boutiques and art galleries 
• Proximity to multiple elementary schools and Catholic schools 

The area is marked by lively, youthful energy, along with townhouses and high-rise apartments and condos. The homes in this neighbourhood are mostly small and medium-sized Victorian properties. The neighbourhood also houses some larger properties, mainly concentrated along Shaw Street. The area sort of interjects Little Portugal to the west, drawing from their exciting food ventures, which makes it one of the best areas to live in Toronto. 

10. Yonge-St. Clair 

Established: 1850

Best known for luxury high-rises 

What it offers as a neighbourhood

• Excellent transit system- the rail line and North Toronto Station to the south and the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail to the north.
• Close to Mount Pleasant Cemetery and Casa Loma, as well as to excellent grocery stores, including Loblaws, Longo's and Sobeys.
• Proximity to prestigious private schools, including the York School and De La Salle College.

It is indeed safe to say that Yonge St. Clair might not be for first-time buyers or non-affluent sections. It is a midtown hub where 62 per cent of residents live in luxury high-rises. Residents here also enjoy an excellent shopping experience at Yonge and St Clair, which is home to many boutique shops and upscale eateries. It also hosts two of the most beautiful parks in the city, namely, There are two stunning parks in this area, Moore Park and Deer Park.

Picking the right neighbourhood is essential before you consider moving to a new city. The ambience of your neighbourhood can significantly impact your mental health. Toronto is a culturally rich city with many options. Therefore, a good start is deciding what kind of lifestyle you are aiming for. These are the best areas to live in Toronto, each with its amenities and ambience. However, we are sure, given the life of opportunity and energy in Toronto, you will never have a dull day!