The Annex is one of those Toronto neighbourhoods that has a personality you really can’t mistake for anywhere else. There are beautiful old homes and tree-lined residential streets, but just around the corner you have busy cafés, restaurants, bookstores, shops and people out enjoying the neighbourhood. It feels historic and established, but there’s always something happening.

One of the things I love about the Annex is the mix of homes and architecture. You’ll find beautiful Victorian and Edwardian houses, grand detached and semi-detached homes, colourful row houses and converted character properties, along with apartments, condos and some newer developments. Many of the older homes still have incredible original details, from stained glass and fireplaces to front porches and beautiful brickwork, which gives the neighbourhood so much character.

For families, there are several schools in and around the community, including Huron Street Junior Public School, Lord Lansdowne Junior Public School and Harbord Collegiate Institute, along with Catholic and private school options nearby.

Bloor Street West is really the heart of everyday life in the Annex. There’s a great mix of independent restaurants, cafés, bakeries, bookstores, pubs and local shops, and it’s one of those areas where you can easily spend an afternoon wandering around without having much of a plan. You’re also close to Koreatown and not far from Kensington Market, giving you even more great places to eat, shop and explore.

The University of Toronto is right next door and is a big part of the neighbourhood’s energy. The beautiful campus, historic buildings and student population give the area a lively feel, while nearby cultural landmarks like the Royal Ontario Museum and Bata Shoe Museum mean there’s always something interesting close to home.

There’s also more green space than you might expect. Christie Pits is a local favourite, with a pool, playground, sports fields and plenty of open space. Bickford Park is another great neighbourhood spot, and you’re close to the parks and walking paths throughout the University of Toronto campus.

Getting around is incredibly easy. Spadina, Bathurst and St. George Stations are all nearby, giving you access to both Line 1 and Line 2. The neighbourhood is also very walkable and bike-friendly, and downtown is close enough that you really don’t need to rely on a car for everyday life.

But what really makes the Annex stand out is the neighbourhood itself. It’s the kind of place where you can grab coffee from a local café, browse a bookstore, walk past some incredible century homes and meet friends for dinner without ever leaving the area.



You’re close to downtown, Yorkville, Kensington Market and some of Toronto’s biggest cultural attractions, but the residential streets still have that comfortable neighbourhood feel. It’s a really interesting mix of history, culture, great food and everyday city living that makes the Annex feel completely its own.

Why People Love The Annex

• Beautiful Victorian and Edwardian homes
• Tree-lined streets filled with character and architecture
• Great mix of houses, condos, apartments and converted properties
• Restaurants, cafés, bookstores and shops along Bloor Street West
• Close to Koreatown and Kensington Market
• Steps from the University of Toronto
• Christie Pits and Bickford Park nearby
• Close to the Royal Ontario Museum and Bata Shoe Museum
• Several nearby schools
• Spadina, Bathurst and St. George subway stations
• Excellent access to Line 1 and Line 2
• Very walkable and bike-friendly
• Close to Yorkville and downtown
• A lively neighbourhood with a strong local feel

Thinking About Calling The Annex Home?

If you love older Toronto homes, great restaurants, independent shops and being able to walk almost everywhere, The Annex is definitely worth exploring. Let’s find a neighbourhood that feels like home. Get in touch with Laura Cooper today!

Royal Ontario Museum

Philosopher's Walk

Royal Conservatory of Music

Yorkville Village

Restaurants

• Planta - Vegan
• Opus - Mediterranean
• Fat Pasha - Middle Eastern
• Sushi on Bloor - Sushi
• Insomnia - Comfort Food
  

Thinking of Buying or Selling Real Estate In The Annex Toronto