Downtown
Learn About The Downtown Community and
Real Estate In Downtown, Toronto
Downtown, Toronto
Downtown Toronto is one of those places where almost everything you need can be right outside your door. Restaurants, coffee shops, theatres, shopping, sports, transit and the waterfront are all within easy reach, and depending on where you live, walking can easily become your main way of getting around.
There’s also more variety downtown than people sometimes realize. You have the busy Financial and Entertainment Districts, condo communities around CityPlace, the historic streets around St. Lawrence Market and different pockets around King, Queen and the waterfront. Each has its own feel, giving buyers plenty of options depending on the lifestyle they’re looking for.
Housing is mostly condos and apartments, ranging from older buildings with larger floor plans to newer towers with modern amenities and city or lake views. You’ll also find loft conversions, townhomes and some older houses in certain pockets. For first-time buyers, professionals, investors and downsizers, the amount of choice is one of the biggest advantages of looking downtown.
One of the best parts of living here is simply being able to walk to so much. The Eaton Centre, St. Lawrence Market, Financial District, Queen Street, King Street and the waterfront are all part of everyday downtown life. Restaurants, cafés, grocery stores, fitness studios and everyday services are rarely far away.
There’s no shortage of things to do either. The CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena are all downtown, along with the Art Gallery of Ontario, Princess of Wales Theatre, TIFF Bell Lightbox and plenty of smaller theatres, galleries and live music venues. Whether you’re heading to a Jays game, catching a show or meeting friends for dinner, you rarely have to travel very far.
You still have plenty of options when you want to get outside. The waterfront has walking and cycling paths, parks and easy access to the Toronto Islands, while the Martin Goodman Trail makes it easy to walk, run or cycle along the lake.
For families, there are public, Catholic and private schools throughout the downtown area, including The Waterfront School and Ogden Junior Public School, with secondary schools serving different parts of the core. Toronto Metropolitan University, OCAD University and the University of Toronto are also nearby.
Getting around is one of the biggest advantages of living downtown. Subway lines, streetcars and buses connect you to the rest of Toronto, while Union Station provides access to GO Transit, VIA Rail and the UP Express. Depending on where you live and work, owning a car can be completely optional.
For buyers considering a downtown condo, the building itself can be just as important as the location. Maintenance fees, amenities, layouts and overall building management can vary quite a bit, even between properties only a few blocks apart. It’s worth looking beyond the square footage when comparing your options.
What really defines downtown living is convenience. You can walk to work, grab groceries on the way home, meet friends for dinner, catch a game or concert and spend Sunday afternoon along the waterfront without getting in the car.
It’s busy, energetic and definitely not for everyone, but if you like stepping outside and having the city at your fingertips, there really isn't anywhere else in Toronto quite like it.
Why People Love Downtown Toronto
- Walk to restaurants, cafés, shopping and entertainment
- Huge selection of condos and apartments
- Close to the Financial and Entertainment Districts
- CN Tower, Rogers Centre and Scotiabank Arena
- St. Lawrence Market and Eaton Centre nearby
- Easy access to the waterfront and Toronto Islands
- Art galleries, theatres and live entertainment
- Excellent TTC access
- Union Station, GO Transit and UP Express
- Close to universities and colleges
- Great restaurants and nightlife
- Martin Goodman Trail and waterfront parks
- Car-free living is realistic
- Something happening almost every day
Thinking About Calling Downtown Home?
If you want to be in the middle of everything and love the convenience of city living, Downtown Toronto has a lot to offer. Let’s find a neighbourhood that feels like home. Get in touch with Laura Cooper today!
Local Favourites
Best Coffee: Pilot Coffee Roasters
Best Bakery: Forno Cultura
Best Restaurant: Richmond Station
Best Park: Harbourfront Centre & HTO Park
Best Walking Trail: Martin Goodman Trail
Best Shopping: CF Toronto Eaton Centre & Queen Street West
Best Entertainment District: King Street West
Schools in Downtown Toronto
Ogden Junior Public School
Lord Lansdowne Junior & Senior Public School
Jarvis Collegiate Institute
Central Technical School
St. Michael's Choir School
The Rosedale Day School
*School catchment boundaries may change. It's always recommended to verify school eligibility before purchasing a home.
Queen's Park
Ripley's Aquarium
Scotia Bank Arena
Toronto Eaton Centre
Restaurants
- Kitchen - American, Contemporary
- Harriet’s Rooftop - Japanese Fusion
- Hy’s Steakhouse - Steakhouse
- Flora Lounge - American, Bar
- Parka - Quick Bites, Contemporary
Attractions
- Toronto Eaton Centre
- The CN Tower
- Ripley’s Aquarium
- The Rogers Centre
- Scotiabank Arena
- The Hockey Hall of Fame

Thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate In Downtown Toronto
Get In Touch With Laura
