Toronto's Most LIVEable Neighbourhoods

What makes a neighbourhood LIVE-able? Is it proximity to transit, shopping and recreation facilities? Or the number of parks nearby, and how quickly you can walk to your favourite restaurants and pubs?The answers to these questions, no doubt, vary from person to person. Whether you’re a young professional, a student, parent or downsizer, what’s important for you may be slightly different for others. Still, there are some generally desirable features most residents look for, and we’ve ranked some of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods, according to their LIVEability.Indeed, Toronto is a thriving and ever-growing city that offers something for everyone. Throughout its many neighbourhoods, you’ll find hundreds of restaurants, boutiques, cafes and patios, usually within walking distance of your front door. Torontonians are also fortunate to have a wide range of transportation options – from a reliable subway line to expanding LRT routes, and of course the busses servicing every corner and neighbourhood. It is one of the many things that makes Toronto a great place to live Check out the “most LIVEable” neighbourhoods in Toronto.

Bay Street Corridor

If you’re a young professional, a student, a “shop until you drop” kind of shopper, or downsizer/empty nester, then you’ll fall in love with the Bay Street Corridor because:

• The neighbourhood is surrounded by major hubs such as the Financial District, the Hospital District and post secondary institutions, such as Ryerson University and The University of Toronto.
• The area is well-serviced by public transportation, with nine bus routes, a subway station and five streetcar routes.
• The highly desirable Yorkville shopping district is just a stone’s throw away.
• Bay Street’s prime location has attracted many investors, young professionals, downsizers and empty nesters to rent or buy at one of the new condominiums developed in the area.

Church-Yonge Corridor (Bounded by Front St. to the south and Bloor St. to the North)

If you’re the hipster type young professional, the uber-busy family, or a middle-aged professional, then you’ll love the Church-Yonge Corridor because…

• The Church-Yonge Corridor boasts tons of character, as the neighbourhood – particularly Church Street – was one of the city’s first to cater to Toronto’s LGBT community.
• The neighbourhood is punctuated by Victorian inspired architecture dating back to the 19th century, making for beautiful heritage homes.
• The prime location makes this area an attractive place for families and middle-aged professionals to call home.
• Residents have access to a total of seven bus routes, one subway station and five streetcars routes, which easily connect to surrounding neighbourhoods such as Cabbagetown, Bay Street, St. James Town and University.
• You can forget about trekking to all your daily errands and spend more time with your loved ones, as you’ll find a dozen grocery stores, 13 education-related institutions, nine hospitals or health care centres and 11 banks – most within walking distance of your home.

Kensington-Chinatown

If you’re a student, a young professional, an eco-crusader or a thrift shopper, then you’ll fall in love with the Kensington-Chinatown Corridor because...

• The proximity to post-secondary institutions such as OCAD and the University of Toronto.
• The streets are filled with locals and tourists visiting the many vintage clothing stores, outdoor food markets, cafes and restaurants that the neighbourhood offers.
• The cheaper rental market attracts students and cash-strapped young professionals looking to live downtown but at a budget-friendly cost.
• The neighbourhood is very eco-friendly, as the preferred method of transportation among residents is by foot. Not to mention, finding an available parking spot on the weekend is rare.
• There are a few streetcars and busses servicing the neighbourhood and surrounding areas.

University

If you’re a student, young professional, hypochondriac or a foodie, you’ll love University because..

• There are 620 restaurants, bars and coffee shops found around the neighbourhood.
• You’ll be living so close to one of the province’s most prestigious universities, the University of Toronto.
• The neighbourhood is surrounded by the “hospital row,” meaning you are serviced by five hospitals that are ready to treat all your self-diagnoses.
• You’re within walking distance to surrounding neighbourhoods such as The Annex, Trinity Bellwoods, Bay St. and Casa Loma.
• University Ave. is well serviced by public transit, as there are two bus routes serving the area, plus a subway station and four streetcar routes.

Palmerston-Little Italy

If you’re a young professional, a family or downsizer/empty nester, then you’ll fall in love with Palmerston-Little Italy because…

• The proximity to the downtown core as well as surrounding areas such as The Annex, Little Portugal, Dufferin Groove and University Ave.
• The variety of detached or semi-detached and single-family homes is perfect for raising or expanding your family.
• College St. offers an abundance of shops, eateries and night-life attractions within walking distance from your front door. Talk about a cheap night out!
• New condo developments nearby are great for empty nesters and downsizers. The condos are part of the modern redevelopment underway, providing renters or buyers with affordable housing options with a variety of amenities.