Wahi’s Where to Live 2023 Toronto
Top ranked GTA neighbourhoods to consider for your next move
City of Toronto
Moving to the GTA but not sure where to live?
Your search ends here. We crunched the numbers for 400 neighbourhoods in five Greater Toronto Area (GTA) regions and ranked the top-three neighbourhoods in 11 categories. Categories are based on different lifestyles, needs and interests such as families, retirees, foodies, shopping, nature lovers, nightlife and more. The right neighbourhood is waiting for you.
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Young Kids
FIT FOR A FAMILY We've compiled a list of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto for families with young children. These communities were ranked according to several factors: the proximity to elementary schools; the amount of park space in the community; access to amenities, like grocery stores; and how quiet the neighbourhood is. Municipality: York Conveniently located between Eglinton Ave. West and St.Clair Ave. West, this neighbourhood has eight primary schools within its borders. It's also home to several parks with playgrounds and picturesque ravines, including popular Cedarvale Park. Municipality: Toronto With its shoreline of sandy beach,14 primary schools, and everything within walking distance, this is the perfect family neighbourhood. Municipality: Etobicoke This charming neighbourhood extends as far south as Lake Ontario and offers family activities for every age, as well as 13 primary schools. Municipality: Toronto With its shoreline of sandy beach,14 primary schools, and everything within walking distance, this is the perfect family neighbourhood. Municipality: Etobicoke This charming neighbourhood extends as far south as Lake Ontario and offers family activities for every age, as well as 13 primary schools.#1
Cedarvale#2
The Beaches#3
Mimico#2
The Beaches#3
Mimico
Best Neighbourhoods for Families with Teenagers
TERRIFIC FOR TEENS In search of a neighbourhood where older kids won't get bored and can get around on their own? Then check out these top-ranked neighbourhoods in Toronto for families with teenagers. Our top choices are based on several factors: nearby high schools and parks; proximity to shopping; and the cycling and pedestrian friendliness of the area. Municipality: Toronto A stone's throw from Chinatown, Kensington Market is home to dozens of thrift shops, music stores and cheap eats. Close to Toronto's downtown core, teens can easily access this eclectic neighbourhood by streetcar, subway, bike or foot. Municipality: Toronto Whether it's catching a live show at The Phoenix or hanging at Riverdale Park, there's no shortage of things for teens to do in Cabbagetown. Municipality: Toronto This is where art and life intersect. From the Queen Street Art Crawl to hip second-hand shops, this neighbourhood has it all. Municipality: Toronto Whether it's catching a live show at The Phoenix or hanging at Riverdale Park, there's no shortage of things for teens to do in Cabbagetown. Municipality: Toronto This is where art and life intersect. From the Queen Street Art Crawl to hip second-hand shops, this neighbourhood has it all.#1
Kensington#2
Cabbagetown#3
Trinity Bellwoods#2
Cabbagetown#3
Trinity Bellwoods
Best Neighbourhoods for Retirees
THE RIGHT PLACE FOR RETIREES Settle down in one of these leading Toronto neighbourhoods for seniors. These communities received high marks for a number of attributes including: a variety of amenities within walking distance; access to parks; and the area's peacefulness. Municipality: York For those looking for a slower pace of life, this neighbourhood is for you. Known for its quiet and picturesque streets, as well as its namesake Cedarvale Ravine, it also offers walkable access to restaurants, grocery stores, shops and parks. Municipality: York A diverse community and home to Toronto's Little Jamaica, Fairbanks provides all the amenities of city living at an affordable price. Municipality: York Tree-lined streets, rolling hills and plentiful green space make up this peaceful community, which also boasts a large recreation centre. Municipality: York A diverse community and home to Toronto's Little Jamaica, Fairbanks provides all the amenities of city living at an affordable price. Municipality: York Tree-lined streets, rolling hills and plentiful green space make up this peaceful community, which also boasts a large recreation centre.#1
Cedarvale#2
Fairbanks#3
Silverthorn#2
Fairbanks#3
Silverthorn
Best Neighbourhoods for Pet Lovers
PERFECT FOR PETS Check out our list of the best pet-friendly places to live in Toronto. These neighbourhoods are known for their park space and walkability, making them a great choice for those who cherish their furry friends. Local dog parks and pet stores add to the allure of living in one of these communities. Municipality: Toronto The historic Victorian buildings in Trefann Court will make your daily dog walks much more scenic and pleasant. With Corktown Common and Power Street Off Leash Dog Park nearby, there’s more than enough space for dogs to run around and play. Municipality: Toronto Known for being more upscale, Yorkville is pedestrian-friendly and has numerous parks nearby within walking distance. Ramsden Dog Park is a stone’s throw away, as well as other dog-friendly parks like Severn Creek Park and Lawren Harris Park. Municipality: Etobicoke This neighbourhood has a few quality parks, including Home Smith Park. Situated along the Humber River, this dog-friendly park has a 10 kilometer trail, so there’s more than enough leg room for your four-legged friend. Municipality: Toronto Known for being more upscale, Yorkville is pedestrian-friendly and has numerous parks nearby within walking distance. Ramsden Dog Park is a stone’s throw away, as well as other dog-friendly parks like Severn Creek Park and Lawren Harris Park. Municipality: Etobicoke This neighbourhood has a few quality parks, including Home Smith Park. Situated along the Humber River, this dog-friendly park has a 10 kilometer trail, so there’s more than enough leg room for your four-legged friend.#1
Trefann Court#2
Yorkville#3
Kingsway South#2
Yorkville#3
Kingsway South
Best Neighbourhoods for Car-Free Living
NO CAR? NO PROBLEM! Whether you're an enthusiastic environmentalist, prefer to get around by bike or foot, or don't own a car, these Toronto neighbourhoods are perfect for you. These communities came out on top based on their convenient access to public transit, and their cycling and pedestrian infrastructure. Municipality: Toronto The cobblestone Distillery District is one of Toronto’s prime pedestrian-friendly areas. Large sections are closed off entirely to motor traffic, and it’s easily accessible by the 504 King Street streetcar, the city’s busiest surface route. Municipality: Toronto Three streetcar and two bus routes cross Trinity Bellwoods, a neighbourhood famous for its pathway-traced park of the same name. Municipality: Toronto St. Lawrence is a quick walk from historic Union Station — Canada’s largest transit hub — and also links with the Queen and King subway stations. Municipality: Toronto Three streetcar and two bus routes cross Trinity Bellwoods, a neighbourhood famous for its pathway-traced park of the same name. Municipality: Toronto St. Lawrence is a quick walk from historic Union Station — Canada’s largest transit hub — and also links with the Queen and King subway stations.#1
Distillery District#2
Trinity Bellwoods#3
St. Lawrence#2
Trinity Bellwoods#3
St. Lawrence
Best Neighbourhoods for Active Lifestyle
GET MOVING HERE Whether you're a fitness fanatic or just like to stay active, these top-ranked Toronto neighbourhoods are the right choice for a healthy lifestyle. Pedestrian and cycling friendly, these communities offer a variety of amenities that cater to physical activity and healthy eating. There's also plenty of green space for sports and other recreational activities. Municipality: Toronto When it comes to being pedestrian and cycling-friendly, Regent Park scores a perfect 5 out of 5. Regent Park Community Centre matches that energy, and comes equipped with a gym, fitness and weight room, dance studio, and more. Municipality: Toronto As another neighbourhood with a perfect pedestrian and cycling-friendly score, Niagara is the ideal spot for an active lifestyle. Municipality: Toronto The quiet side streets and bike lanes in the Annex make this a cyclist’s paradise. Municipality: Toronto As another neighbourhood with a perfect pedestrian and cycling-friendly score, Niagara is the ideal spot for an active lifestyle. Municipality: Toronto The quiet side streets and bike lanes in the Annex make this a cyclist’s paradise.#1
Regent Park#2
Niagara#3
The Annex#2
Niagara#3
The Annex
Best Neighbourhoods for Nature Lovers
BACK TO NATURE For those who crave more green space in an urban setting, look no further than these Toronto neighbourhoods. These communities received a high ranking based on several attributes: the amount of nearby park space; how quiet the neighbourhood is; and how easy it is to get around by foot or bike. Municipality: Toronto Heavily treed Allenby is a centrally located yet peaceful midtown Toronto enclave. Walk over to nearby Eglinton Park, a nine-hectare oasis complete with playground, sports fields and a wading pool, or cycle along the Beltline to the south. Municipality: North York The Bridle Path’s name means wooded trail, and that’s fitting: Parks, ravines, and botanical gardens surround this neighbourhood. Municipality: Toronto When a golf course is your neighbour, green space and quiet are to be expected. Backing on to the Rosedale Golf Course, Teddington Park doesn’t disappoint. Municipality: North York The Bridle Path’s name means wooded trail, and that’s fitting: Parks, ravines, and botanical gardens surround this neighbourhood. Municipality: Toronto When a golf course is your neighbour, green space and quiet are to be expected. Backing on to the Rosedale Golf Course, Teddington Park doesn’t disappoint.#1
Allenby#2
Bridle Path#3
Teddington Park#2
Bridle Path#3
Teddington Park
Best Neighbourhoods for Shopping
RETAIL THERAPY If you're into shopping, then we have the perfect neighbourhoods for you. From high-end boutiques to novelty bookstores to vintage clothing shops and more, we bring you the top-ranked areas in Toronto for all your shopping needs. You won't be disappointed by the retail experience found in these communities! Municipality: Toronto Yorkville is your one-stop shop for high-end shopping. Comparable to LA’s Rodeo Drive or New York’s Fifth Avenue, you’ll see luxurious brands such as Burberry, Chanel, Prada, and more as you make your way through this posh neighbourhood. Municipality: Toronto Shoppers don’t go to St. Lawrence for the typical retail experience. Chic boutiques and unique shops line The Esplanade. Municipality: Toronto Thrift shops, indie boutiques, vintage stores — for an atypical shopping experience, Kensington is the neighbourhood. Municipality: Toronto Shoppers don’t go to St. Lawrence for the typical retail experience. Chic boutiques and unique shops line The Esplanade. Municipality: Toronto Steps aways from Queen Street, you’ll have the choice between hip shops like Aritzia and the more thrifty fashions of the Black Market.#1
Yorkville#2
St. Lawrence#3
Kensington#2
St. Lawrence#3
Kensington
Best Neighbourhoods for Nightlife
ENTERTAIN ME If hip bars and trendy restaurants are your jam, then check out our list of the liveliest neighbourhoods in Toronto based on their ranking. These party-central destinations offer everything from nightclubs to casual pubs. Planning the perfect night out has never been easier in these prime party zones. Municipality: Toronto Whether you’re a theatre junkie, into live music, fine dining, or prefer dancing the night away, you’ll find anything (and everything!) in the Entertainment District. The best part is you'll be within walking distance of them all. Municipality: Toronto St. Lawrence stays up late. Its vibrant nightlife scene is defined by bars, pubs, and restaurants of all kinds and the boisterous Esplanade strip. Municipality: Toronto The Church-Yonge Corridor is a bustling neighbourhood with more than 150 bars and restaurants. There’s no shortage of places to go on the weekends! Municipality: Toronto I think this is where you should live if you care about nightlife? idk if people necessarily want to live in the heart of entertainment? thoughts? -LK Municipality: Toronto The Church-Yonge Corridor is a bustling neighbourhood with more than 150 bars and restaurants. There’s no shortage of places to go on the weekends!#1
Entertainment District#2
St. Lawrence#3
Church-Yonge Corridor#2
St. Lawrence#3
Church-Yonge Corridor
Best Neighbourhoods for Big City Slickers
URBANITES UNITE Municipality: Toronto Bounded by Yonge Street to the east, University Avenue to the West, Yorkville to the north, and the Financial District to the south, you won’t find a Toronto neighbourhood with more big-city appeal than the Bay Street Corridor. Municipality: Toronto With a thriving bar scene, nearby attractions like the Art Gallery of Ontario, and exceptional transit, some of the best of big-city living is here. Municipality: Toronto Don’t let the verdant pathways of St. George Campus fool you: This neighbourhood is teeming with life and big-city amenities. Municipality: Toronto With a thriving bar scene, nearby attractions like the Art Gallery of Ontario, and exceptional transit, some of the best of big-city living is here. Municipality: Toronto Don’t let the verdant pathways of St. George Campus fool you: This neighbourhood is teeming with life and big-city amenities.
If you prefer a big city vibe to the more peaceful countryside, then you'll love these prime Toronto neighbourhoods. These communities come in on top for their proximity to bars, restaurants and cafes, vibrancy, pedestrian friendliness and access to public transit.#1
Bay Street Corridor#2
Alexandra Park#3
University of Toronto#2
Alexandra Park#3
University of Toronto - St. George Campus
Best Neighbourhoods for Foodies
GREAT FOR GOURMANDS If you're into the food scene, then check out these top-ranked Toronto neighbourhoods for epicureans. These communities boast plentiful restaurants and cafes, many within walking distance. From fine dining to casual eats to cool coffee houses, there is no shortage of palate-pleasing places to eat in these areas. Municipality: Toronto Luxe cocktail lounges, steakhouses, and swanky bars abound in the Bay Street Corridor, spanning from the Financial District to just south of affluent Yorkville. With its upscale flavour, the corridor is host to some of the city’s finest dining. Municipality: Toronto Once a clubbing destination, the Entertainment District has established itself as a go-to for gourmands in more recent years. Municipality: Toronto Right between the Financial and Distillery Districts, St. Lawrence is best known for its eponymous (and world-famous) food market. Municipality: Toronto Once a clubbing destination, the Entertainment District has established itself as a go-to for gourmands in more recent years. Municipality: Toronto Right between the Financial and Distillery Districts, St. Lawrence is best known for its eponymous (and world-famous) food market.#1
Bay Street Corridor#2
Entertainment District#3
St. Lawrence#2
Entertainment District#3
St. Lawrence
Wahi analyzed data from Local Logic, a location intelligence platform, to rank GTA neighbourhoods in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Halton regions in 11 categories based on lifestyle, needs, goals and interests. The ranking considers neighbourhood attributes such as nearby schools, transit quality, park spaces, access to restaurants and shopping, and more.