When you hear anyone talking about how exciting, vibrant, and endlessly entertaining Toronto is, there’s a good chance they’re referring to The Annex. This neighbourhood is where you’ll find the University of Toronto, but it isn’t just home to students and recent grads ready to take on the world.
With gorgeous parks, fabulous restaurants, great shows, delectable eats, and more, The Annex appeals to pretty much anyone from all backgrounds and all walks of life. We could go on and on, and in fact, we will! In this post, we’ll fill you in on why The Annex is one of Toronto’s hottest neighbourhoods, and why you should definitely consider it when searching for your next home.
Searching for your ideal new home in the vibrant City of Toronto? Start with our featured listings.
The Shopping Speaks for Itself
Every neighbourhood in Toronto can boast about its shopping scene. Premium retail therapy is what this city is known for, after all.
However, we can safely say that nowhere quite compares to The Annex, especially if you like variety, independence, and stumbling on the coolest gadgets, outfits, or gifts that you’ll never find anywhere else, or ever again for that matter.
The variety of boutique shops, vintage stores, and little nooks full of wonders gives new meaning to the word “eclectic,” which is the perfect way to define The Annex. In neighbouring districts, you’ll find ultra high-end designer fashions. These may suit your tastes if your budget for shoes is the equivalent of a mortgage payment or two.
But in The Annex, it’s all about the thrill and exhilaration of scoring something absolutely fabulous, often second hand and no longer in production, that was just calling your name. You can spend less while relishing in the bragging rights about finding a vintage treasure that no one else has. This only begins to describe the joy and triumph of a shopping excursion in The Annex.
The experience is positively Bohemian and free-spirited, with iconic landmarks such as BMV Books, Common Sort, Curbside Cycle, and Bakka Phoenix Books. It’s easy to see why The Annex appeals to all sorts, from university students and comic book geeks to bargain hunters, fashionistas, and young-at-heart retirees. This truly is one of the most diverse and well, “eclectic” areas in all of Toronto.
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One-of-a-Kind Dining and Entertainment
Take the previous paragraph about the shopping scene, and now apply it to the incredible array of restaurants and eateries. The picture still fits.
Chain restaurants have little to no presence in The Annex. Instead, it’s filled with mom and pop diners and tiny, hole-in-the-wall establishments that are hard to find yet addictively delectable.
The streets abound with little sandwich shops, traditional pubs, international establishments, Canadian favourites, and cozy cafes where you can show up with a book or laptop, grab a double shot espresso and then lose yourself for hours on end.
Examples include Le Paradis, Insomnia Restaurant & Lounge, Snakes & Lattes, Kinka Izakaya, and many, many more. They are all worthy of a shoutout, but there are too many to mention. You’ll just have to come and check out the endless selection for yourself.
As home to one of North America’s top universities, The Annex also boasts an unforgettable entertainment scene. Forget corporate-sponsored concerts where you’re lucky to snag tickets in the nose-bleed section packed in with 100,000 other fans. Live music and comedy shows here are up close and personal.
Get a taste of experimental music (and enjoy great eats) at intimate landmarks like Lee’s Palace, The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar, or Burdock Brewery. Who knows? The performer you sit down and clink glasses with after the show today might become tomorrow’s superstar.
Yes, The Annex Is Green
If there’s one thing Toronto is famous for, other than its glorious shopping and entertainment, it’s the massive amount of green spaces. The whole city is filled with sprawling parks and numerous trails, ponds, and creeks.
The Annex doesn’t feature a fully separate park like you find in High Park. Instead, its beautiful scenery is seamlessly integrated throughout the community.
Jean Sibelius Square features a playground and wading pool, making it a premium spot for families throughout the year. Vermont Square Park (also known as Seaton Village) is where you’ll also find an off-leash dog area.
If you really want to get away from the hustle and bustle, just meander over to Taddle Creek Park. Sit on a bench, watch the kids play, or stomp through the fallen leaves on a crisp fall afternoon. Whenever you need time to reflect and recharge, The Annex is full of little parks and parkettes just like these.
The Utmost in Convenience
Entertainment and excitement come with the territory as a resident of The Annex. Naturally, the neighbourhood is also highly convenient.
Its central location and proximity to Downtown Toronto provide easy access to transit. No matter where you’re standing, you are undoubtedly steps away from subway stations or bus and streetcar routes.
Ready to drop everything and buy your next home? Start by reading the informative posts below:
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Trendy Condos, Heritage Houses, and More
Due to the desirability of the area, most real estate options here will come at a price. If you’ve got the budget, The Annex is a great place to begin the search for a new home and way of life. A wide array of stunning Victorian and Edwardian houses adorn lively, picturesque streets, and, like everything in The Annex, they all have a story to tell.
Many of these properties started out as mansions for affluent residents. As The Annex gained popularity with students, some homes were converted into multi-unit rentals. However, the area continues to attract professionals and those who are financially well off, including some of the students from wealthier families. Thus began the trend of re-converting these homes back into single-family residences.
Historic, architecturally-significant homes may be the hallmark of The Annex, but you’ll also find plenty of custom-built homes and new developments, including condos and lofts that are simply to die for. No matter how you look at it, The Annex is a vibrant community where you can experience the best Toronto has to offer.
Do you want to know more about The Annex or other great Toronto neighbourhoods? We are always happy to help you explore your many options! Reach out to us at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 to take the next step.
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