Toronto’s 10 Top-Rated Neighbourhoods to Live in According to the “Media”
Embarking on a journey into the Toronto real estate realm, whether as a renter or purchaser, typically ignites a paramount concern: the quintessence of location. The pursuit of an ideal locale invariably raises questions about the factors that define the optimal living space. Fortuitously, the meticulous research undertaken by Toronto Life illuminates this path.
Evaluation Methodology Explained:
According to their 2023 analysis, a comprehensive assessment of Toronto’s 158 neighbourhoods has been meticulously curated, each measured against a rigorous 100-point scale.
Housing (15%): This dimension evaluates homeownership rates, the average property value, and affordability, offering a nuanced perspective on residential viability.
Community (12%): Emphasizing communal connectivity, this criterion examines the sense of belonging, migratory trends, accessibility to communal venues, and electoral participation rates.
Safety (12%): A thorough consideration of various crime metrics to assess the security landscape of each neighbourhood.
Shopping (10%): Proximity to essential retail services such as pharmacies, grocery outlets, and markets is scrutinized here.
Diversity (9%): This facet explores linguistic variety beyond English and French, as well as the demographic composition of first and second-generation families.
Education (9%): Educational attainment levels, accessibility to childcare services, and the density of educational institutions relative to the youth population are key considerations.
Health (9%): The availability of medical services, including mental health and eldercare facilities, along with the community’s overall physical well-being, are evaluated.
Employment (8%): This examines socioeconomic indicators, including poverty and unemployment rates, to gauge economic stability within the neighbourhoods.
Entertainment (8%): The density of dining and recreational establishments, coupled with the residents’ engagement in cultural, sporting, and entertainment activities, forms this criterion.
Transit (8%): Accessibility to public transportation, commuting patterns, and preferences highlight the logistical conveniences of each area.
With our scorecard in hand, let’s leap into the top 10 Toronto neighbourhoods where your dreams might just find their address, counting down to the city's crown jewel:
#10 // Trinity-Bellwoods
This area scored an 87.8. The neighbourhood revolves around Trinity-Bellwoods Park which hosts a plethora of sports, arts, and entertainment options. The population is generally between their 20s and 40s and they primarily work in the sector of culture and arts. The nightlife is bustling in this area with a ton of restaurants and bars to choose from in the Ossington area.
#9 // Palmerston-Little Italy
This neighbourhood located between College and Bloor West scored 88.1. This area is highly accessible for walkers, bikers, and transit riders alike. There are tons of restaurants to choose from and even some with patios for when the weather warms up!
#8 // Bay-Cloverhill
This area scored an 88.6. The neighbourhood itself has the University of Toronto Campus, Queen’s Park, and several hospitals all within its confines. Also, if you are a foodie, Eataly is located here, along with many other fantastic restaurants.
#7 // Cabbagetown-South St. James Town
This heritage district neighbourhood scored 88.7. Homes are pricey in this area and crime is a bit higher here but it has some of the highest scores when it comes to excellent transit, shopping, and schools.
#6 // Yonge-Doris
This area, located between Finch and Sheppard stations, scored an 88.9. It is an appealing area for students and young professionals as it is relatively affordable. Also contributing to the area’s high score was how safe the area is, accessible transit, and a high number of parks and entertainment choices.
#5 // Wellington Place
This area is home to many young professionals and scored an 89.3. The proximity to so many amenities is what contributes to the high score of this neighbourhood. You are close to so many bars, restaurants, hospitals, grocery stores, etc. The location of the Well in this neighbourhood has contributed to the area’s expansion as it added more shops, restaurants, gyms, condos, etc.
#4 // Avondale
This neighbourhood is centred around the Yonge and Sheppard area and received an 89.7 rating. A dream area for commuters as it is close to the subway, 401, and has tons of bike lanes. There are many restaurants in the area including popular sushi and izakaya spots. There is a great mix of condos and bungalows in Avondale with even more new condos on the rise.
#3 // Runnymede-Bloor West Village
If you want the ideal mix of quiet and vibrant, then Runnymede-Bloor West, with a score of 90.2, is the neighbourhood for you. There are a ton of independently owned restaurants, shops, bars, and pubs that line Bloor West. The area is affordable and perfect for families with top school ratings. You are close to High Park, Roncesvalles, and the Junction and the rest of the city is just a quick ride from the Jane or Runnymede stations.
#2 // West Queen West
This stretch of Queen Street running from Bathurst to Dovercourt was dubbed by Vogue Magazine as one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods and scored a 90.5 on this list. It’s an artsy area with trendsetting shops, restaurants, and bars and is home to iconic boutique hotels. The cost of living is a bit higher in this neighbourhood but you will never run out of things to do and it’s highly accessible to transit.
#1 // Danforth
Our top neighbourhood scored 90.6 and ranked high on almost all criteria, especially in employment, entertainment, and education. There are high-quality restaurants, shopping, schools, and bars in the area. This is an idyllic area for families with lots of outdoor green space and great schools. The area is also relatively affordable and situated well for commuters with lots of access to transit.
Where’s your favourite neighbourhood?
What makes a neighbourhood your "the one" is deeply personal, blending your desires and needs in a unique cocktail of community goodness. If any of these top-tier Toronto treasures caught your eye, don’t hesitate to get in touch. Our team of fun-loving, savvy Toronto real estate agents is ready to guide you to your perfect match, ensuring your next move is not just a change of address but a leap into the life you’ve always dreamed of.
