Community Real Estate Focus - The Annex
By Andrei Zaretski - New Dream Homes and Condos
Sitting in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Annex is one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in the big city.
Located near the University of Toronto’s St. George campus, the Annex stretches just south of Bloor Street between Bathurst Street and Avenue Road until its border at Dupont Street.
The name was derived from the annexation, or joining, of the Village of Yorkville with the City of Toronto in 1883 due to Yorkville’s rapid growth.
Three years later, a subdivision dubbed the Toronto Annex was born.
The neighbourhood is mainly residential, with large homes built in between 1880 and 1910. The architectural style is Victorian, Queen Anne and Richardsonian. Despite their age, these homes are considered one of the finest in Toronto, with prices ranging up to $900,000.
Additional housing was constructed in between 1910 and 1930. The price of this real estate is slightly lower, as is the quality of the structures. However, the English Cottage, Georgian, and Tudor style architecture visible in these homes still makes them some of the best in the city.
Due to the close proximity to the university, the Annex is a popular gathering spot for students.
A number of residents have taken advantage of this factor, renting out their large homes to students who can handle the price tag.
Much of the university faculty resides in the Annex, as do many well-known Canadians such as popular author Margaret Atwood and former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.
The stretch of Bloor Street bordering the neighbourhood is a great place to shop, eat or gather. Aside from a number of stores, including the infamous Honest Ed’s, the neighbourhood displays many popular bars, restaurants and nightclubs attracting people from all over the city.
The University of Toronto’s Athletic Centre and the Jewish Community Centre at Bloor Street and Spadina Road are both equipped with fitness centres for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
If fitness is not your thing, check out the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto and the Spadina Road Public Library. The Tranzac Club, the Bathurst Street Theatre and the Bloor Theatre are also popular evening destinations.
Although parking may sometimes be an issue, the Annex has great access to public transit, with four subway stations and bus service on all major streets.
With 24-hour bus service on Bathurst Street, the Annex is a good place to visit any time of day, week, month or year.
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Contact the Jeffrey Team for more information
