Trendy and sophisticated, energetic, convenient, gorgeous and scenic; those are just a few of the words that spring to mind when someone starts talking about The Annex in Toronto. How can any one neighbourhood be all of these things? 

That’s a mystery that only makes The Annex more intriguing and desirable, especially when searching for a new community to call home. We could talk all day about the endless array of shops, the gorgeous parks, and the thrilling entertainment scene and nightlife that are just part of the everyday experience for a local resident. Today, we’ll guide you through just a few of our favourite highlights of The Annex. 

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The Hopping Entertainment Scene

Think about the shows, the pubs, the nightclubs, the art galleries, and the museums that Toronto is so famous for. Did you know that a significant number of all these incredible attractions are right here in The Annex?

As home to the University of Toronto (widely recognized as the “Best University in Canada,”) The Annex has a youthful vibe and welcoming atmosphere. It’s also a celebrated hub of culture and recreation. Here, you’ll find iconic landmarks such as The Royal Museum of Ontario and The Ontario Art Gallery. The Annex is also close to downtown, putting it in proximity of Ripley’s Aquarium and the CN Tower. 

When The Blue Jays are in season, you can catch them at the Rogers Centre. From October to April, you can watch The Raptors tear up the court at Scotiabank Arena. If you prefer something a little more lowkey, there are countless pubs and smaller venues where you can cheer on a local musician or band. When living in or near The Annex, you can forever erase the words “I’m bored” from your vocabulary. 

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An Outstanding Shopping Scene

You never know what hidden treasure you’ll come across when browsing the endless shops and boutiques in The Annex. The local shopping scene goes far beyond the ordinary big box stores and chains. You can expect to find an impressive array of products and hidden gems, many locally made, from independently owned businesses and boutiques.

If you embrace technology but still love the feel of an actual book in your hands, the independent bookstores in The Annex will thrill and delight you. Keep those pages turning as you spend your afternoon immersed in a new or favourite epic tale! 

Vintage clothing shops are the perfect place to find that unique item no one else has – that is oddly never out of date and always trendy at any age. Even the quieter residential streets have independent boutiques tucked away – if you know where to look. 

A Food Lover’s Paradise

When it comes to a varied and eclectic dining scene, you really can’t do better than The Annex. The streets are bursting with restaurants and eateries offering authentic cuisines from all over the world. You’ll find a few of your favourite chains, but independent eateries really dominate the scene. 

The Annex is all about expanding your horizons and challenging your tastebuds to try something new. International flavourfests include Ethiopian, Korean, Italian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Mexican – in other words, wherever there’s a restaurant anywhere in the world, you’ll find its equivalent without even leaving your neighbourhood. 

The options are endless and varied, from small and cozy, innovative and unique, to upscale and elegant. The only thing all of these establishments have in common is their commitment to the finest and freshest ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible. 

Full of Picturesque Scenery

For a hopping and dynamic neighbourhood full of excitement, The Annex is also surprisingly scenic, with plenty of parks and green spaces where you can relax and unwind. 

Jean Sibelius Square Park boasts an epic playground and shaded picnic areas, while St. Alban’s Square offers wide open spaces and relaxing park benches. Nearby, you can explore the colourful gardens and walking paths at Queen’s Park or lose yourself in nature on the Philosopher’s Walk, which begins at the St George campus of the University of Toronto. 

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A Fascinating Mix of Houses, Lofts, and Condos

The range of real estate options in The Annex is simply breathtaking, with stunning classic architecture that includes Victorian, Queen Anne, and Richardsonian Romanesque-style homes. Some of these have been converted into student housing for those affluent enough to afford an Annex lifestyle. Others have been converted and then reconverted back again to provide a truly unique residential mix. 

In addition to the older, traditional homes, you’ll also spot a few custom new-builds with a modern twist. These architectural marvels typically feature clean lines, large windows, and spacious open floor plans. Detached and semi-detached houses dominate the neighbourhood, often with deep lots large enough to accommodate a lush backyard garden or even a laneway house. 

A few lofts, condos, and townhouses round out the housing mix in The Annex, which also help to make this highly sought-after neighbourhood more accessible for younger buyers and those on their way up in the world. 

Do you have more questions about The Annex or Midtown Toronto? Our Midtown Toronto real estate team is happy to guide you, whether buying or selling. Reach out to us at david@batorigroup.com, bobby@batorigroup.com or call (416) 485-7575 to start a conversation.