Top 7 GTA neighbourhoods of 2014
By Sonia Bell
December 22, 2014
December 22, 2014
Now that the end of the year is in sight, it's time to acknowledge the top GTA neighbourhoods of 2014 – according to you, our readers! The Greater Toronto Area is filled with a wide array of great neighbourhoods, each boasting its own unique character. Based on the most read neighbourhood profiles, here are your top eight GTA neighbourhoods. 
Downtown Burlington tops the list for favourite neighbourhood in the GTA. The neighbourhood is dotted with trendy restaurants, boutique shops and cafes line. But, the most adored feature is the Brant Pier, which opened in 2013. Like most waterfront communities, downtown Burlington is in high demand, and it could cost you a pretty penny to live here – housing costs can run in the millions. 
Forty years ago, Mississauga City Centre would have never appeared on any top GTA neighbourhoods list. However, what was once little more than farmland, has grown into a west-end suburb well-known for its beautiful glass towers that have become the newest addition to the Mississauga skyline. The area is new, burgeoning and on the radar of young professionals, downsizers and empty-nesters. 
For most people, when you hear the word "mid-town," Yonge and Eglinton automatically comes to mind. The area offers all the joys of the downtown core – a financial centre, nightlife, entertainment, parks and restaurants. Yonge and Eglinton is home to a large number of single professionals (hence the nickname "Yonge and Eligible"). However, it has so much to offer that older adults are also drawn to the area. 
Bloor West Village is a popular west-end neighbourhood in Toronto. The well-established community is recognized for it's great selection of shopping and dining. One of the very few downsides to Bloor West Village is the price tag associated with it; the average price for a home is approaching $800,000. 
Beautifully set on the Lake Ontario shoreline, Port Credit has become one of the hottest commodities in the 905. Laid back and full of charm, the area is a huge draw for not only growing families, but twenty-something singles and young professionals. With boutique shops, ice cream parlours, dress shops and bakeries, Port Credit offers a little something for everyone. 
Willowdale has become one of the hottest spots in Toronto. High-rise condos, townhouses and large detached houses have replaced many of the old homes from the 1900s. Having the perfect blend of urban and suburban, Willowdale offers the best of both worlds. 
Although West Queen West didn't make the cut for top Toronto neighbourhoods, it certainly deserves an honourable mention. West Queen West has achieved wide-spread recognition for its trendy shops, plethora of up-and-coming artists, and above all else, its hip crowd. So much so, that Vogue Magazine named West Queen West the second coolest neighbourhood when it comes to street style.
1. Downtown Burlington
Downtown Burlington tops the list for favourite neighbourhood in the GTA. The neighbourhood is dotted with trendy restaurants, boutique shops and cafes line. But, the most adored feature is the Brant Pier, which opened in 2013. Like most waterfront communities, downtown Burlington is in high demand, and it could cost you a pretty penny to live here – housing costs can run in the millions. 2. Mississauga City Centre
Forty years ago, Mississauga City Centre would have never appeared on any top GTA neighbourhoods list. However, what was once little more than farmland, has grown into a west-end suburb well-known for its beautiful glass towers that have become the newest addition to the Mississauga skyline. The area is new, burgeoning and on the radar of young professionals, downsizers and empty-nesters. 3. Yonge and Eglinton
For most people, when you hear the word "mid-town," Yonge and Eglinton automatically comes to mind. The area offers all the joys of the downtown core – a financial centre, nightlife, entertainment, parks and restaurants. Yonge and Eglinton is home to a large number of single professionals (hence the nickname "Yonge and Eligible"). However, it has so much to offer that older adults are also drawn to the area. 4. Bloor West Village
Bloor West Village is a popular west-end neighbourhood in Toronto. The well-established community is recognized for it's great selection of shopping and dining. One of the very few downsides to Bloor West Village is the price tag associated with it; the average price for a home is approaching $800,000. 5. Liberty Village
//www.libertyvillagecondo.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Liberty Village Condos.com" /> It's no wonder why Liberty Village neared the top of the list. Over the years, Liberty Village has grown into one of the most popular neighbourhoods in downtown Toronto. From day jobs to nightlife, and everything in between, once you enter Liberty Village, you'll never feel the need to leave.6. Port Credit
Beautifully set on the Lake Ontario shoreline, Port Credit has become one of the hottest commodities in the 905. Laid back and full of charm, the area is a huge draw for not only growing families, but twenty-something singles and young professionals. With boutique shops, ice cream parlours, dress shops and bakeries, Port Credit offers a little something for everyone. 7. Willowdale
Willowdale has become one of the hottest spots in Toronto. High-rise condos, townhouses and large detached houses have replaced many of the old homes from the 1900s. Having the perfect blend of urban and suburban, Willowdale offers the best of both worlds. Honourable mention: West Queen West
Although West Queen West didn't make the cut for top Toronto neighbourhoods, it certainly deserves an honourable mention. West Queen West has achieved wide-spread recognition for its trendy shops, plethora of up-and-coming artists, and above all else, its hip crowd. So much so, that Vogue Magazine named West Queen West the second coolest neighbourhood when it comes to street style.About Sonia Bell
Sonia Bell is a NextHome contributor. She has her masters in Communications studies and loves exploring all things real estate – from home décor trends to neighbourhood and market news.