| Communities

It’s no surprise first-time buyers always ask us, “What are the best neighbourhoods in Toronto?” Of course, the answer always depends on budget and lifestyle.

We thought we’d help narrow down your choices with our list of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for first-time buyers.

Liberty Village: Best Young & Beautiful Vibe

Liberty Village is a neighbourly mix of condos, lofts, and townhouses at King and Strachan. The young and beautiful vibe attracts all the right types of amenities, shops, and restaurants suited to the up-and-coming professional lifestyle. It is walkable, bikeable, and close to its cool older sister, Trinity-Bellwoods, and adorable Stanley Park, where group yoga is a common sight.

Roncesvalles: Best Neighbourhood for Hipsterish Types

Nestled between High Park, Bloor West and the lake, good old Roncy will never go out of style. It is just so hip with its character-filled housing and local boutiques and eateries. It is a diverse yet edgy community far enough away from downtown proper to suit people who want a slower pace in a residential area. It also has cooler amenities that feel more authentic and “villagey” than parts of the city overrun with national chains.

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Leslieville: Best Family-Friendly Neighbourhood

Sitting on the east side of the Don River, Leslieville is like a more affordable Beaches area with an eclectic collection of original brick homes, bungalows, townhouses, and condo towers. It really has become one of Toronto’s most family-friendly areas, where you find schools within walking distance, lots of little local eateries where kids are not only expected but welcome, and parks. You also have convenient access to the DVP, Gardiner, and the Queen streetcar.

The Distillery District: Best Up-to-the-Moment Neighbourhood

It makes sense condos have risen up around the Distillery District’s trendy boutiques and eateries. You can live right downtown without feeling you’re in the thick of things, with low traffic flow making it safe to get around on foot or bike. Union Station is a short streetcar ride away, and you’re right near the DVP. You’re also close to St. Lawrence Market, a big Loblaws, and the flagship LCBO, so everything you need is pretty much right there. The new waterfront trails, Sugar Beach, and the Island ferry add to the Distillery District’s appeal.

The Junction: Best Neighbourhood for Affordable Houses

You can find some attractive deals in The Junction, where the sweet family homes and cozy shops and eateries make you feel connected to the community. Located between Dundas West, Keele and Runnymede, it is also a family-friendly area compared to somewhere like Queen West. It is just edgy enough for both young professionals and hipsters to feel right at home, as more up-and-coming shop and restaurant owners discover the affordable storefronts. Perfect timing.

West Queen West: Best Micro Neighbourhood

Sorry, Queen West, you’ve been out-trendied by the new West Queen West, a micro area between Bathurst and Gladstone. We’re talking super fashionable with an intriguingly creative vibe and more quirk than the basic Queen West area that lacks the eclectic character of streets like Ossington. While there are plenty of detached houses, lofts, and apartments here, they tend to cost more compared to nearby Liberty Village.

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King West: Best High-Rise Paradise

Elite high-rise condo towers loom over King West, right in the heart of downtown. Wheelers and dealers and fashionistas alike love the proximity to Spadina, Bay Street, and the vibrant entertainment district. There’s lots to do within walking distance and zero schools, making King West perfect for singles.

Yonge & Eglinton: Best Uptown Neighbourhood

Sometimes called Yonge and Eligible, Yonge & Eglinton is far from the crazy traffic of areas like Liberty Village. The Eglinton LRT offers access to the east and west, while the Yonge subway connects you to downtown in the south. A balance of major retailers and upscale destinations allows you to live the good life in a happening area that is uptown chic. New condos keep popping up, offering more choices than the traditional, more expensive detached homes the area is known for.

It doesn’t hurt to get out and do some exploring. Having dinner in a cool area? Take a stroll down the side streets before your reservation. Out for a bike ride? Check out some streets that you’ve never ridden down before. Not sure where to start? Call a cool real estate team like us for a friendly chat.

Get in touch today by calling 416.291.7372 or emailing us at hello@chrisitinecowern.com!