When you’re studying in Toronto, whether it’s your hometown or a new adventure, you may be looking for a place that's close to school and that you’ll love calling home.
If you are enrolled in college or university, you are probably seeking a neighbourhood with a fun energy and one that has more affordable options close to campus. Textbooks are expensive after all!
So, here are some areas to consider when looking for Toronto Neighbourhoods Ideal For Students (By School):
University of Toronto Students:
Kensington Market-Chinatown: This lively area is perfect for students who have an artistic side! Known for vintage clothing shops and a wide variety of amazing restaurants, Kensington-Chinatown has a laid-back energy and close proximity to everything downtown offers.
Real estate in Kensington-Chinatown is popular with young people 24 and under (more so than the city average), partly due to how close it is to U of T. There are older houses for rent, along with apartments that you could share with roommates.
Harbord Village: Steps from the U of T campus, this area is also close to the shopping and museums along Bloor West. You can enjoy many fantastic destinations in walking distance, while learning even more at the Robarts Library or the ROM.
Since real estate in Harbord Village is so close to the St George campus, there are houses, apartments, and basement/room rentals here for students. Finding roommates is also great way to cut down on costs of housing close to school.
The Annex: North of Harbord Village, the eclectic Annex neighbourhood is another popular choice for students. There are pubs and cafes to meet friends at, and it’s close to multiple subway stations for easy trips throughout Toronto.
Real estate in The Annex includes rentals in stately older homes, along with apartments and rooms for rent that have comparatively much lower rents than in nearby Yorkville.
Church Village: Flickr/Joseph Morris
Ryerson University Students:
Church and Wellesley: This vibrant neighbourhood is known for its inclusivity and great nightlife. Close to U of T and Ryerson, and of course home to the Gay Village, real estate in Church Wellesley offers a great study/fun balance urban students will love.
There are many condos and apartments in the area, many of which can be found in U of T’s Off-Campus Housing recommended lists due to their more affordable rents (and even student-specific options).
The Garden District: Named for Allen Gardens, this downtown area is a short stroll from the hub of Yonge-Dundas Square along with the Ryerson campus. It is also walkable to downtown entertainment venues, including Massey Hall.
Real estate in The Garden District includes many one bedroom options, but there are some two bedroom condos and apartments. There is also a mixture of older buildings and newer buildings, though those tend to be pricier.
York University: Flickr/The City of Toronto
York University Students:
York University Heights: The name says it all- this is a great place to live
if you’re studying at this North York campus. There are rooms for rent in
nearby houses that are more affordable than renting in a central area. The best
thing about real estate in York University Heights is the convenient access to class.
Transit in and out of the area is increasingly easy, with York University Station making it quicker than ever to get downtown. There are also major highways close by for trips up north on your breaks!
U of T Scarborough/Centennial College Students:
Morningside: Located between Scarborough’s University of Toronto campus and Centennial College’s Progress Campus, the area is a more laid-back neighbourhood than some of the others on this list. It might not be as close to downtown but it is close to transit and Highway 401 for weekend nights out in the core.
The rentals in the area are much more affordable than downtown, including houses for rent with multiple bedrooms. The best part about real estate in Morningside is still its close proximity to the two Scarborough campuses.
Centennial College: Flickr/Jason Paris
George Brown Students:
Moss Park: While St Lawrence Market is an exciting place to live near the St James campus, it is expensive. Moss Park is close to all the restuarants and bars in the area, and is nearby the college. Walkscore.com calls it the 7th most walkable neighbourhood in Toronto.
Both Moss Park real estate and Regent Park real estate are gaining in popularity. There are community centres and the Regent Park Aquatic Centre, along with easy TTC access to the core. Rents therefore can be higher, but could be an option for students- especially if you have a roommate.
Wherever you live in Toronto, you’re sure to find local spots you’ll love and meet friends who will make the transition to your new home that much easier (Don’t forget to study once in a while too)!
Attending another Toronto school, or want advice about renting your next home? Contact us for help specific to your search.
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