Methodology

When considering our list of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto, we looked at things, including housing prices, community spirit, the quality of the schools, amenities such as proximity to parks and shopping, as well as overall safety. To source average home and rental costs, we relied mainly on sources like Zumper, Zolo and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Here are the top 12 neighbourhoods in Toronto

1. Danforth

Key features: Easy transit access, family friendly with a good mix of young couples, older residents and urban professionals

Average house price: $1,300,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,732

Located on Toronto’s east end, this neighbourhood is perhaps better known as Greektown — home to the fabulous foodie frenzy “Taste of the Danforth” festival. The area has an attractive mix of historic and modern homes, as well as condos. Considered a safe area with good schools and lots of parks, it’s conveniently located on Line 2 of the TTC subway system, making travel throughout the city more accessible.

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2. North Riverdale

Key features: Safe, highly ranked schools and gorgeous green space

Average house price: $1,500,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $1,948

Bordering Danforth, charming, multicultural North Riverdale shares many of its assets, including a family-friendly environment and good schools, as well as a variety of walkable shops. It’s also home to lovely Riverdale Park, which has lots of amenities and offers beautiful views of the Toronto skyline. Don River Valley Park, with an extensive network of biking and hiking trails, is also a short drive away.

3. The Beaches

Key features: Beach access, safe and family friendly with lots of outdoor activities  especially in the summer

Average house Price: $1,300,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,152

The name truly says it all: What could be better than easy access to four beaches right in the middle of an urban jungle? The streetcar is the main form of public transit, and while slower than the subway (especially during a snowy winter) it will get you to where you want to go. Home to plenty of urban professionals and young couples, the neighbourhood has a relaxed, friendly vibe that is hard to resist. There’s also three kilometres of boardwalk, which makes it great for runners and walkers alike.

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4. West Queen West

Key features: Hip, local shops and an artistic vibe with lots of entertainment and restaurant options

Average house price: $1,290,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,778

Arguably Canada’s hippest ‘hood, Vogue magazine once declared West Queen West the second coolest neighbourhood in the world. This downtown neighbourhood is certainly jam-packed with funky local stores and clothing boutiques, top-notch restaurants and bustling bars. The neighbourhood is generally regarded as Toronto’s creative core with a plethora of galleries, the Queen West Art Crawl and the Museum of Contemporary Canadian Art. It’s also home to the expansive Trinity Bellwoods park. Commuting is relatively easy via the Queen streetcar.

5. High Park-Swansea

Key features: Near to Toronto’s largest park, family friendly and tree-lined streets with well-maintained homes

Average house price: $1,200,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,047

Active, outdoor lovers won’t want to pass up the chance to live close to Toronto’s largest park. High Park is 400 acres of walking, running and biking trails, allotment gardens,  picnic spots, ponds and an outdoor amphitheatre for Shakespeare performances in the summer. There’s even an off-leash area for dogs. Kids will love the park’s playground, splash pad, wading pool and petting zoo. There’s a High Park subway stop on the Bloor-Danforth subway, making transit convenient and easy.

6. Runnymede-Bloor West Village

Key features: Near High Park, great transit and solid schools

Average house price: $1,300,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,899

This attractive area is known for its locally-owned shops, energetic bars and excellent eateries. Close to High Park, the neighbourhood is safe and peppered with reputable schools, making it one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for families. Bloor West Village is particularly known for its sense of community and independent boutiques and food stores. Jane and Runnymede subway stations provide quick access to public transport.

7. Palmerston-Little Italy

Key features: Walkable and bikeable neighbourhood with easy access to transit

Average house price: $1,300,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,148

So much more than just delicious Italian restaurants, this neighbourhood has nearly everything you need within walking distance, including shops, restaurants offering a variety of cuisines and clothing boutiques. Car-free residents appreciate the extensive bike lanes. The area also gets high grades for public transportation as it’s served by both a bus and subway line.

8. Yonge and Eglinton

Key features: Midtown, superb transit access, great schools

Average house price: $1,600,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,269

One of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for young professionals, the area is thick with restaurants, clothing stores and shops of all kinds. Condos abound but there’s also a good mix of different housing types. Safe and family-friendly, some of Toronto’s most highly regarded schools are found here. Line 1 of the subway will get you downtown or to line 2 in under 20 minutes, and it also hooks up with line 4 (Sheppard line). It’s also a quick drive to Ontario’s main highway, the 401.

9. Roncesvalles

Key features: Attractive, friendly neighbourhood close to High Park

Average house price: $1,200,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,052

This west-end neighbourhood was once home to a large Polish community. While some Polish shops and restaurants remain (and it still hosts the country’s largest yearly Polish festival), it's a multicultural area filled with independent shops and restaurants. A friendly community spirit, walkable streets and proximity to verdant High Park, add to the area’s attractiveness, as do the slightly more affordable housing and rental prices.

10. The Annex

Key features: Good transit, affordable eateries and hip, lively vibe

Average house price: $1,500,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $3,316

Sharing a bit of the same youthful, creative vibe as West Queen West, the bustling Annex in the city’s west end is popular with students (University of Toronto is nearby) who appreciate its many affordable eateries, pubs and bars. The old historic homes and tree-lined streets are attractive to a more monied, professional crowd. Close to three subway stations, it’s easy to get around.

11. Cabbagetown-South St.James Town

Key Features: Designated historic district, gorgeous Victorian homes, excellent sense of community

Average house price: $1,800,000

Average rental cost of a 2-bedroom apartment: $2,232

Cabbagetown (named after the immigrants who moved into the neighbourhood in the mid 1800s and would grow cabbages in their yards) just oozes charm and character. The officially designated heritage district boasts the largest collection of preserved Victorian homes in all of North America, meaning it’s one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto to walk around and take in the ambiance. It scores well for transit and schools, and also has an enticing selection of restaurants.

12. Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills

Key features: Huge mansions, safe and extensive green space

Average house price: range up to $4.7 million.

Average rental cost: Estimates range from $6,000 to $10,000.

One of the county’s most affluent and budget-busting neighbourhoods, you’ll find mainly celebrities and Canada’s 1% living in these mega mansions. With a reputation as one of Toronto’s safest neighbourhoods, it also boasts lovely parks (such as Sunnybrook Park) and proximity to Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. As might be expected, public transit is not a priority and is not easily accessible.

FAQs:

What is the nicest neighborhood in Toronto?

There is no one single nicest neighbourhood in Toronto as it depends on your needs. However, some of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto that are popular and have lots of amenities include the Danforth, North Riverdale and The Beaches.

What is the safest neighborhood in Toronto?

Overall, Toronto is generally a safe city. Some of the safest neighbourhoods are The Beaches, Roncesvalles and Runnymede-Bloor West Village. Additionally, Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills and Lawrence Park North have some of the highest safety ratings in the city, but they are also among the most expensive neighbourhoods in Toronto and are well out of most people’s budgets.

What is the hippest neighborhood in Toronto?

West Queen West and The Annex are commonly ranked as some of the hippest neighbourhoods in Toronto because of their lively, artistic vibe, hip bars and restaurants and funky boutiques.

What is the most luxurious neighborhood in Toronto?

Bridle Path-Sunnybrook-York Mills is one of the most luxurious neighbourhoods in Toronto, as well as in Canada as a whole. With average home prices sitting at about $4.7 million, the area is known for its sweeping mansions, huge, fenced lots and exclusivity.