The Annex

The Annex sits directly west of the University of Toronto and takes its character from that neighbour, bookshops, repertory cinemas, late-night cafes, and a cultural strip along Bloor that has held onto its independent stores longer than most of the city. The housing is largely Victorian and Edwardian, red brick, turrets, deep porches, and much of it is carved into student rentals and professor-owned two-flats.

It's one of the most walkable and best-served transit pockets in Toronto: two subway lines meet at Spadina, the 511 Bathurst streetcar runs north-south, and Bloor has protected bike lanes east and west. Families and academics compete with students for the same housing stock, which keeps prices firm and turnover lively.