The Annex

Your Typical Neighbour

‘Typical’ is hard to describe in the Annex as it’s one of the most heterogeneous in the city. A massive influx of immigrants following the 1956 Hungarian revolution moved into the neighbourhood, and are thought to still own many of the properties and businesses along Bloor today. In all likelihood, your younger, renting neighbour supports local business, devours local day and nightlife, and enjoys a car-free lifestyle close to home. Your not-quite-as-young home-owning neighbour likely has similar roots, but with the addition of a luxury car and an uber-successful career that allows them to afford their uber-convenient home!

What We Love

Options. The Annex  has so many options. Culturally diverse dining options abound, and most are inexpensive enough they won’t leave you short on your potentially hefty mortgage payment. Eavesdropping on educated current event conversation is a hobby unto itself here and can be heard in accents from around the world. Finally, convince your kids to attend the country’s most respected University and you can save on housing costs!

What We Don’t Love

More affordable real estate listed for sale CAN be in close proximity to that frat house. We’ll help you do your homework. (Though they are not THAT difficult to spot).

The Real Estate Scoop

It’s all here in the Annex. That IS the real estate scoop. Massive former mansions that now serve as frat houses for storied U of T organizations, dated ‘International Style’ mid-rise apartment buildings and ‘smaller’ multi-unit homes being re-converted into luxurious single-family houses. Some streets are mixed, while others are filled with only luxury single-family homes.

The ‘Annex Style’ home, as it is known by some, is prominent here. Large stone arches and the frequent use of turrets give a moneyed feel to some of the most uniquely Torontonian and attractive real estate in the city.

Options in the Annex for buyers are as varied as the prospective purchasers. Older apartment buildings, new condo development (boutique and otherwise), townhomes and houses both semi and fully detached are available for sale. Over the past years there has been an increase in the conversion of  run-down multi-unit properties back into single-family dwellings.

Based solely on demand for the area, first-time buyers in this prominent neighbourhood will in all likelihood be looking at condos or some of the more unique co-ownership opportunities that exist here. Believe us when we tell you that home-buying options here are not for the faint of wallet!

Schools

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS

Huron Street Public Street
Cottingham Junior Public School
École élémentaire Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau
É Élém Gabrielle-Roy
Essex Junior and Senior Public School
Palmerston Avenue Junior Public School
Jesse Ketchum Junior and Senior Public School
Huron Street Junior Public School

SENIOR SCHOOLS

Jarvis Collegiate Institute
École secondaire Toronto Ouest
Collège français secondaire
Harbord Collegiate Institute

CATHOLIC & PRIVATE SCHOOLS

City High School
Blyth Academy Global High School
Royal St George’s College
Dr. Eric Jackman Institute of Child Study Laboratory School (UofT)
Mildenhall Montessori School
Howlett Academy
McDonald International Academy – Main Campus
ÉÉC du Sacré-Coeur-Toronto
St. Bruno – St. Raymond Catholic School
Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School
ÉSC Saint-Frère-André
Holy Rosary Catholic School

Transit

The Annex has world-class public transportation and about 10 bus, 2 subway and 1 light rail lines passing through it making it super easy to get around. For those that drive, the automobile is definitely the less attractive option in this super accessible neighbourhood. Walkscore calls it Toronto’s 5th most walkable neighbourhood and rates it a 96 Transit score. Car or private school? Discuss amongst yourselves…