Toronto offers several different communities that are great for all types of residents. Those looking to live at the heart of the city’s exciting energy and amenities will love Midtown. High-end living at Forest Hill and Annex-Casa Loma provides a peaceful retreat next to luxury goods. Shopping enthusiasts will love exploring the stores of Yorkville. Here’s an insider’s guide to Toronto’s neighbourhoods.
Midtown
Midtown Toronto real estate appeals to buyers who want to live in the core of downtown. Midtown was first established in the late 1800s. As such, residents are surrounded by a mix of older grand homes, boutique condos, and custom new builds. Midtown itself is a patchwork of smaller neighbourhoods. These include Forest Hill, Casa Loma, and The Annex. The mix of residents creates diversity in dining options, shopping, and entertainment.
Midtown residents can spend a day outdoors in neighbourhoods like Deer Park. The Rosehill Reservoir is a beautiful greenspace featuring a four-acre reflecting pool. Cultural attractions like Casa Loma are also nearby. Residents can tour this historical museum which was famously used in movies like X-Men and Chicago. The Royal Conservatory of Music is a stately and respected educational institution. Walk through its campus for gorgeous architectural and natural views.
Midtown residents can spend a day outdoors in neighbourhoods like Deer Park. The Rosehill Reservoir is a beautiful greenspace featuring a four-acre reflecting pool. Cultural attractions like Casa Loma are also nearby. Residents can tour this historical museum which was famously used in movies like X-Men and Chicago. The Royal Conservatory of Music is a stately and respected educational institution. Walk through its campus for gorgeous architectural and natural views.
Yonge and Eglinton
Also within Midtown are Yonge and Eglinton. Yonge and Eglinton's real estate is right next to great nightlife, leisure parks, and varied shopping. As a city neighbourhood, public transportation is easy to access. Residents can typically walk to where they need to go. Public transportation is also convenient to reach if you’d rather leave a car behind, offering excellent transportation links. The neighborhood is a major transit hub in Toronto, with the Eglinton subway station serving as a major transportation point. The Eglinton Crosstown LRT (Light Rail Transit) is currently under construction and will further enhance connectivity in the area. The community here is made up mostly of young professionals and is experiencing rapid growth.
Eglinton Park brings nature into the city. This park offers sports fields, a playground, tennis courts, and an ice rink in the winter. Spend a night at Good Fortune, which is La Carnita’s downstairs bar. Or enjoy a night of laughter at Absolute Comedy. This comedy club provides quality acts alongside drinks and appetizers. Yonge Eglinton Centre is the place to go for all your essentials, while boutiques can be found everywhere in the neighbourhood.
Eglinton Park brings nature into the city. This park offers sports fields, a playground, tennis courts, and an ice rink in the winter. Spend a night at Good Fortune, which is La Carnita’s downstairs bar. Or enjoy a night of laughter at Absolute Comedy. This comedy club provides quality acts alongside drinks and appetizers. Yonge Eglinton Centre is the place to go for all your essentials, while boutiques can be found everywhere in the neighbourhood.
Forest Hill
Forest Hill residents enjoy a residential lifestyle within large, detached houses. The Lower Village homes are large and luxurious, while the Upper Village properties are more modest. Luxury condos are also common here. This prestigious neighbourhood is a favourite with families. Schooling options are some of the best in the country, including private institutions like Upper Canada College and Bishop Strachan School. Forest Hill real estate is surrounded by scenic sloping hills, parkettes, and winding roads.
The Belt Line fitness and nature trail is a neighbourhood favorite. Spanning 14.5 kilometers, residents can ride along its path. It’s also a prime place to enjoy nature views. Most of the shopping in Forest Hill can be found where Spadina Road and Lonsdale Road intersect. This area is called Forest Hill Village. The boutiques here provide luxury and upscale services to residents. Great shopping can be found at Eglinton West as well.
The Belt Line fitness and nature trail is a neighbourhood favorite. Spanning 14.5 kilometers, residents can ride along its path. It’s also a prime place to enjoy nature views. Most of the shopping in Forest Hill can be found where Spadina Road and Lonsdale Road intersect. This area is called Forest Hill Village. The boutiques here provide luxury and upscale services to residents. Great shopping can be found at Eglinton West as well.
Annex-Casa Loma
Annex-Casa Loma are two distinct neighbourhoods bringing different energies to Toronto’s communities. When searching for Midtown real estate, Annex offers buyers historic architectural styles. Look for homes in the Victorian, Queen Anne, or Richardsonian Romanesque Style. A second wave of homes adds styles that include English Cottage, Georgian, and Tudor homes. The Annex is right next to the University of Toronto, so many students and faculty call the Annex home. Artists and business people also enjoy the neighbourhood.
Casa Loma is the residential counterpart to The Annex’s city bustle. The community is named after the medieval castle of the same name. Once the castle’s construction was completed, its expansive grounds were used to build the beginning of the neighbourhood. The castle was used as inspiration for the other homes built in the community, which capture its grandeur on a smaller scale. Casa Loma rests on Avenue Road Hill. Although located in the city, this fantasy setting is full of ravines and parkland.
Annex-Casa Loma offers endless entertainment for residents. Find boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants along Bloor Street. For more unique offerings, shop at The Mirvish Village. Escape into the forest at Nordheimer Ravine. Or spend a day outdoors at Sir Winston Churchill Park. The ten tennis courts are great for a game any time of day, and families love the playground. The Annex is also where the city gathers for a fun night out.
Casa Loma is the residential counterpart to The Annex’s city bustle. The community is named after the medieval castle of the same name. Once the castle’s construction was completed, its expansive grounds were used to build the beginning of the neighbourhood. The castle was used as inspiration for the other homes built in the community, which capture its grandeur on a smaller scale. Casa Loma rests on Avenue Road Hill. Although located in the city, this fantasy setting is full of ravines and parkland.
Annex-Casa Loma offers endless entertainment for residents. Find boutiques, bookstores, and restaurants along Bloor Street. For more unique offerings, shop at The Mirvish Village. Escape into the forest at Nordheimer Ravine. Or spend a day outdoors at Sir Winston Churchill Park. The ten tennis courts are great for a game any time of day, and families love the playground. The Annex is also where the city gathers for a fun night out.
Yorkville
As one of the most dynamic neighbourhoods in Toronto, Yorkville is an exciting place to live. Homes here range from Victorian constructions and historical properties to luxury condos and five-star hotels. Yorkville also has a quieter residential area. Its location in Midtown and proximity to downtown Toronto make Yorkville a popular place for buyers to start their search.
Yorkville is most well-known for its shopping district. The Mink Mile is a strip of prestigious shopping on Bloor Street West. High end designer boutiques include Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci. These boutiques are paired with spas and chic restaurants. More shopping can be found at Hazelton Lane’s 100-plus shops. Yorkville’s artistic roots thrive in the upscale art galleries in the area. Residents can also spend a day outdoors at the Village of Yorkville Park and Ramsden Park.
Yorkville is most well-known for its shopping district. The Mink Mile is a strip of prestigious shopping on Bloor Street West. High end designer boutiques include Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci. These boutiques are paired with spas and chic restaurants. More shopping can be found at Hazelton Lane’s 100-plus shops. Yorkville’s artistic roots thrive in the upscale art galleries in the area. Residents can also spend a day outdoors at the Village of Yorkville Park and Ramsden Park.
Check out these Toronto neighbourhoods
Toronto has a wide range of neighbourhoods to choose from when buyers are making their search. Communities like The Annex and Yorkville provide the most traditional city experience. Surround yourself with luxury shopping and day-long entertainment. Casa Loma and Forest Hill are luxury residential communities. Settle down surrounded by natural amenities and stately homes.
Finding the right neighbourhood is best done with the help of a local agent. They can describe a community’s character and amenities. They can also compare neighbourhoods to help you find the perfect one. When you’re ready to start your home search in Toronto, contact the team at Homes with Sophia to guide you through the process.
Finding the right neighbourhood is best done with the help of a local agent. They can describe a community’s character and amenities. They can also compare neighbourhoods to help you find the perfect one. When you’re ready to start your home search in Toronto, contact the team at Homes with Sophia to guide you through the process.
