For empty nesters, making the move into a smaller living space can open up a world of opportunities. Downsizing your home doesn’t mean sacrificing a great lifestyle. In fact, moving from a suburban area towards the city centre can often make life a lot more exciting. Toronto is an expansive city with a diverse range of unique neighbourhoods, and finding the right one for you can seem like a daunting task. As local experts, we’re here to help.
We’ve selected 5 Toronto neighbourhoods that are perfect for empty nesters looking to enjoy the next chapter in their lives.
Thinking about a new living space? Download our complete guide to rightsizing here.
1. Cabbagetown
Located just east of downtown, Cabbagetown is one of Toronto’s most charming neighbourhoods. Along its tree-lined streets, the area boasts North America’s largest collection of preserved Victorian houses. With an influx in development in recent years, there are many new condos and townhomes, providing lots of great options for downsizers.
In addition to being one of the city’s most beautiful areas, Cabbagetown is also one of the friendliest. The community has become known for its neighbourly, down-to-earth vibe. For fans of the outdoors, Cabbetown features great walkability and green spaces, with Riverdale Park just steps away.
Want to learn more about Cabbagetown? Read our Neighbourhood Guide.
2. St. Lawrence Market
The neighbourhood of St. Lawrence Market is one of the oldest in the city. Located between Yonge and Parliament streets, St. Lawrence Market is overflowing with restaurants, cultural centres, parks and other amenities. The neighbourhood celebrates its history by maintaining and utilizing some of Toronto’s most beautiful historic buildings.
Of course, this includes the world-famous St Lawrence food market from which the neighbourhood takes its name. St Lawrence Market is also home to the Flatiron Building, another one of Toronto’s staple landmarks. The area features a blend of housing types, with plenty of condo and townhouse options for downsizers.
3. The Waterfront
Known for both its abundance of outdoor activities and proximity to the downtown core, the Waterfront communities offer the best of both worlds. With several TTC routes, the neighbourhood has excellent transit services that can connect residents to Union Station in a flash. As the city has announced initiatives to preserve the lake shore and introduce even more green spaces to the area, the future of the Waterfront communities is certainly bright.
Existing parks, bike paths, skating rinks and easy access to Toronto Islands via ferry also make the neighbourhood perfect for those who love the outdoors. As a newer community, the Waterfront’s residential layout mainly consists of condos, offering lots of options for downsizers.
Want to learn more about the Waterfront? Read our Neighbourhood Guide.
4. Liberty Village
Liberty Village is one of Toronto’s fastest-growing and most exciting neighbourhoods. Located just outside the downtown core, residents have easy access to the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods of Parkdale and Queen West. In addition to great transit access, Liberty Village offers its residents unmatched walkability. With a variety of boutiques, supermarkets and restaurants located across the neighbourhood, all the essentials are only steps away.
As an area that has only become primarily residential in the past few decades, Liberty Village is unique in its volume of condos and townhomes. This makes it great for downsizers as there are plenty of housing options to meet your needs.
5. Summerhill
Nestled between Bloor and St. Clair along the Yonge St. corridor, Summerhill is a charming neighbourhood known for its historic homes and trendy boutiques. Its south-midtown location makes it perfect for those who prefer to feel close to the hustle and bustle of downtown, with Yonge-Dundas square being only a short subway ride away.
For fans of recreation, Summerhill is home to the well-known York Racquets Club, plus parks and green spaces. Despite being a primarily residential neighbourhood, Summerhill features a number of modern condos and refurbished townhomes that are great for downsizers.
Don’t see your perfect neighbourhood here? Explore our expanded Toronto Neighbourhood Guides to find your perfect match.
As local experts, we know all there is to know about Toronto’s evolving landscape. We can help you find your perfect neighbourhood, regardless of what your unique goals or vision may be.
If you’re ready to begin the journey of finding a new home, get in touch with us.
