I think the answer is different for everyone.
For me, walkability is a big one. I want to be able to walk to restaurants, coffee shops and, most importantly, grocery stores and fruit and veggie markets. We cook a lot at home, so being close to good food shopping really matters to us.
I also love living in a city where there is always something interesting to do.
One of my friends is on the committee for Boobyball. What is Boobyball, you might ask? It is a fundraiser for Rethink Breast Cancer, an organization that supports younger women impacted by breast cancer. So last night, I attended the fundraiser with friends.
This weekend is just as busy.
I’m heading to the Menopause Show, my husband and I are celebrating our second wedding anniversary at one of our favourite restaurants, Byblos, and on Sunday afternoon I’m off to see the Alicia Keys musical Hell’s Kitchen with my girlfriends.
That is one of the things I love most about living in Toronto. There is always something going on, and there are so many different ways to enjoy the city.
We recently started working with a couple who are looking for a new place to live. They told us they are open to most areas of the city, but they have one important requirement: it has to feel like a neighbourhood.
They want to be able to walk to groceries, a gym, cafés and restaurants. They want the area around their home to be part of their everyday life.
The truth is, Toronto has so many great pockets to discover.
Each time we head out to look at homes with them, we try to explore a different neighbourhood so they can get a real sense of what it would be like to live there.
One of the best ways to decide whether a neighbourhood is right for you is actually pretty simple: go out for dinner there, then take a walk around afterwards.
See how it feels.
Can you picture yourself picking up groceries there? Going for coffee on a Saturday morning? Walking to dinner? Heading to the gym without getting in the car?
A home matters, of course.
But so does everything around it.
If you know someone who is trying to find the right neighbourhood to call home, let them know:
If you need to buy or sell, just call Davelle.
My First Home: How to Buy Smart in Toronto
Know someone who talks about buying a home “someday”? Forward them a copy of our new My First Home magazine. It covers what to know, where to look, and how to buy smart in Toronto.
Want to Make This Market Work for You?
As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help.
For Sale: Renovated 1+1 Bedroom Condo in Midtown, Toronto (225 Merton St #501)
Welcome to your own slice of paradise in the heart of Midtown, where the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail is practically your backyard. Morning run? Evening stroll? Taking Fido out for a spin? Just step outside and you’re there. Inside, this spacious one-bedroom-plus-den suite has plenty to love.
For Sale: Renovated 1+1 Bedroom Condo in Midtown, Toronto (225 Merton St #501)
Welcome to your own slice of paradise in the heart of Midtown, where the Kay Gardner Beltline Trail is practically your backyard. Morning run? Evening stroll? Taking Fido out for a spin? Just step outside and you’re there. Inside, this spacious one-bedroom-plus-den suite has plenty to love.
For Sale: Renovated 3-Bedroom Detached House in Leslieville (14 Coady Ave)
Morning Coffee. Evening Wine. Leslieville Living. This turnkey Leslieville gem checks all the boxes. Beautifully renovated and completely move-in ready, this detached 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom home is designed for easy everyday living and effortless entertaining.
For Sale: Luxurious 2-Bedroom Corner Suite in Yorkville, Toronto (38 Avenue Rd #1403)
Some homes offer luxury. This one offers peace of mind. Welcome to Suite 1403 at 38 Avenue Road, where every detail has been designed to make life feel effortless. Behind the private direct elevator entrance is an elegant corner residence that offers the rare combination of generous proportions, refined finishes, and exceptional service.
For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516)
Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once.