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Best neighborhoods to rent in Toronto in 2023
Toronto, often dubbed the cultural mosaic of Canada, is a bustling metropolis where diverse traditions and modern aspirations seamlessly intertwine. Its iconic skyline, punctuated by the CN Tower, stands tall amidst historic neighborhoods, lush parks, and a vibrant arts scene. From hip urban areas to quiet, cozy corners, Toronto’s neighborhoods offer something for everyone. We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each area, making your rental decision a breeze. Join long distance movers Ontario as we discover the best neighborhoods to rent in Toronto in 2023.
Best neighborhoods to rent in Toronto in 2023: West Don Lands
Originally an industrial area alongside the Don River, the West Don Lands went through extensive planning and redevelopment, spearheaded by Waterfront Toronto in partnership with the City of Toronto and other governmental entities. The revitalization aimed to turn the area into a sustainable, mixed-use community while addressing flood protection, an important concern due to its proximity to the Don River.
Finding the best Toronto neighborhoods to rent in 2023 is both exciting and challenging.
Infrastructure and transportation
The West Don Lands is renowned for its modern urban design. Infrastructure developments include the creation of wide, tree-lined streets, pedestrian pathways, and public spaces. A standout feature is the Corktown Common, a 7.3-hectare park that not only offers recreational space but also serves as a flood protection landform. There are multiple transit options available, including streetcars on Cherry Street that connect to the King Street line, as well as nearby bus routes. The area is also cyclist-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes and paths.
Housing and amenities
The neighborhood offers a diverse mix of housing options, ranging from townhomes to mid-rise and high-rise condos. These residential developments are also complemented by ground-level retail spaces, creating a true live-work-play environment. The median rent for a studio apartment here is around $1650. The median rent for a 1-bed apartment here is around $2780. Moreover, the Canary District, a subset of the West Don Lands, is one of the most notable residential areas, originally developed as the Athletes’ Village for the 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games.
Beyond Corktown Common, the neighborhood boasts a range of amenities, from local shops and cafes to fitness centers. Its location also provides easy access to the Distillery District, a historic and cultural hub known for its cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and theaters. When relocating within West Don Lands, many people trust Canadian moving services to ensure a smooth transition.
City Place is also one of the most desired neighborhoods to rent in Toronto at the moment
City Place is located in the heart of downtown Toronto, nestled between the Gardiner Expressway to the south, Bathurst Street to the west, and Front Street to the north. It offers an unparalleled view of both the CN Tower and the Toronto waterfront. Historically, the land on which City Place now sits was primarily railway land and parking lots. Beginning in the 2000s, Concord Adex Developments undertook one of Canada’s largest residential development projects, turning the area into a bustling, high-density neighborhood.
The city’s robust transit system ensures that even neighborhoods on the outskirts provide convenient access to the downtown core.
Housing options and amenities
City Place is characterized by its modern high-rise condominium towers. It’s a primarily residential neighborhood, but these condos often come with ground-floor retail spaces, adding convenience for residents. The sleek designs of the buildings, coupled with their glass exteriors, give City Place a distinctively modern appearance. The median rent for a studio apartment here is around $1520. The median rent for a 1-bed apartment here is around $2500.
One of City Place’s standout features is Canoe Landing Park, an 8-acre green space equipped with a community center, sports fields, and public art installations. The neighborhood also boasts a wide array of retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and essential services, making it a self-contained community. The proximity to the waterfront means residents are just a short walk away from the beautiful Lake Ontario shores, Harbourfront Centre, and the Toronto Islands. For those making a significant move within the City Place, long distance moving companies Toronto offer specialized assistance.
Transportation and community
City Place is incredibly well-connected. There’s easy access to two major highways: the Gardiner Expressway and the Lakeshore Boulevard. For public transit users, there are multiple TTC streetcar routes running through or near the area, connecting residents to the rest of the city. City Place has a diverse demographic, but it’s notably popular among young professionals due to its proximity to the city’s business and entertainment districts. The neighborhood has seen initiatives to foster community engagement, such as local events, fitness classes in the park, and more.
Riverdale is one of the most wanted Toronto neighborhoods for renters
The Don River borders the neighborhood of Riverdale to the west, Gerrard Street East to the south, Pape Avenue to the east, and the Danforth to the north. With its origins dating back to the 19th century, Riverdale’s streets are dotted with Victorian and Edwardian homes, reminding residents and visitors of its storied past. Once a community on the outskirts of Toronto, it was eventually annexed into the city in the late 1800s and early 1900s, seeing considerable growth over the decades.
Historic districts, such as Riverdale, continue to charm renters with their timeless appeal and tree-lined streets.
Renting costs
Riverdale’s housing stock is a mix of grand Victorian homes, Edwardian semis, and modern infills. While some streets maintain a consistent historic feel, others showcase a juxtaposition of old and new, reflecting the area’s ongoing evolution. Themedian rent for a 1-bed apartment here is around $2600, while you can rent a studio apartment here for around $1950.
Riverdale boasts a range of amenities that cater to its diverse population. The bustling Danforth Avenue, known for its Greek community and the annual Taste of the Danforth festival, offers a plethora of restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops. Similarly, Queen Street East, Gerrard Street, and Broadview Avenue provide residents with a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. If you decide Riverdale is the place to call home, bear in mind that there are many moving companies Canada residents choose for such a relocation.
Education, culture and the community
Riverdale is home to several top-notch schools, including the historic Riverdale Collegiate Institute. The neighborhood also houses cultural gems like the Riverdale Library and the vibrant arts community along Queen Street East. Riverdale’s population is a tapestry of cultures, with long-time residents and newcomers blending seamlessly. This mosaic is reflected in everything from its eateries to its festivals and community events.
Recreation and transportation
One of the neighborhood’s crown jewels is Riverdale Park, split into East and West sections by the Don Valley Parkway. This expansive green space offers stunning views of the Toronto skyline, especially during sunset. Moreover, it’s equipped with sports fields, a swimming pool, and tobogganing hills in winter. Additionally, Withrow Park, situated in the north, is a local favorite, hosting various community events. With its proximity to downtown Toronto, Riverdale is well-connected via public transit. Multiple streetcar and bus routes service the area, and the Broadview, Chester, and Pape subway stations on the Bloor-Danforth line offer easy access to other parts of the city.
Best neighborhoods to rent in Toronto in 2023 – Garden District can be your choice
The Garden District is located in the downtown core of Toronto. It’s generally bounded by Carlton Street to the north, Queen Street to the south, Yonge Street to the west, and Sherbourne Street to the east. The Garden District gets its name from one of Toronto’s oldest cemeteries, the Toronto Necropolis, which serves as a final resting place for many of the city’s significant figures from the 19th century. The neighborhood was historically a residential area with Victorian homes and row houses. Over the years, there has been considerable development, yet it still retains much of its historical charm.
Toronto’s multiculturalism shines in its neighborhoods, with areas like the Garden District reflecting the city’s rich cultural and historic scene.
How much will you pay for rent?
The housing in the Garden District ranges from historic Victorian homes to more modern high-rise condominiums and apartments. These developments additionally serve the diverse demographics of the area, from students attending nearby Ryerson University to professionals working in the downtown core. The median rent for a studio apartment here is around $2000.
One of the most notable landmarks in the Garden District is the Eaton Centre, one of Canada’s largest shopping malls, offering a vast array of retail options. The district is also home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, and entertainment venues, ensuring that residents and visitors have plenty to see and do. Due to the Garden District’s similarity to Ottawa’s neighborhoods, the people moving from Ottawa to Toronto choose it as their new home when relocating here.
Arts, culture, and entertainment
The Garden District is rich in cultural offerings. The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre, a historic double-decker theater, regularly showcases productions, while Massey Hall is an iconic venue for concerts. Additionally, Ryerson University adds to the cultural fabric with its film school, photography gallery, and various public events.
The Garden District has a dynamic community vibe, influenced largely by the presence of Ryerson University. Students, professionals, artists, and long-term residents create a lively and diverse atmosphere. Furthermore, community events, markets, and festivals are commonly held, reflecting the vibrant spirit of the neighborhood.
Green spaces and transportation
Despite its urban setting, the Garden District offers some notable green spaces. Allan Gardens, situated at the northern edge of the neighborhood, is a standout feature with its historic conservatory housing rare plants from around the world. It serves as an urban oasis, especially during the colder months, thanks to its indoor botanical garden.
Being centrally located, the Garden District is excellently connected. Multiple TTC subway stations, such as Dundas and College, ensure easy access to other parts of the city. Streetcars and buses also service the area frequently.
Deer Park is a great option for renting in Toronto too!
Deer Park is located in midtown Toronto. Roughly, its boundaries are the Vale of Avoca Ravine to the east, Yonge Street to the west, the Beltline Trail to the south, and St. Clair Avenue to the north. Deer Park gets its name from its early days in the 1800s when it was a private estate housing an abundance of deer. Over time, it transformed from a hamlet into a residential neighborhood. Today, it is a mix of historic homes and modern developments, but its streets still echo its genteel past.
Those seeking a mix of urban sophistication and natural beauty might find Deer Park’s serene environment and central location ideal.
Housing and Amenities
Deer Park boasts a varied architectural landscape. The area has stately Edwardian and Victorian homes, alongside modern townhouses and condominiums. The average rent for a 1-bed apartment here is around $2570, while the median rent for a studio apartment is around $2000.
Its hilly terrain offers some residences a beautiful overview of the Toronto skyline. Yonge and St. Clair, the major intersection in Deer Park, is a hub of activity. It offers a variety of restaurants, cafes, boutiques, and essential services. Moreover, the Delisle Court shopping plaza provides an array of shops catering to both daily needs and luxury tastes.
Green Spaces
One of Deer Park’s standout features is its access to green spaces. The Vale of Avoca Ravine is a serene spot, perfect for those seeking nature trails. The Beltline Trail, a popular walking and cycling path, is another green asset, tracing the route of an old railway line.
Education, culture, and the community
Deer Park is home to several reputable schools, catering to both elementary and secondary students. The neighborhood is also a stone’s throw away from cultural venues in downtown Toronto, making it convenient for those inclined towards arts and entertainment. Deer Park’s education options make it an excellent choice for families moving from Montreal to Toronto since Montreal is famous for its education system.
The Deer Park community is a mix of families, professionals, and retirees. Its tranquil streets, combined with its urban conveniences, also make it a sought-after location for many Torontonians. The Deer Park Residents Group is an active community organization that champions local interests and organizes events.
Transportation options
Deer Park has a good public transit system. The St. Clair subway station, part of the TTC’s Line 1, is centrally located, and a streetcar runs along St. Clair Avenue. Additionally, its central midtown location provides easy access to both downtown Toronto and the city’s northern suburbs.
As the city’s dynamics shift, choosing the best neighborhoods to rent in Toronto becomes more difficult.
Toronto has a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from
In 2023, the City of Toronto offers a mix of neighborhoods for every taste. From the history of Riverdale to City Place’s modern vibe, to the calm of Deer Park, there’s something for everyone. As the city changes, its areas also grow and adapt. Each spot has its own feel, services, and culture. When looking at the neighborhoods to rent in Toronto in 2023, it’s good to think about what each neighborhood offers now and in the future. In this city, every area has its own special story.