What’s it like living in The Junction, Toronto?

Toronto’s West Side has a hip hood that has been drawing creative spirits, urban professionals as well as young families. They all want to live in one of the coolest hoods – The Junction!

This trendy neighbourhood is found just north of High Park and the eastern Junction Triangle. It has a vibrant yet grounded and organic vibe while being surrounded by century brick homes, historic buildings, and tree-lined streets.

The Junction has changed from a gritty “dry area” with less that desirable stores along Dundas Street West, to an exciting area that has become known for its design stores, art galleries, organic shops, boutiques, fab eateries, antique shops, bars, and craft breweries.

This area’s hot pulse with gentrification has led to rising real estate prices and an influx of trendy food spots and boutiques. It offers both a quiet area to live in as well as being steps from a lively nightlife with choices of bars and restaurants. Hole in the Wall, Famous Last Words, 3030 Dundas West, Junction Brewery, Indie Alehouse, Playa Cabana, Bothams, Isaan Der Thai, Nodo and The Alpine are just some of my fave’s! The Dundas West strip also offers fab gift stores, “Take Note” a shop for those of us who still enjoy paper and journals, MJOLK designs, Honest Weight a fish monger’s delight and dinner spot, Yoga & Pilates studios, Good Neighbour and Claudia’s coffee which are where locals go for a cup of mocha, and all of this is found in a quiet community that is still not far from the bustling streets of Toronto’s downtown core.

The Museum of Contemporary Art on Sterling Road in the lower Junction was recognized in the New York Times for its artistic value to the city. This area which once only appealed to artists and bohemian types is broadening its scope of attracting new residents. Transportation choices range from UP express, Dundas West Runnymede Station and St. Clair-Old Weston Go for navigating around the city and out of it.

Like many areas around Toronto, there are many cranes in the air! Vertical homes in the sky are being built and development is going strong. Craft condos being built on Dundas will house 86 residences in a boutique building and will tailer their appeal to the area’s unique and urban vibe. Another mixed-use development is being proposed at 5 & 43 Junction Road and will include 2,000 units in 6 towers with commercial space, public park, green roofs, and a portion designated as affordable housing. The buildings design will resemble clouds or waves and will certainly stand out! Organic Garage, the food emporium is planned to be located on the ground level.

Whether choosing to live in a vertical home, townhouse or freehold property, the Junction locale checks off all the boxes for the cool factor as well as urban living at it’s best for community, shopping, restaurants, grocery, arts, design, and public transportation. This is truly a neighbourhood that residents are proud to call Home!