The Annex community
The Annex consists of one of the most eclectic and diverse groups of people you will ever find gathered in a single neighbourhood. Young professionals, couples with children, ambitious students, active retirees, and more than a few prominent artists are just a few of the folks you might rub shoulders with in the area.
Many residents are highly educated, while others are well on their way. With the University of Toronto as the heart of the community, it’s easy to pursue your highest goals without leaving the neighbourhood.
Whatever your age, whatever your background, there is one thing for certain. You will always feel welcome and right at home in the vibrant community of The Annex.
Is buying a home Midtown Toronto right for you? The posts below can help you decide
- How to Find Your Midtown Toronto Neighbourhood
- What Are The Best Midtown Toronto Neighbourhoods When Relocating?
- 5 Midtown Neighbourhoods That Are Perfect For Families
Neighbourhood favourite
The Annex has so much to offer that it’s practically impossible to narrow it down to a single favourite. So let’s talk about all of it.
Does The Annex have beautiful parks, trails, and playgrounds?
Yes, yes, and yes! Though located conveniently in central Toronto, The Annex features gorgeous green spaces like Jean Sibelius Square and Taddle Creek Park. If that’s not enough, you could always venture over to take in the scenery at Ramsden Park or stroll the Philosopher’s Walk on the university grounds. Even the residential streets in the community are lined with trees, providing a serene feel right in the heart of the hustle and bustle.
Is The Annex exciting?
This is the site of the University of Toronto. With a high population of both local and international students, the neighbourhood might as well be called “The Excitement.” While that doesn’t have the same ring as “The Annex,” the principle holds true. Numerous fraternity and sorority houses are also a given, thanks to the presence of the university.
We promised you excitement, and The Annex more than delivers! Unsurprisingly, you’ll find some of Toronto’s best bars, nightclubs, and entertainment venues close by, often within easy walking distance.
The Annex is also a major hub for local performers, especially when it comes to jazz and indie music. You can catch the talent at many of the nightclubs and pubs in the neighbourhood.
If you want to experience some culture, you’re in the right place. The iconic Royal Ontario Museum is right close by. Other landmarks, such as the Art Gallery of Ontario and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, are a short subway ride away.
Are there any great shopping opportunities?
You’ll find everything you need and want and then some in the unique shops along Bloor Street and even along some of the quiet, residential streets. What you won’t find is a large presence of your usual franchises or big-box stores. The Annex is all about personality and individuality.
Looking for even more details on our top Midtown neighbourhoods? Check out some of our other community guides below:
History of The Annex
Its fascinating history is right in the name, “The Annex.” At one point in time, way back in the late 1800s, the area was divided into four 100-acre lots for wealthy families. Eventually, Dr. William Baldwin secured much of the land and became instrumental in shaping what we now know as The Annex.
Baldwin’s descendants began to subdivide and sell off the land. One of the buyers was a land speculator named Simeon Janes, who oversaw the early stages of residential development. He called his beloved home “Toronto Annexed,” a name that stuck for many years. Whatever the name, The Annex has been one of Toronto’s most desirable addresses ever since.
Are you planning to buy or sell a home in The Annex? The posts below will help you plan your next steps:
- How To Make The Most Of Your Home Sale In Toronto’s Annex Neighbourhood
- Why Downsizers Love Everything About The Annex
- Why Buy Your Next Home In Toronto’s Annex?
Homes in The Annex
If there’s one thing The Annex is known for, it’s stunning architecture and grand, historic homes. Victorian, Queen Anne, and Richardsonian Romanesque-style houses from the late 1800s to the early 1900s are staples in the area. After 1910, the construction of various English Cottage, Georgian, and Tudor homes began.
Many of these large residences were later divided into multi-unit apartments to accommodate the large student population.
A few mid and high-rise apartments were constructed throughout the 1950s and 1960s until a 1975 bylaw limited the height of new buildings. Further gentrification has seen many of the subdivided residences restored to single-family homes once again. The wide variety means there is always many options and styles to choose from, for someone with discerning taste buying a home in The Annex.
