Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Toronto
Summary: If you're single and moving to Toronto, here are some of the best neighborhoods for single people.
Toronto, is a vibrant and multicultural city that offers a high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. If you're single and looking to live in a neighborhood with plenty of social opportunities, amenities, and a great atmosphere, here are eight of the best neighborhoods to consider.
King West
King West is a dynamic and bustling neighborhood perfect for singles. It's known for its lively nightlife, with plenty of bars and clubs along King Street West. During the day, you can explore art galleries, visit the Bell Lightbox for a film, or relax at Trinity Bellwoods Park. There are also numerous fitness studios and classes, including spin, yoga, and boxing. The neighborhood is home to many advertising, tech, and design agencies, providing excellent networking opportunities.
Location: West of downtown Toronto, along King Street West
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 2000-2500. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 500,000-650,000.
Where to Eat: Try Gusto 101 for Italian, WVRST for sausages and beer, or The Drake Hotel for a trendy brunch.
Interesting History: The area was once home to Toronto's garment district and has many historic industrial buildings that have been converted into modern lofts and offices.
Celeb sightings: King West is known to be a hotspot for Toronto's pro athletes, especially during the Toronto International Film Festival.
Queen West
Queen West is a creative and eclectic neighborhood, ideal for singles who appreciate art and culture. It's home to numerous independent boutiques, art galleries, and live music venues. You can enjoy a leisurely afternoon at Graffiti Alley, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, or take an art class at the Toronto School of Art. The neighborhood also offers a variety of fitness studios and trendy cafes.
Location: West of downtown Toronto, along Queen Street West
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1800-2300. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 450,000-600,000.
Where to Eat: Visit The Drake Commissary for creative Canadian cuisine, Grand Electric for tacos and bourbon, or The Good Son for a lively dinner.
Interesting History: Queen West was once the epicenter of Toronto's textile industry, and many of the historic buildings have been repurposed into trendy shops and restaurants.
Celeb sightings: Queen West is a popular spot for musicians and artists, with frequent sightings during events like Canadian Music Week and NXNE.
The Annex
The Annex is a charming and intellectual neighborhood, perfect for singles who enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere. It's home to the University of Toronto, as well as numerous bookstores, cafes, and independent shops. You can explore the Royal Ontario Museum, take a cooking class at The Depanneur, or enjoy a performance at the Tarragon Theatre. The neighborhood also offers beautiful parks and outdoor spaces.
Location: North of downtown Toronto, bounded by Dupont Street, Avenue Road, and Bathurst Street
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1800-2200. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 450,000-600,000.
Where to Eat: Try The Harbord Room for upscale comfort food, Sushi on Bloor for Japanese cuisine, or Insomnia for a late-night coffee and dessert.
Interesting History: The Annex was once home to many of Toronto's wealthy families, and the neighborhood features beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture.
Celeb sightings: The Annex is a popular spot for University of Toronto faculty and visiting scholars, with occasional sightings of notable academics and authors.
Kensington Market
Kensington Market is a bohemian and multicultural neighborhood, ideal for singles who enjoy a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. It's home to a diverse range of shops, restaurants, and street art. You can explore the market's many vintage stores, take a street art tour, or attend a community event at the Kensington Market Garden Car. The neighborhood also offers numerous fitness studios and classes.
Location: West of downtown Toronto, bounded by College Street, Spadina Avenue, Dundas Street West, and Bathurst Street
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1700-2100. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 400,000-550,000.
Where to Eat: Visit Seven Lives for tacos, Grey Gardens for wine and small plates, or Rasta Pasta for Jamaican-Italian fusion.
Interesting History: Kensington Market has a rich history as a Jewish market in the early 20th century, and many of the historic buildings have been preserved.
Celeb sightings: Kensington Market is a popular spot for musicians and artists, with occasional sightings of notable Toronto talent.
Liberty Village
Liberty Village is a trendy and modern neighborhood, perfect for singles who enjoy an urban lifestyle. It's home to numerous tech startups, design agencies, and condo developments. You can explore the Liberty Market Building for shopping and dining, take a fitness class at one of the many studios, or relax at the nearby Exhibition Place. The neighborhood also offers easy access to the waterfront and numerous parks.
Location: West of downtown Toronto, bounded by King Street West, Strachan Avenue, and the Gardiner Expressway
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 2000-2500. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 500,000-650,000.
Where to Eat: Try Mildred's Temple Kitchen for brunch, Williams Landing for pub fare, or Local Public Eatery for a lively atmosphere.
Interesting History: Liberty Village was once home to Toronto's Central Prison and the Toronto Carpet Factory, and many of the historic buildings have been repurposed into modern lofts and offices.
Celeb sightings: Liberty Village is a popular spot for Toronto's tech and media professionals, with occasional sightings of notable entrepreneurs and influencers.
Leslieville
Leslieville is a family-friendly and creative neighborhood, ideal for singles who enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere. It's home to numerous independent shops, cafes, and restaurants. You can explore the Leslieville Farmers' Market, take a pottery class at The Clay Studio, or enjoy a performance at the Red Sandcastle Theatre. The neighborhood also offers beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, as well as easy access to the beach.
Location: East of downtown Toronto, bounded by Empire Avenue, Eastern Avenue, and Coxwell Avenue
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1600-2000. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 400,000-550,000.
Where to Eat: Visit Lady Marmalade for brunch, Ed's Real Scoop for ice cream, or Ascari Enoteca for Italian cuisine.
Interesting History: Leslieville was once home to numerous factories and industrial buildings, and many of the historic buildings have been repurposed into trendy shops and restaurants.
Celeb sightings: Leslieville is a popular spot for Toronto's creative professionals, with occasional sightings of notable artists and designers.
Roncesvalles
Roncesvalles is a charming and community-oriented neighborhood, perfect for singles who enjoy a small-town feel within the city. It's home to numerous independent shops, restaurants, and cafes. You can explore the Roncesvalles Village Farmers' Market, take a cooking class at The Depanneur, or catch a movie at the Revue Cinema. The neighborhood also offers beautiful parks and outdoor spaces, as well as easy access to the waterfront.
Location: West of downtown Toronto, bounded by Bloor Street West, Dundas Street West, and Lansdowne Avenue
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1600-2000. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 400,000-550,000.
Where to Eat: Try The Ace for brunch, Barque Smokehouse for BBQ, or The Westerly for pub fare.
Interesting History: Roncesvalles was once home to a large Polish community, and the neighborhood still features many Polish restaurants and shops.
Celeb sightings: Roncesvalles is a popular spot for Toronto's media professionals, with occasional sightings of notable journalists and broadcasters.
Yonge and Eglinton
Yonge and Eglinton is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood, ideal for singles who enjoy an urban lifestyle with plenty of amenities. It's home to numerous shops, restaurants, and bars, as well as the Eglinton Centre shopping mall. You can catch a movie at the Cineplex Cinemas, take a fitness class at one of the many studios, or explore the nearby Beltline Trail. The neighborhood also offers easy access to the subway and numerous parks.
Location: Midtown Toronto, at the intersection of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue
Real Estate: Average rental price for a studio or 1-bedroom apartment is around CAD 1800-2300. Average purchase price for a studio or 1-bedroom condo is around CAD 450,000-600,000.
Where to Eat: Visit The Burger's Priest for gourmet burgers, Grazie Ristorante for Italian cuisine, or The Keg Steakhouse for a classic steak dinner.
Interesting History: Yonge and Eglinton was once a major crossroads for early settlers, and the neighborhood has a rich history as a commercial and residential hub.
Celeb sightings: Yonge and Eglinton is a popular spot for Toronto's business professionals, with occasional sightings of notable entrepreneurs and executives.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


