King West, Niagara & Liberty Village See All Neighbourhoods

There are those who appreciate the pedestrian lifestyle that urban living affords them, and then there are those who absolutely embrace it. Not only do they value the convenience of having life-enhancing amenities literally at their doorstep, they covet the quality of life that being at the centre of it all provides. This typically describes a day in the life of residents of the King West Village, Niagara and Liberty Village neighbourhoods.

Cutting edge, cool and rapidly expanding because of its lure and charm, King West is Toronto’s answer to New York’s sublime Soho Village. This is the epicentre of big city living, where young professionals live where they work and work where they live. They are drawn here because they covet the ability to walk to all corners of their lives – both for work and play.

No need for a car here – just a desire to stroll – destination in mind or not – because the possibilities are plentiful. The streetscapes are lined with high end retailers, fashionable home furnishing shops and distinctively interesting boutiques. There are numerous gathering spots with stylish food and drink options – perfect for catching up with friends for drinks, weekend brunch or a night out on the town. King West’s urbane coolness boasts one of the best club scenes in town, a perfect match for the urbanite seeking nightlife. A vibrant arts scene is present and studios and galleries abound. Residents here are within walking distance to Toronto’s Entertainment District. Sports fans and music lovers will appreciate being so close to Rogers Centre and the Air Canada Centre – where they can catch games and concerts.

Urban parks add some greenery, with Clarence Square and St. Andrew’s Market and Playground. Runners, walkers and bikers will appreciate King West Village’s proximity to the Toronto Waterfront Trail. The Gardiner Expressway is also nearby, offering quick and easy access for commuters and travelers, coming and going from town.

The area represents the success – especially when it comes to offering conveniences – of marrying commercial and residential spaces together. If condominium living is appealing to you, this may be your spot, with numerous low and mid-rise buildings offering lots of choice. There are also a number of loft spaces for those who cherish authentic factory living.

King West Village’s neighbour is Niagara, home to Toronto’s Fashion district. The housing stock is similar, in that there are mixed use buildings, with both the business of life of the business of commerce sharing space abundantly. The housing stock can be mostly characterized by contemporary condos, turn-of-the-century row housing and a smattering of warehouse conversions.

What sort of amenities do you desire in your neighbourhood? Niagara contains them all – nearby shopping, spas, galleries, restaurants, bars and cafes galore await your patronage. Stanley Park offers some wide open space, fresh air and lots of outdoor recreation opportunities. It’s very popular with dog owners and those who seek green space alongside their shopping, work and dining options.

There are reputable schools in the neighbourhood as well, including St. Mary Catholic School and Niagara Street Junior Public School.

To the west, Liberty Village offers similar amenities, and is a huge draw for urban professionals. This pocket in particular contrasts its gritty industrial past with contemporary urban life – one of the cool by-products of it massive 43 acre master plan redevelopment with the original industrial buildings to the west.

Formerly a major industrial and manufacturing centre in the city, and once the location of Central Prison, this downtown neighbourhood of stacked townes, high-rise living, and loft living holds magnetic draw for young professionals. Residents here have options, day and night- all at their doorstep. Constant choice is supported by a location that puts you within a 15-minute walk to the Lakeshore, 20-minute streetcar ride to the financial core and a 20-minute walk from the entertainment/fashion/gallery districts of King St. West.

Liberty Village, which has a “suburb-in-the-city feel”, boasts conveniences like a 24-hour Metro grocer, LCBO and Beer Store, a 24-hour Goodlife Fitness, as well as many other shops, restaurants and bars nearby. Get your morning coffee from Balzac’s, pick-up a few home decorating ideas at West Elm or EQ3, or spend an evening enjoying a delicious dinner at highly regarded Mildred’s Temple Kitchen.

For those who seek central neighbourhoods that not only fit into their busy work and social lifestyle, but supports it through choice and convenience, brushed with style, King West Village, Niagara or Liberty Village may be the neighbourhoods for you.