There’s no place in the world quite like Toronto. Whether you’re a young professional, student, or active retiree, Toronto life offers everything you could ever want and more. World-class dining, an arts and entertainment scene that’s the envy of the nation, and top-notch education are just a few of the draws.
Though the city is diverse and appealing for all walks of life, it is particularly attractive to anyone searching for an upscale lifestyle. With over 150 neighbourhoods in the city, how do you know what to pick for your next home? Without further ado and in no particular order, here’s a list of our top ten luxury neighbourhoods in Toronto.
South Kingsway
South Kingsway is one of the most tasteful and affluent neighbourhoods in the GTA and is surrounded by scenic beauty on all sides. You’ve got Bloor Street to the south, Dundas Street to the north, Mimico Creek to the west, and the Humber River to the east.
As a mature neighbourhood, the landscaping is pristine and dotted with tall maple and oak trees. Even with all this lush greenery, you still have the best of Toronto’s amenities at your fingertips. South Kingsway offers easy access to shopping districts, playgrounds, and recreational centres. The stretch of restaurants and boutiques along Bloor West South draws many visitors and residents all year long.
As you would expect from one of Toronto’s most upscale neighbourhoods, you will have access to premium education. Several public schools are in the area in addition to Kingsway College School, a private facility with a focus on academics, arts, athletics and citizenship.
Highlights of the area include some of Toronto’s most beautiful parks, including Home Smith Park, which has a trail that leads all the way to the Toronto waterfront.
Real estate options include larger-than-average homes on supersized lots that are perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Large stone mansions lend the neighbourhood a peaceful and upscale English feel.
Discover more about the South Kingsway in our community guide right here.
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High Park–Swansea
Imagine living in the heart of a major city like Toronto but having so much green space around you that it feels like being in the scenic countryside. That’s what residents love about High Park and Swansea, where stunning hiking trails are right outside your front door.
The cherry blossoms in the springtime are the talk of Toronto, but there is so much to love about this high-end neighbourhood. Sunnyside Beach is nearby and is a popular destination in the summer months.
Living next to Toronto’s largest park is a dream for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Hiking, cycling, snowshoeing, birdwatching, or even meditating in the sun are just a few activities you can partake in.
Incredibly, the residential areas of High Park and Swansea aren’t all about nature. They are also a goldmine of shopping and entertainment, with the boutiques and cafes in Bloor West Village within easy walking distance. In addition, a 1000-seat amphitheatre sits right in the heart of the park and hosts musical performances and live-action plays from artists from all over the world.
For families who want the best education possible for their children, Swansea Junior & Senior Public School has a high Fraser ranking and is one of the most reputable public schools in the city.
You’ll find everything you need right in the neighbourhood, enough to make you feel like you never have to leave home. When you do want to get around, the central location and proximity to the Toronto transit system make your travels easy and convenient.
High Park–Swansea offers an eclectic mix of real estate options where you are sure to find the perfect place just for you! For some, that means settling down in a spacious Victorian, Edwardian, or Tudor-style home. For others, a modern condo provides the perfect blend of comfort and convenience.
Find out more about High Park-Swansea in our community guide right here.
Baby Point
When you drive up to the centuries-old stone gates that mark the entrance to Baby Point (pronounced “Babby Point”), you’ll know you’re entering one of the most exclusive and upscale neighbourhoods in Toronto’s west end. Quiet streets, stately residences and expansive lots make this a choice destination for affluent families, retirees, and professionals.
Named after French settler James Baby, Baby Point overlooks the Humber River and is one of the most scenic areas in the city. Though known for its peacefulness and tranquillity, you won’t have to go very far to enjoy the creature comforts of Toronto. Jane and Annette Streets are sprinkled with cafes, restaurants, and a host of specialty stores and boutiques. Whenever you crave excitement, you’ll find the hustle and bustle of Bloor West Village only minutes away.
The upscale and family-friendly neighbourhood of Baby Point is unsurprisingly close to some of the top public schools in the city, including Indian Road Crescent Junior School, Humberside Collegiate Institute, and Ursula Franklin Academy.
Baby Point is so exclusive that it even has its own club, which offers residents lawn bowling and other social activities. Most homes in the area are English Manors or Tudor styles constructed in the 1920s and 1930s and beautifully maintained. Listings in the area are rare, but opportunities do arise for those who diligently keep watch!
Find out more about Baby Point in our community guide right here.
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The Annex
Many people may dream of making the Annex their home. However, only those with substantial resources can do so. This affluent neighbourhood has it all, stunning homes and scenery combined with the exciting entertainment, eclectic shopping, and nightlife Toronto is famous for.
Close to the University of Toronto, affluent students love the excitement the Annex offers, where venues like Lee’s Palace host frequent rock concerts and dance parties.
Highlights of the neighbourhood include the world-famous Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario, both of which add a touch of culture and attract untold thousands of visitors to Toronto each year.
In addition to the university, you’ll also find several private educational institutions within minutes. Annex Montessori offers programs for children from 18 months to six years, and Guidepost Montessori is scheduled to open in the summer of 2023.
The streets in the Annex are lined with luxurious, well-kept Victorian, Queen Anne, and Richardsonian Romanesque houses with architectural detail that make the neighbourhood the envy of the city.
Read more about the Annex in our neighbourhood guide right here.
Harbourfront
You know you have made it in life when your home is just outside Toronto’s gorgeous waterfront. Convenience and luxury combine to make the Harbourfront one of the most sought-after areas in the city. It doesn’t matter what the season is. Looking out your window to take in the stunning view of Lake Ontario will never get old.
Step outside, and an abundance of attractions and experiences await you. You can spend hours strolling the waterfront trail, stopping for refreshments like coffee and ice cream when you get tired. Or you can indulge in some of the finest shopping the city has to offer. The Harbourfront is also minutes away from famous landmarks like the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, and the Scotiabank Arena.
By far, the best highlight of the neighbourhood is the waterfront trail which stretches for miles in both directions.
There’s a lot of excitement to pack into one highly-desirable area. As a result, most residential options are condos. Take your pick of some of the latest and greatest newly-built condos in Toronto, each offering spectacular views of the city!
Read more about the Harbourfront in our community guide right here.
Yorkville
Yorkville is by far one of the trendiest and most desirable neighbourhoods in Toronto. Here, luxury is all about lifestyle and being close to the action. If you’re young and adventurous with the financial resources to back you up, Yorkville is the place to be.
A quick drive takes you to impressive live venues like Princess of Wales and Royal Alexandra Theatres, where you can take in legendary musicals and performances. When on the hunt for upscale restaurants, you’ll find an extensive array of dining options from casual to gourmet and everything in between.
Highlights of the neighbourhood include the exciting parade of events happening throughout the year. Notable examples are the Bloor-Yorkville Icefest, the Fleurs de Villes Femmes, and Summer Music in the Park.
Really, though, Yorkville is about the shopping and is home to the retail district that is so upscale it’s earned the nickname the “Mink Mile.” Even if your closet is full, there is always room for that one article of clothing or accessory with your name all over it!
Residents of Yorkville tend to be young and single without children. That said, you still have access to public facilities like Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School and private schools such as Royal St George College, which admits boys from grades 3 to 12.
Housing options in Yorkville consist mostly of high-end condos that allow you to live life to the fullest while enjoying every convenience. However, you will find some luxurious Victorians and other heritage homes hitting the market every now and then.
Want to know more? You can find our neighbourhood guide right here.
Rosedale
Elegant homes and classic architecture come together to give Rosedale its reputation as one of the most fashionable districts in Toronto. It is also the home of many of Canada’s wealthiest residents. Beautiful parks and green spaces give you the feeling of being in a country paradise. All the while, some of Toronto’s best entertainment and shopping boutiques are just around the corner on Yonge at Summerhill.
Without a doubt, the highlight of this prestigious neighbourhood is the scenic beauty provided by the natural ravines and breathtaking trails. If you’re a nature lover or fitness enthusiast looking for an upscale neighbourhood with the very best of everything, Rosedale might just be your dream come true.
If you have young children, you’ll be delighted to know that Rosedale is near many of Toronto’s top schools, including Rosedale Heights School of the Arts and Rosedale Public School. The Linden School is a progressive, private school for girls where the average class size is only 11 students.
The real estate landscape consists of stunning Victorian, Georgian, and Tudor mansions, many of which are officially recognized by the Toronto Historical Board’s Inventory of Heritage Properties.
Discover more about Rosedale in our community guide right here.
Forest Hill (North and South)
An old bylaw mandates that all homes in Forest Hill be designed by an architect. As a result, the beauty of the mansions you’ll find in Forest Hill (both north and south) will take your breath away. As one of the older, established neighbourhoods, the streets are quiet, peaceful, and lined with trees and greenery.
Forest Hill isn’t just one of the wealthiest neighbourhoods in Toronto; it is one of the classiest. An enclave of shops and boutiques caters to residents’ every desire and gives the area a small-town feel.
However, you’ll know you’re in a world-class city by the convenience. Step away from the majestic natural beauty of Forest Hill, and you’ve got easy access to public transit and major highways taking you in any direction you need to go.
The highlight of this affluent neighbourhood is the Beltline Trail, a 9 km walking path that takes you through midtown Toronto. Walk, cycle, or jog through the affluent areas of Forest Hill, Rosedale, and Moore Park as you enjoy the spectacular displays of nature.
As you may expect, most homes in Forest Hill are beautiful stone mansions in various Georgian, Tudor, English Country Manor and French Colonial styles. However, the area is developing, and there are now several high-end condos available where you can enjoy the lush views from the comfort of your balcony.
Discover more about Forest Hill in our community guide right here.
The Bridle Path
Where do Canadian movie stars, celebrities, and ultra-successful business people go? More often than not, they put down roots in The Bridle Path, now known as “Millionaire’s Row.” In this opulent neighbourhood, you’ll live like the rich and famous do– in multi-million dollar mansions with indoor swimming pools and private movie theatres on lot sizes as large as four acres.
Each luxurious home is more lavish than the next. This secluded neighbourhood is bordered by the Don River Valley and surrounded by lush green space. Very few roads provide access to the area, which only adds to the exclusive feel of The Bridle Path.
If you have the financial resources and are lucky enough to find an available listing here, your next-door neighbours will be some of the most famous celebrities in the world. Notable residents have included Celine Dion, Drake, and Prince. Even Mick Jagger once owned a mansion on The Bridle Path!
If you’re looking for an upscale shopping experience, Bayview Village is just 12 minutes away, with high-end retailers for clothing, gifts, gourmet food, and more all under one roof.
The Bridle Path is not accessible for cycling or walking, but the residents here don’t mind, as most of them have chauffeurs. Privacy, security, and every kind of luxury imaginable are the highlights of this extravagant neighbourhood.
Want to know more about the lavish lifestyle residents of The Bridle Path enjoy? Read more in our neighbourhood guide right here.
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Lawrence Park
Looking for a quiet, understated neighbourhood that still exudes luxury? Look no further than Lawrence Park, where you’ll find elegant English Cottage, Tudor Revival, and Colonial-style homes surrounded by rolling hills and peaceful green spaces.
Although once ranked as Canada’s wealthiest community, the residents of Lawrence Park typically enjoy a laidback lifestyle. Like many of Toronto’s upscale neighbourhoods, you’ll have peace and serenity when you need it and easy access to excitement when you want it.
For example, you’ll find everything you could ever need at the endless array of shops, restaurants, and boutiques along Avenue Road and Yonge Street. Other highlights of Lawrence Park include the Alexandra Muir Flower Gardens and Blythwood Ravine Park. Each provides a tranquil outdoor oasis just minutes away from your elegant home.
This family-oriented community is within easy walking distance of public transit. And when it comes to education, it’s one of the best neighbourhoods in all of Toronto. Blythwood Junior Public School and Lawrence Park Collegiate Secondary School are within minutes of each other, each boasting an impressive Fraser ranking.
Discover more about Lawrence Park in our neighbourhood guide right here.
Do you want to know more about the high-end neighbourhoods in the GTA? We are knowledgeable and experienced in luxury real estate and are happy to answer all of your questions. Reach out to us today by email or calling 647-293-3785 for a friendly consultation with no obligation.
