Yorkville is stretching upwards at a historic rate, piling more people per square foot than most other neighbourhoods in the city. And some people like it like that. It’s a very big city. To the west, the lovable artsy enclave of the Annex is a stark contrast, offering a unique vibe and architecture of its own, which makes it one of the most sought-after areas in the city. The two distinct worlds collide between Avenue Road and Bedford Road in an area that some have dubbed the Y-annex. And, for many, it’s the hottest sliver of real estate in the city.
Vibe
This high-priced neighbourhood has some fine historic homes as well as new infill housing that includes new mid-rise developments on Pears Avenue and other streets once an afterthought. As a result, the area is bursting with new life and attracting urbanites desiring a mix of upscale living with a walkable family neighbourhood. You’ll find baby strollers patrolling the sidewalks, but very expensive baby strollers. If Gucci had a stroller, you’d find it here.
Cost
Dupont is quickly becoming a destination area for foodies, thanks to highly regarded chef and restaurateur Anthony Rose who has helped to transform the area with his establishments Rose and Sons, Big Crow, Fat Pasha, Schmaltz Appetizing and Bar Begonia.
Food
Dupont is quickly becoming a destination area for foodies thanks to highly regarded chef and restaurateur Anthony Rose who has helped to transform the area with his establishments Rose and Sons, Big Crow, Fat Pasha, Schmaltz Appetizing and Bar Begonia. But Yorkville is also home to some of the city’s landmark restaurants, including Sotto Sotto on Avenue Road and Joso’s on the corner of Avenue and Davenport.
Shops
With the highfalutin Mink Mile — Canada’s most expensive retail strip — around the corner, residents of the Y-annex have easy access to the highest of high-end fashion. The upcoming openings of Christian Laboutin and Chanel take the swanky quotient up two additional notches.
Walkability
Although luxury goods are at the ready, finding reasonably priced groceries and other everyday essentials is not impossible, given the abundance of students living in the area. The University of Toronto is close by, along with the Royal Ontario Museum and much more. Homes in this area typically score nearly perfect for walkability.
Commute
The Y-annex is transit heaven, with two subway lines at the ready. There is also a bike lane pilot project slated to begin this summer that should make commuting on two wheels much easier. Travelling to the nether regions of the GTA on a regular basis is something to be avoided if living in this central neighbourhood.
Schools
The Y-annex is close to many fine schools both public and private, including Royal St. Georges College, University of Toronto Schools and Rosedale Day School as well as Central Technical Institute and Huron Street Junior Public School. When it is time for the kids to go off the university, they simply have to walk a couple extra blocks to the south.
