THE ANNEX: Where Ivy League Meets Ivy-Covered Walls
The Annex is one of Toronto’s most storied and architecturally rich neighbourhoods. Nestled between the University of Toronto and Yorkville, The Annex is known for its grand heritage homes, vibrant cultural scene, and intellectual charm. It’s where professors, artists, students, and professionals coexist in leafy, walkable surroundings just minutes from downtown.
If you’re searching for “historic homes in Toronto,” “walkable neighborhoods near U of T,” or “central Toronto family-friendly communities,” The Annex delivers on all fronts.
The Annex draws interest from both heritage home seekers and urban lifestyle buyers who want access to the city’s cultural and academic heart.
Who Lives in The Annex?
The Academics & Professionals With the University of Toronto just steps away, The Annex is a hub for professors, researchers, and professionals who value walk-to-work living, a rich intellectual atmosphere, and proximity to cultural institutions like the ROM and Koerner Hall.
The Established Families Many of the area’s stunning detached homes have been in families for generations, or purchased by buyers who value space, location, and character. You’ll find large Victorian and Edwardian homes with original woodwork, stained glass, and gracious front porches.
The Urban Seekers Young professionals and creatives who want downtown energy without the condo lifestyle are drawn to The Annex’s converted apartments, boutique condos, and access to Line 1 & Line 2. Think “car-free living with a bookshop on every corner.”
The Students & Tenants The Annex has long been a popular area for students and renters due to its walkability, nightlife, and transit access. Mixed-use zoning means plenty of legal duplexes and income properties, a smart move for investors.
The Annex Real Estate Snapshot
Home Types: Grand Victorian and Edwardian detached homes, semis, heritage multiplexes, boutique condos
Price Range: $1.4M – $7M (for single-family); $600K – $1.2M (for condos and co-ops)
Lifestyle in The Annex
Main Strip: Bloor Street West between Spadina & Bathurst – cafés, bookstores, gourmet grocers, indie shops
Culture & Arts: Steps to the Royal Ontario Museum, Hot Docs Cinema, U of T lecture series, Gardiner Museum
Green Space: Philosopher’s Walk, Queen’s Park, and easy access to parks and bike lanes
Transit Access: Two subway lines (Spadina, Bathurst, St. George), excellent bike and walk scores
Schools: Top-tier public, private, and Montessori options, plus proximity to downtown campuses