Toronto is a bustling city located in the Canadian province of Ontario. As the capital city, Toronto has the highest population of residents in the country. With a vibrate culture and big city atmosphere, Toronto is a popular destination for visitors and renters alike. If you’re considering a move to Toronto, or perhaps a short-term rental, explore these 8 best neighborhoods in Toronto.

1. Yonge-Eglinton

Best neighborhood in Toronto for young professionals

Wedged in between Forest Hill and Lawrence Park, this Toronto district is a mix of detached homes and newer condo developments. It is slightly on the posh side without being completely out of reach (yet), although the property values are progressively increasing each year.

Look for the completion of the Eglinton Crosstown Line to increase the traffic of residents and visitors alike. If you fall within the 20-something range, or just like to be surrounded by the hustle and bustle of a professional lifestyle, then this just might be the place for you.

2. Casa Loma

Best neighborhood in Toronto for history buffs and nature lovers

Whether you are moving to Toronto or just visiting, Casa Loma provides the perfect mix of great access to local transit, minimal crime, and historical architecture. One of the most well-known in Casa Loma is the district’s beloved Gothic museum, landmark, and namesake.

A perfect Toronto neighborhood for nature lovers, as it’s surrounded by ravines and parkland. It is steps away from the Annex if you are looking for the nightlife and tempting restaurants to eat at.

3. The Harbourfront

Best neighborhood in Toronto for sports fans

With Harbourfront’s location steps away from the lake and a 10-minute walk from downtown, it’s an ideal Toronto district for all types of personalities. This locale offers you the ability to walk, run, or ride along the water and then stop for a bite to eat with restaurants that offer a great, peaceful view.

It gives you easy access to the Rogers Centre, the home of the Blue Jays and where musicians come to rock. Plus, you are located close to Union Station, which offers you easy access to VIA rail and the Go bus to explore outside of the city.

4. Kensington Market

Best neighborhood in Toronto for students and young families

People often come to Kensington Market to experience its Bohemian atmosphere but fall in love with it for its quirky homes, delicious food, and one-of-a-kind shopping experience (Chinatown is just next door).

It’s perfect for those who like to walk around their neighborhood, getting to know all the nooks and crannies, including its specialty grocers, international cuisine, and trendy cafés. Kensington Market is a great neighborhood for students and families alike.

5. The Annex

Best neighborhood in Toronto for students and singles

This neighborhood is a haven for students with its inexpensive food and living options, plethora of bars, and close proximity to the nearby St. George Campus. That said, the Annex is also close to the Royal Ontario Museum and so is often frequented by tourists. You will also find Lee’s Palace, a rock concert hall and nightclub, and Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema.

6. The Beaches

Best neighborhood in Toronto for beachgoers

Just as the Harbourfront offers easy access to the water, so too does the Beaches, a unique Toronto district that is perfect if you want to be close to the city without actually living directly within it. Because the Beaches doesn’t have direct access to the main transit lines, you will have to use the streetcars. But, in return, you’ll get cheaper rent compared to other neighborhoods and gain the benefits of a quieter neighborhood.

If you are one to take advantage of the warmer weather, you will love visiting the surrounding cafés, having easy access to the water, and trying out lots of surrounding activities to keep you busy, like beach volleyball on one of the neighborhood’s four amazing beaches. The Beaches is perfect for those who look forward to summer each year.

7. Liberty Village

Best neighborhood in Toronto for creative residents

This district boasts as one of the best neighborhoods in Toronto for those young at heart and creative in spirit. There are loads of cafés and bars, and the architecture is über-modern, with apartments that have been converted from older warehouses.

Liberty Village has a great urban feel, with its tall chimney smokestacks and red brick Victorian buildings that line the streets. If you don’t own a car, transportation is mostly by streetcar or bus, but you are a short bike ride or walk away from the lakefront, which is a real plus.

8. High Park

Best neighborhood in Toronto for outdoor enthusiasts

If you want the location of the city yet the feel of a smaller town, then this Toronto district will fit your bill perfectly. It is mostly residential and is located in one of Toronto’s most popular parks. The park is 161 hectares and includes a playground and a zoo. People come from far and wide to see the cherry blossoms every year, and it’s quite the spectacle. There are many pubs and eateries to choose from, and public transportation is easy to access.

Renting in Toronto

Here’s how much you can expect to pay for rent on average in Toronto:

• Average cost of a studio rental: $1,710 per month.
• Average cost of a one-bedroom rental: $2,100 per month.
• Average cost of a two-bedroom rental: $2,662 per month.

How much you pay in rent depends on the Toronto neighborhood you choose to call home. Each of the best neighborhoods in Toronto offers its own entertainment, dining, and shopping, meaning you’re sure to find the one that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget.

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