Top 5 Neighbourhoods in Toronto for First-Time Home Buyers
Toronto is full of hidden gems, and some neighbourhoods don't get the attention they deserve. Here’s a look at five underrated Toronto neighbourhoods that are definitely worth investing in!
1. Cabbagetown
Location: East of downtown, between Parliament Street and the Don River.
Fun Fact: Cabbagetown got its name from the Irish immigrants who grew cabbages in their front yards during the 19th century.
Things to Do:
Visit Riverdale Farm for a taste of country life in the city
Explore the historic homes and Victorian architecture
Enjoy the Cabbagetown Festival, an annual celebration of the area’s culture
Restaurants:
F’Amelia: A cozy spot for Italian comfort food
House on Parliament: A popular pub with great food and a relaxed vibe
Kingyo Fisherman’s Market: Informal, contemporary Japanese restaurant and market
2. Roncesvalles Village
Location: West Toronto, between High Park and Parkdale.
Fun Fact: Roncesvalles has strong Polish roots, with many Polish bakeries, delis, and cultural centres.
Things to Do:
Stroll along Roncesvalles Avenue, filled with unique boutiques
Enjoy a day at nearby High Park, Toronto's largest public park
Check out the annual Roncesvalles Polish Festival, one of the city’s largest street festivals
Restaurants:
The Ace: A retro diner serving modern Canadian cuisine
Barque Smokehouse: A top choice for BBQ lovers
Café Polonez: A go-to spot for authentic Polish dishes
3. The Junction
Location: West Toronto, near Dundas Street West and Keele Street.
Fun Fact: The Junction was a dry area (no alcohol sold) until 2000, which shaped its unique character and community vibe.
Things to Do:
Browse the antique shops and art galleries that line the streets
Attend the Junction Summer Solstice Festival, a night market celebrating the longest day of the year
Enjoy one of the city’s largest and best collection of used book and LPs at Pandemonium
Restaurants:
Indie Alehouse: A craft brewery with a great food menu
Botham’s: Great vintage decor to go along with wood-fired sourdough pizza
Dirty Food Eatery: A great brunch spot with espresso-bar drinks
4. Danforth East
Location: East Toronto, along Danforth Avenue from Greenwood to Victoria Park.
Fun Fact: While the Danforth is known for its Greek culture, Danforth East is a growing hub for artists and young families.
Things to Do:
Visit East Lynn Park for the farmer's market and family events
Explore the local art scene with galleries and creative workshops
Attend the Taste of the Danforth festival for a true Greek experience
Restaurants:
Local 1794: A laid-back spot with craft beers and comfort food
The Wren: A vibrant pub with great atmosphere and Tex-Mex dishes
Sakawa Coffee: A unique café that serves Japanese-inspired meals
5. Leslieville
Location: East of downtown, stretching along Queen Street East from the Don River to Coxwell Avenue.
Fun Fact: Leslieville was once a hub for the city’s industrial factories and has now transformed into a trendy, family-friendly neighbourhood.
Things to Do:
Walk along Queen Street East, home to vintage shops, cafes, and galleries
Spend a day at Woodbine Beach, just a short distance away
Discover street art and murals that add to the area’s charm
Restaurants:
Ed’s Real Scoop: A must-visit for ice cream lovers
Lake Inez: An innovative backyard culinary experience
Lady Marmalade: A popular brunch destination with a creative menu
Find the Best Spot For Your New Home Today!
These underrated neighbourhoods offer a blend of history, culture, and culinary delights that make them worth exploring!
