The city of Toronto is booming and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Thanks to its varied landscape, strong talent pool, and affordability compared with American cities, it has become a sort of Hollywood North. It’s also becoming a hub for more and more jobs in the technology and financial sector, creating a wealth of restaurants helmed by gourmands from around the world (Daniel Boulud, Jamie Oliver, and David Chang are just a few of the top chefs who’ve opened outposts here).

The 6ix, as it’s now affectionately known, is soaring to new heights. And as one would expect, its neighbourhoods are evolving as well to keep pace with its shifting population. Here are a few neighbourhoods to keep an eye on as they grow in popularity.

Leaside

Located just northeast of downtown (bounded roughly by Bayview Avenue, Southvale Drive and Eglinton Avenue), Leaside is a family-friendly area that’s becoming more upscale. With plenty of options for shopping, green spaces and good schools, residents here enjoy much of the best Toronto has to offer while living in a place that offers the feeling of a posh, close-knit enclave.

For those with gourmet tastes, Leaside has some excellent dining options including top-notch tapas and Indonesian cuisine. For the sporty, there’s the Leaside Arena and many parks, including nearby Sunnybrook Park. And with the $5.3 billion Eglinton Crosstown line underway, the neighbourhood is set to become much more accessible via transit.

Summerhill

Summerhill is only a few minutes north of the downtown core, or south to posh Yorkville. But that short distance from the buzz of the city makes all the difference: quiet, tree-lined streets and beautiful homes abound, a mix of modern builds and older brick beauties.

The neighbourhood is located between Avenue Road and Mount Pleasant Road, and bounded by the CP Railway tracks to the south and Farnham Avenue on the north end. Posh shopping and foodie delights can be found along Robbers Row and designer fashion at boutiques such as The Narwhal. More options are available in nearby Rosedale.

Runners, dog owners and cyclists will appreciate the David Balfour Park, a leafy green haven incorporating ornamental fountains, gardens, and a playground. It’s also home to the David Balfour Park Trail and parts of the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail. Summerhill will only continue to rise and cement itself as one of the the most desirable neighbourhoods in the area.

Roncesvalles

Located west of downtown, Roncy (as locals affectionately call it) truly feels like a village on the outskirts of the city—but it’s a mere 20-minute drive to the Eaton Centre. Residents of the amply sized brick homes can pick up their meats at the Polish butcher shop, cupcakes at Mabel’s bakery, and vegan meals at Cardinal Rule.

With a handful of mid-rise condos in the neighbourhood, Roncesvalles Village is becoming an accessible option for those whose wish list includes a cozy, social village feel but with the modern comforts of downtown living.
Nearby green and leafy High Park and several public, private and Montessori schools in the area make the neighbourhood attractive to families with children of all ages.

Visit http://sothebysrealty.ca/en/ to explore properties in these areas.

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