When you think of Toronto, you probably think of the downtown core–the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, the many skyscrapers, and the famous King Street. But Toronto is so much more than just that. The city has many trendy neighbourhoods, from the artistic Leslieville in the east end to the one-of-a-kind historic Junction in the west. 

If you’re reading this article, chances are you’re either renting or considering buying a home in Toronto. We’ll briefly mention the average rental and home prices, but we’re not focusing solely on that. We’ll showcase the best each area has to offer, from must-visit spots to local hidden gems; we’ll help you get a true feel for the vibe of each neighbourhood. 

We might be a little biased, as Chexy HQ is based in Toronto, but we truly believe it’s the best city in Canada. With world-class dining, countless independent cafés, breweries, and boutique shops, there are endless things to do. The city boasts a thriving nightlife, diverse communities, and convenient access to public transit via the TTC, making it an incredible place to live, work, and explore.

Take a look at our interactive Toronto neighbourhoods map with all of our favourite food & drink spots. Note that we get all our rental statistics from Zumper Rental Market Trends and home price statistics from Zolo.

Best Neighbourhoods in Toronto

Whether you’re moving to Toronto or want to check out another area in the city, here are the top 10 neighbourhoods to live, work, and explore in Toronto, from east to west:

Leslieville

Photo by Jason Verwey via Flickr

Best for: Young families, creatives, and professionals 

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,550

Average home price: $1.2M 

Located just east of the Distillery District and a short walk from The Beaches, Leslieville is a charming neighbourhood that balances urban creativity with a warm, community-oriented vibe. It is one of the best family neihgbourhoods in Toronto and perfect for those who are just starting a family or have young children.  

Leslieville is often called Toronto’s “Brooklyn” for its artistic flair. Queen Street East is lined with many trendy cafes, restaurants, vintage boutiques, and art studios. Greenwood Park is also nearby, offering plenty of green space and recreational activities like skating and swimming. 

In the summer, the neighbourhood hosts block party-style events like the Leslieville Block Fest, and in the winter (or anytime of year), you can take part in indoor rock climbing at The Rock Oasis.  

Some of the best spots to check out in Leslieville include Lady Marmalade for a weekend brunch, Chez Nous Wine Bar for local Ontario wine and craft beer (plus a 5-7 happy hour every day!), and Lake Inez for seasonal, international food and a great beverage selection. 

The Danforth

Photo by Jason Baker via Flickr

Best for: Foodies, families, and young professionals 

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,974

Average home price: $1.3M

Located in Toronto’s east end, The Danforth stretches from Pape to Woodbine Avenue. Many stops on Line 2 of the TTC serve this neighbourhood, making it easy to get downtown or across the city in just a few minutes. 

Known as Greektown for its Greek heritage, The Danforth is packed with Mediterranean restaurants, cafes, and shops. Before 2020, the famous Taste of the Danforth festival was hosted here every summer, with lots of entertainment, drinks, and food vendors. Here’s to hoping it will make a return in 2025. 

There are many amazing things to do on The Danforth, including catching a show at the Danforth Music Hall, strolling through Monarch Park, and stopping by Athens Pastries for their famous spanakopita and loukoumades. 

Some of our top cafes and restaurants include Mofer Coffee for classic Ethiopian roasted coffee, Messini’s authentic gyros, and Simone’s Carribean Restaurant for traditional Jamaican dishes. 

Cabbagetown

Photo by Alain Rouiller via Flickr

Best for: History lovers and working professionals

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,421 

Average home price: $979k

Cabbagetown is a unique neighbourhood in midtown Toronto featuring stunning historic Victorian-style homes, most of which have remained original since construction. Due to the high home prices (almost $1M), this neighbourhood mainly appeals to working professionals and families who enjoy its historic charm.

Cabbagetown is like a small village without being too far out of reach of downtown Toronto. There are plenty of local boutiques, cafes, and restaurants in this dog-friendly and family-focused part of the city. 

You’ll never get tired of things to do in Cabbagetown. Take a stroll through the Allan Gardens Conservatory, see the animals at Riverdale Farm, or take in a performance at the Toronto Dance Theatre. 

*Allan Gardens and Riverdale Farm are both free, family-friendly activities.  

Sunday brunch is practically a tradition, and a great cup of coffee is never too far away. A few of our favourite brunch spots include House on Parliament for an interesting take on classic poutine and Johnny G’s Cafe for a solid eggs Benny. Head to Playground Cafe for tasty drinks in an eclectic setting, or JetFuel for a decently priced espresso. 

Davisville Village

Photo by Jason Paris via Flickr

Best for: Those seeking a balance of city life and tranquillity

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,324

Average home price: $750k

Davisville Village is a Uptown neighbourhood extending north from Mount Pleasant Cemetery to Eglinton Avenue East, and east from Yonge Street to Bayview Avenue. It has a high transit score, with Davisville and Eglinton stations on the Yonge-University subway line. 

The many tree-lined residential streets and single-family homes encourage family living. It is an extremely walkable neighbourhood featuring dozens of parks, playgrounds, and events for families. It also has a vibrant nightlife scene with many popular restaurants bringing in both tourists and regulars for craft beer, live music, and diverse food. 

A perfect day out in Davisville Village consists of exploring the many vintage shops and bookstores along Mount Pleasant Road, taking a stroll through Dovercourt or Dufferin Grove Park, and ending the day at one of the many amazing restaurants or breweries. 

Little Sister is a great spot for Dutch and Indonesian cuisine, while you can find top-notch food and pints at Granite Brewery. And a special shoutout to The Social Blend, a cafe, bakery, and social space where you can find some of the best macarons in the city. 

The Annex

 Photo by Billy Wilson via Flickr

Best for: Students and young professionals

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,304

Average home price: $1.9M

As one of Toronto’s oldest neighbourhoods, The Annex is home to the University of Toronto campus, as well as a mix of art galleries, trendy restaurants, and one-of-a-kind shops. You can find numerous student bars, decently-priced restaurants, and nightclubs along Bloor Street, perfect for students looking to enjoy Toronto’s nightlife. 

Many university students and faculty, as well as artists, live in this historic neighbourhood. Even Margaret Atwood, the acclaimed writer, called it home many years ago. 

The Annex is well connected with Line 2 of the TTC running through Bloor Street, with Bathurst, Spadina, and St George subway stations all within a short walk. 

Casa Loma is close by, along with the Royal Ontario Museum, which you can visit for free on the third Tuesday night of each month. Some other unmissable spots include Fuwa Fuwa for Japanese souffle pancakes, Writers Room Bar for spectacular drinks and city views, and Insomnia for brunch or late-night eats. 

West Queen West

Photo by Don Gunn via Flickr

Best for: Artists, creatives, and young professionals

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,360

Average home price: $762k

Named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world by Vogue, West Queen West is a trendy, artsy neighbourhood with lots of quirky local shops, bars and restaurants, and iconic boutique hotels (like the Drake Hotel). 

A few blocks west of the downtown core, this neighbourhood has a vibrant nightlife and thriving culinary scene, with an abundance of cafes and bars along Queen Street West. No matter where you walk, you’ll find treasures and hidden gems you won’t find anywhere else. 

Queen West is home to the famous Graffiti Alley and Trinity Bellwoods Park, a great spot to hang out on a summer day after grabbing a coffee from an independent cafe like I Deal Coffee. For beer lovers, Bellwoods Brewery is not to be missed, and for those craving a sweet treat, head to Bang Bang Ice Cream & Bakery.

Some of the best art galleries and boutiques include Twist Gallery, Craft Ontario Shop, Arts on Queen, and Show Gallery. 

Parkdale

Photo by Corey Doctorow via Flickr

Best for: Newcomers and budget-conscious renters 

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,360

Average home price: $762k

You may have heard about Parkdale’s rough past, but it isn’t what it used to be. It’s now a great place to live, being one of the city’s most accessible and welcoming communities. Located south of the vibrant Roncesvalles and just west of Liberty Village, Parkdale is one of the most diverse, artistic, and trendy areas in Toronto. 

Queen Street West is the main attraction, full of independent galleries, trendy bars and restaurants, and cafes. If you’re looking to do some retail therapy, check out the many boutiques and vintage stores on the strip. Public Butter Vintage and Common Sort are some of our favourites. 

We’d recommend checking out The Rhino for good Sunday brunch, Ali’s for West Indian roti, and Skyline Restaurant for classic diner fare. Parkdale is also home to Larry’s Place, one of the best coffee spots around. 

While rent is starting to go up, it’s still more affordable than many neighbourhoods in Toronto. You can find a one-bedroom apartment for just around $2,000, or a studio for about half of that. 

Roncesvalles

Photo by Eric Sehr via Flickr

Best for: Families, foodies, and those who love community 

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,350

Average home price: $1.4M

Known as Little Poland, Roncesvalles is a charming community-oriented neighbourhood home to a large Polish population. The biggest Polish festival in North America is held here, along with many Polish delis, bakeries, and cafes dotted throughout the neighbourhood. 

While the festival is popular, Roncesvalles is also known for its charming, artsy vibes, with many cafes, restaurants, and shops along Roncesvalles Avenue. Most streets are pedestrian and bike-friendly, giving it a high transit score. 

Cafe Polonez is an institution not to be missed, serving up classic Polish dishes like pierogies and cabbage rolls. Coffee shops are abundant here, with top picks being Reunion, Cherry Bomb, and Found Coffee. 

The family-friendly vibe, great schools, and a walkable main street full of eateries and shops make Roncesvalles appealing to those who value neighbourhood charm. There are lots of single homes or semi-detached homes owned by families or converted into apartments, as well as many apartments above the shops on Roncesvalles Avenue. 

Bloor West Village

Photo by Dennis Sparks via Flickr

Best for: Families, retirees, and those who want a mix of suburban tranquillity and urban convenience.

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $2,325

Average home price: $1.6M

Once a predominantly Ukranian neighbourhood, Bloor West Village is the perfect balance of liveliness and tranquillity. This family-friendly neighbourhood is known for its top-rated schools, parks, and vibrant community spirit. It is very walkable, next to the Humber River and historic Old Mill.  

Anything you could need or want can be found here. Bloor Street West has many independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars. The area has over a dozen great schools and relatively affordable housing. 

The neighbourhood is close to the Junction, Roncesvalles, and High Park (arguably the best park in the city), so you’ll never run out of things to do. Some of our top picks for restaurants and cafes include Queen’s Pasta for authentic Italian food and The Coffee Boutique for a 5-star espresso. 

The Junction

Photo by Howard64NH via Flickr

Best for: Young families, creatives, and entrepreneurs 

Average rent for a one-bedroom: $1,868

Average home price: $1.1M

Did you know The Junction was Toronto’s last “dry” neighbourhood, meaning no alcohol was sold here until 2000? Unlike its prohibition past, this neighbourhood is now lively with many entertainment options, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and bars. 

There is so much to do in this one-of-a-kind neighbourhood, including exploring High Park and shopping on Dundas West or St. Clair West. Dundas Street West is very much alive with local boutiques, cool restaurants, and trendy bars, while St. Clair West is home to the Stockyards Centre. 

The Museum of Contemporary Art is not to be missed, as well as seeing a live band at Junction City Music Hall. Some of our favourite restaurants include Annette Food Market for some of the city’s best pizza and The Hole in the Wall for an atmospheric dinner and drinks with live music. 

Check out The Junction Brewery for some local brews, or head to The Alpine, a mountain lodge serving craft beer, wine, and European tavern-inspired dishes. 

The welcoming, community vibe of The Junction makes you feel at home whether you’re just visiting or you’ve spent years here. Although rental prices have gone up in recent years, you can find a decent one-bedroom for under $2,000. 

How to Save on Rent in Toronto

We all know that Toronto is one of the most expensive cities in Canada for renting an apartment. However, if you’re set on moving to Toronto and love the city (as we do!), you’re probably not going to change your mind. Here are some quick tips on how to save on rent in Canada’s biggest city:

• Find a Roommate: If you’re not completely set on living alone, we’d recommend finding a roommate or two and renting a two or three-bedroom apartment. This will drastically reduce the price of rent and bills, as you’re splitting it between a few people. 

• Pay Rent with Your Credit Card: Use a credit card that earns you rewards (like points or cashback) with Chexy. Your rent payments can earn you up to 4% cashback or travel miles on every dollar. 

• Widen Your Search Area: If you’re only looking at apartments or condos in downtown Toronto, you will be paying a lot more than other neighbourhoods a bit further out, like The Danforth or The Junction. 

• Negotiate Cheaper Rent: This won’t always work, especially if the competition is high, but you can try negotiating with your landlord to get a better deal. For example, you can ask them to take off $50 from the rent price but sign a lease for two years instead of one. 

If you’re a renter in Toronto or any other city in Canada, use Chexy to pay your rent with a credit card and earn rewards. Don’t let your biggest monthly expense go unrewarded. With Chexy, you can pay your rent with a credit card and earn cashback to offset the cost of living or points you can use for free flights. 

You can also split rent with roommates, build your credit, and pay almost any bills with your credit card. 

So, what are you waiting for? Get started with Chexy today. 

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