neighbourhoods toronto

5 Toronto neighbourhoods on the rise in 2016

It's a new year in Toronto, and with it a crop of neighbourhoods will rise the ranks as various forces of revitalization come to fruition across the city. Truth be told, these processes always take longer than a year, so our 2015 list of rising neighbourhoods remains relevant as ever. But, in the spirit of new beginning, let us look ahead at those neighbourhoods due for their time in the spotlight this year.

Here are my picks for 5 Toronto neighbourhoods on the rise in 2016.

Davenport Village
Last year we picked Dovercourt Village as a neighbourhood on the rise, but this year the forecast heads north to Davenport where there's been a slew of activity over the last few months with much more in store. Along with the opening of a second Sovereign location, Seesaw Cafe, and Dante's Inferno, 2016 promises the arrival of Lil Baci and a renewed Power House.

Canary District
This will finally be the year that the Canary District becomes a neighbourhood. With the Pan Am Games in the rear view mirror, the former Athletes' Village has been converted to condos and apartments, the fitness centre is set to become a YMCA, and retail and food options are about to open en masse.

Willowdale
What used to be one of Toronto's sleepy suburbs is now bustling with activity, and the real estate market has taken notice. Home prices are soaring in Willowdale, which only makes sense when you think about its solid transit options (you have the subway and the 401 at your doorstep), the influx of young condo owners, and a slew of cafes and restaurants.

Riverside
Riverside has been a neighbourhood on the rise for quite some time, but 2016 promises to witness its ascent as one of the city's hottest hoods with the opening of the restored Broadview Hotel. With the Riverside Square development set to rise, by the time 2018 rolls around, Vogue might crown this east side neighbourhood as one of the world's coolest.

East Danforth
The East Danforth has been steadily rising for years, but 2016 might mark the occasion when the neighbourhood discards its formerly sketchy reputation. The independent business keep flocking here - Press Books and Vinyl, Hollandaise Diner, and Forth Avenue are noteworthy recent additions - and real estate values are on the incline. Its also highly walkable and has excellent TTC access.

What would you nominate as Toronto's most up and coming neighbourhoods? Let us know in the comments.

Photo of Seesaw Cafe.


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