Introduction
Downtown Yonge, home to the esteemed Yonge-Dundas intersection, is the epicentre of Toronto. It’s bordered by Richmond Street to the south, Grosvenor and Alexander streets to the north, Bay Street to the west and Church, Bond and Victoria streets to the east. Home to an eclectic mix of retailers, restaurants and services, it’s a must-see attraction for tourists, and an ideal location for urban residents.
Lifestyle
Residents who live here, stay here. Downtown Yonge epitomizes a live-work-play neighbourhood, so residents have everything they need right within the boundaries of their neighbourhood. Residents must embrace the hustle and bustle of the area; from the moment you step outside your door, expect to find pedestrians en route to work, sightseeing busses with eager tourists and a line up of cars moving slowly through the area.
The Vibe
Downtown Yonge is city life personified, where fashion, food and entertainment are enveloped into one buzzing intersection. While located on the heels of other well-established Toronto neighbourhoods such as Church-Wellesley, Discovery District and Garden District, Downtown Yonge has its own foothold in the city, often described simply as “the heart of Toronto.”
Meet the Neighbours
Downtown Yonge's live-work-play lifestyle makes it a popular locale for young urbanites. But, the everyday hustle and bustle, the small-space housing selection and the 24/7 congestion might not be conducive to families. Expect to find professionals in their twenties and thirties, students, and an onslaught of visitors from the 905.
In the Area
Downtown Yonge has it all – shopping and restaurant options, a school campus and the city’s largest mall, to name a few. A key highlight is Yonge-Dundas Square – or “Toronto’s Time Square” – a large public outdoor space. For shoppers and foodies, there’s 10 Dundas East, a large retail and entertainment complex, and the Toronto Eaton Centre. Students are also a short walk away from Ryerson University.
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Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Downtown Yonge residents have the benefit of being right on the subway line. But despite quick access to the TTC, the most common forms of transportation are either walking or cycling. The Downtown Yonge BIA has made efforts to make the area more cyclist-friendly by installing bike racks throughout the area – 54 bike racks were added in 2013 and another 102 racks will be added in 2017.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
If you’re looking for a downtown vibe with high walkability and access to transit, then Downtown Yonge is the place to be. But, drivers, beware: congestion is at its peak in this neighbourhood and it can take a long time to arrive at your destination, even if it’s just a couple blocks away. And the bottleneck isn’t limited to the roads – sidewalks are also filled with lots of pedestrians.
Dollars & Sense
Living in the centre of it all comes at a price – and it's high. High-density housing reigns here, with one- and two-bedroom condos being the most common option for buyers and renters. Due to its central location, access to transit and amenities, the area demands a higher monthly rent and purchase price compared to other downtown neighbourhoods.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Jack Astor's
Located in 10 Dundas East, this Jack Astors location is hailed for its balcony overlooking Yonge-Dundas Square. If you're hoping to grab a table outside, go as early as possible to avoid the summertime rush.
Yonge-Dundas Square
Yonge-Dundas Square is always buzzing with activity. You'll often find people either relaxing at a table, or enjoying the view of the water fountains. The area is also the location for shows and events.
CF Toronto Eaton Centre
The Toronto Eaton centre is the city's largest mall and home to the trendiest retail stores. Shoppers, beware of the congestion on weekends, and drivers, prepare yourself for a hefty parking fee.
Ed Mirvish
You can tell by just looking at the exterior of the Ed Mirvish theatre that it's an iconic building in downtown Toronto. This spot has been a popular film and play theatre since the 1920s.
Adidas
Who doesn't love splurging on some sporty Adidas gear every once in a while? The Toronto flagship store is located here and offers the latest and greatest from the popular brand.