The Annex is an eclectic and unique area with youthful vibrancy and hip urban feel along with being home to Toronto’s most prestigious university, the University of Toronto.
The Annex is a lively residential community located in downtown Toronto, stretching for about one kilometre along Bloor Street West. The neighbourhood surrounds the University of Toronto, making it the home of many of the university’s students and faculty members.
One of the oldest neighbourhoods in Toronto, The Annex boasts an enticing blend of elegant antique homes, cozy coffee shops, bookstores, art galleries, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. It has a very laidback atmosphere during the day, providing the perfect opportunity for shopping or exploring its many scenic locales, such as the grounds of the University of Toronto or the Philosopher’s Walk.
Evenings bring a more upbeat vibe to the neighbourhood, with many locals gathering at the neighbourhood’s lively restaurants, patios, and bars offering an assortment of food and drinks from different parts of the world.
History
The Annex’s settlement started in the late 1700s, when surveyors outlined York Township. It was originally known as the Toronto Annex, a subdivision created by developer Simeon Janes. The Annex area officially became part of the city of Toronto in 1887.
During the 1960s, the establishment of the Spadina Expressway threatened to divide the Annex into two sections, before residents successfully opposed its construction.
The Annex Toronto real estate options and property types
Real estate options and homes for sale in the Annex are broad and varied. Many of the homes feature stately architectural styles which include Queen Anne, Victorian, and Richardson Romanesque.
Most homes in the Annex boasts stunning architectural details, with elegant features such as recessed grand archways, pyramidal turrets and roofs, wooden spindled porches, and more.
Living in the Annex
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The Annex is home to numerous shopping venues. Its main shopping district is located on Bloor Street, which features an array of bookstores, home furnishing stores, food markets, apparel boutiques, and cafes and restaurants. Other terrific shopping venues in the area include Mirvish Village shopping district and Dupont St.
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Notable schools located close to the Annex include: Branksome Hall, The Central English School, Rosedale Day School, Westside Montessori School, Royal St. George’s College, and Waldorf Academy.
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Film enthusiasts can visit The Bloor Street Cinema, a community movie theatre showcasing classics and independent productions. The theatre serves as the venue for many of Toronto’s independent film festivals, including the Toronto After Dark Film Festival and the Banff Mountain Film Festival.
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The Annex is home to many fantastic destinations, some of which include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Bata Shoe Museum, the Annex Theatre, and the Spadina House Museum.
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Residents of the Annex enjoy the convenience of living in a central location that offers easy access to Toronto’s subway system, numerous transit options, and a plethora of major attractions and destinations. The neighbourhood is served by four TTC subway stations: Bathurst, St. George, Dupont, and Spadina.
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Need help looking for the perfect luxury home in the Annex? Get in touch with Cheryl Thompson of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada at 416.960.9995. You can also send an email to cthompson(at)sothebysrealty(dotted)ca
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