A Toronto neighbourhood for every lifestyle

Those who have been hesitant to enter the housing market may now be ready to buy as interest rates continue to fall across Canada. But where do you start when looking for a community that feels like home? With its vibrant collection of diverse neighbourhoods that can uniquely define your day-to-day living experience, Toronto has something for every kind of buyer. Read on to discover the unofficial guide to neighbourhoods best suited for your personality and lifestyle.

The Neighbourhood List

1 For young families: The Danforth
2 For urban adventurers: Trinity-Bellwoods
3 For highbrow culture: Wellington Place
4 For longevity: Yonge-Doris
5 For dog parents: Leslieville
6 For foodies: Runnymede–Bloor West Village
7 For a little of everything: Davisville Village

For young families: The Danforth

This lively neighbourhood, stretching from Pape to Woodbine and beyond, is a dynamic hub of quality schools, green spaces, restaurants, shops and bars. The relative affordability of housing, ease of access to necessities and close proximity to downtown via the Line 2 subway make it a sought-after area for first-time homeowners and young families. Claiming the number one spot in Toronto Life’s neighbourhood rankings, the Danforth boasts many kid-friendly spots to eat and hang. The Only Cafe, an espresso bar and pub, offers laid-back vibes and board games for adults and kiddies, while Pizzeria Libretto pleases both picky and gourmet palates. Bok Play Cafe and Jump for Joy Play Centre get families through bad-weather days with energy-burning play areas.

Trending: For Friday takeout night, head to Sailor’s Fish & Chips, a weekly pop-up takeout counter at neighbourhood fishmonger Hooked. It’s only open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., so get your order in early.

Not to miss: At Withrow Park, there are sports fields, a wading pool, an off-leash dog area, an ice rink and a children’s playground—and arguably one of the best views of the Toronto skyline.

For urban adventurers: Trinity-Bellwoods

Nestled between Little Italy, Little Portugal, West Queen West and Kensington-Chinatown, this community is the ultimate trendster hot spot, with enough bars, shops and restaurants opening on a regular basis to keep the FOMO at bay. Anchored by its namesake park—a hub of fun for all ages—the neighbourhood brims with some of the city’s best restaurants: Bar Raval, La Palma, Oyster Boy and Prime Seafood Palace, to name a few (it’s telling that buzzy chef Matty Matheson has opened three restaurants in the area). Real estate includes everything from Victorian homes to modern lofts in converted buildings, which house a diverse group of young couples, professionals and families. It’s easy to get around with TTC streetcars and buses that connect you to the subway—plus, it’s highly walkable, so you can both run errands and enjoy a night out just steps from your front door.

Trending: Grab a thoughtfully intricate cocktail at the newly opened No Vacancy to wash down globally inspired fancy snacks like uni toast or yuzu-marmalade-laced oysters.

Not to miss: While exploring Trinity Bellwoods Park, keep an eye out for the (in)famous white squirrels. Walk up Gore Vale Avenue from Queen Street West to spot the Lovebot White Squirrel Mural, dedicated to these creatures of west-end lore.

For highbrow culture: Wellington Place

This once-industrial area has been transformed into one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods, especially with the opening of The Well, a sleek retail/living/office space. Wellington Place is especially popular with young professionals who want to live an easy commute away from the downtown office but also have quick access to the city’s marquee cultural experiences, like TIFF, big-name concerts at Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena, and the shows at the Royal Alexandra and Princess of Wales theatres. Along Draper Street, there’s a great selection of historic row houses, which date back to the 1880s, low- and mid-rise condominium buildings and authentic hard-loft buildings. Streetcar routes are plentiful, connecting you easily to the downtown core. Alder at the Ace Hotel is a culinary destination right in the ’hood, or go more fast and casual at Prince Street Pizza or the lively Wellington Market.

Trending: Before or after you nosh at Waterworks Food Hall (featuring a highly curated mix of eateries), visit its mezzanine bar Civil Works to savour the Equilibrium cocktail, a take on a sour apple martini that earned its creator Bombay Sapphire’s Most Imaginative Bartender award.

Not to miss: The sexy rooftop terrace at Aera, open during warm weather, offers the most breathtaking views of downtown Toronto, along with a divine menu of snacks, sushi and more.

For longevity: Yonge-Doris

This small but affordable corridor between Sheppard-Yonge and Finch stations has emerged as one of the city’s hottest neighbourhoods for real estate, partly due to the high-density strip of condos around Mel Lastman Square and along Yonge Street. Well served by public transit and within walking distance of all the essentials—stores, schools, parks, theatres and a wide variety of food options—it also boasts the longest life expectancy of any Toronto neighbourhood, according to an analysis by The Local. The secret to its residents’ good health? Diversity: an influx of immigrants have helped build up this vibrant multicultural community. There are many options for fresh, healthy food, like Whole Foods, Healthy Planet and Lettuce Eat Bistro, and spots to break a sweat, including GoodLife, Inbody Fitness and Fit4Less. The Douglas Snow Aquatic Centre has a therapeutic pool open to the public, too. And whether you’re in the mood for Korean, Japanese or Vietnamese, there’s restaurant after restaurant to explore. Overwhelmed by the options? Start with Mapo Gamjatang, which serves one of the city’s best pork bone soups. Cap off the night with karaoke—there are several bars open into the wee hours.

Trending: Grab a coffee and pastry at the newly opened Paris Baguette and take a stroll to admire stunning public art, like metal sculptures Sentinelles and The Monet - Bridge.

Not to miss: Taste authentic Vietnamese flavours at Dear Saigon, with specialties including betel-leaf-wrapped rib-eye, savoury pancake tacos and squid-patty pork hock.

For dog parents: Leslieville

Life in Leslieville is ideal for dogs and the people who love them. You’ll find plenty of canine-centred social life, with a number of parks and green spaces, such as Leslie Grove Park and Greenwood Park, as well as local-owned pet shops, including Knick Knack Paddywhack and Timmie’s. Left Field Brewery is a great place to grab a pint with your dog—it even has its own unofficial mascot, Wrigley, to welcome you. Just down the street from the Martin Goodman Trail, Black Lab Brewing is another cool stop where you can watch the game with your furry friend. At Yaya Greek Bistro, you and your dog are always welcome at cozy outdoor tables, where you can enjoy a farm-fresh brunch. In the summer, make time for party-style events like the Leslieville Block Fest. There’s room to explore and grow in Leslieville, with buses and streetcars readily available to connect you and your canine companion to downtown, and real estate featuring detached and semi-detached homes and condos.

Trending: Newly opened Holi Taco is—you guessed it—a hole-in-the-wall taqueria that will have you on your way with a trio of lovingly prepared meat or vegetarian tacos to go.

Not to miss: Locals flock to the plant-filled Lady Marmalade for a to-die-for all-day breakfast menu, which includes a braised-beef eggs Benny and berry-studded bread pudding.

For foodies: Runnymede–Bloor West Village

This neighbourhood is bursting with eateries, including Queen’s Pasta Café, Mad Mexican and Avelo, which serve a wide variety of high-quality culinary classics with a twist. Great pubs like Shakey’s and Bryden’s are just a stone’s throw away, and the vast High Park green space is the ultimate picnic spot. In Bloor West Village, explore quaint tree-lined avenues, flower shops and independent grocers like Fresh Avenue and Garden Foods. With easy access to Roncesvalles, the Junction and the downtown core by subway, its prime location is ideal for those on the eternal hunt for their next great meal. The surrounding area is a haven for families, with over a dozen reputable schools and relatively well-priced housing as well. The variety of housing options adds to the area’s distinctive character, with quaint detached and semi-detached homes that fuse historic architecture with modern renovations.

Trending: Want to see May’s cherry blossoms in High Park? So do the Instagramming masses. Go during the week and early in the day, and check sakurainhighpark.com’s bloom watch before you go to catch the trees at their peak.

Not to miss: You can whip up a restaurant-level meal at home starting with the organic cuts at Meaty Eats, fresh seafood at Snappers Fish Market or an imported fromage from the nearby Cheese Boutique, a Toronto institution since 1970.

For a little of everything: Davisville Village

This village-in-a-city community is great for those who want it all: good food and stores galore within walking distance, but green spaces, quiet streets and a range of housing options, too. Its relaxed pace of life, ease of access to city attractions via Davisville and Eglinton subway stations, and abundance of schools are drawing many young professionals and families to settle there. Stop by the Belsize Public House for a laid-back pint or head to neighbourhood anchor Little Sister for spicy Dutch-Indo plates (but hit up Bar Batavia upstairs for a cocktail first). On Mount Pleasant Road, find a treasure trove of vintage items at Good Vibes Collective and Second Nature Boutique. Get outside with the kids at June Rowlands Park and Neshama Playground in Oriole Park, or take a stroll or bike ride through Mount Pleasant Cemetery, which also links up to the tree-lined Beltline Trail.

Trending: Hidden in the back of a Hasty Market, a massive spit of chicken shawarma can be found spinning at Flaming Stove. With saj bread handmade from scratch and plenty of fresh toppings (pro tip: add crispy fries), the wraps are drool-worthy.

Not to miss: Bathed in candlelight illuminating fresh blooms and one-of-a-kind vintages, the Daughter will guide you on a thoughtful, personalized journey through the world of natural wine.