Introduction

The Annex is one of Toronto’s most hip and chic neighbourhoods. Spanning from Bloor St up to Dupont St and from Bathurst St to Avenue Rd, it is popular as a student quarter thanks to it bordering the University of Toronto. There’s plenty to do here and it’s a great place to live especially if you’re an artist or creative!

History

Originally home to a European settlement at the beginning of the 1790s. In 1886, a developer created a subdivision and christened it the Annex. It became a part of Toronto in 1887. The Annex was home to many prominent families and figures in Toronto including the Eaton family, the Baldwin, Ross and Simpson families as well as Magaret Atwood, Catherine O’Hara and Lester B Peterson. In the 1960s, the proposed Spadina Expressway was successfully opposed as it would have cut the Annex in half. Today is a popular hub for students and artists. 

Types of Homes You’ll Find

The Annex is home to many gorgeous large Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which were built in the early 1900s. These styles of homes are considered true Toronto style in many circles. By the 50s and 60s, many mid-rises were starting to appear as well. Over 500 buildings in the Annex are protected by the Toronto Historical Board which means new developments can be tricky. 

Real estate demographics

Average Sale Price: $1,800,000

Average Days on Market: 18 days

Parks & Green Spaces

The Annex has a couple of parks and green spaces to enjoy but often many of the larger parks are outside of the neighbourhood. Taddle Creek Park and Gwendolyn Macewen are great spaces for locals and residents to utilize.  

Schools

Elementary 

• Huron St Junior Public School
• Palmerston Junior Public School
• Annex Montesorri
• Howlet Academy

High Schools

• Royal St. George’s College
• Dragon Academy

Getting In and Around

The Annex has great public transport options available. It has four subways stations: Bathurst, Dupont, St George and Spadina, as well as streetcar services and bus routes throughout.

Neighbourhood Walk Score: 92

Neighbourhood Transit Score: 96

Things to Do

There’s plenty of things to do in the Annex, whether you’re a resident or a visitor. A day or night in the Annex offers a range of dining, shopping and unique spots. 

Lee’s Palace

A classic and iconic Toronto staple to catch up and coming bands! With the Dance Cave on the second floor, this is a great spot for a night out, especially if you’re into the alternative music scene!

BMV Books

A great place to buy and sell used books. This spot has been a hub for book lovers across the city. 

Bloor Hot Docs Cinema

A great spot to catch a flick with some friends. A historic piece of the Annex, this cinema was originally opened in the early 1900s!

Pauper’s Pub

An excellent spot for drinks. This pub spans across two floors complete with a rooftop and patio!