It might be getting harder to buy a home in Toronto, but that doesn’t mean that Toronto buyers should satisfy themselves with taking just anything that comes along. You probably still want the best neighbourhood, and you can still get a beautiful property in many of Toronto’s best neighbourhoods. But just where are they?

Republic of Rathnelly
This small neighbourhood is defined by the streets of Rathnelly Avenue, Poplar Plains Crescent, Cottingham Street, and McMaster Avenue; and it’s filled with detached and semi-detached Victorian brick dwellings. Because some of the homes are built partially up the escarpment, some enjoy a milder climate, and even see spring blossoming in their yards just a bit earlier every year. For families, Republic of Rathnelly also has Brown Junior Public School within its confines, a platinum-certified eco-school that offers French Immersion for grades 3-6.

Lansing
This neighbourhood is very quiet, even though it’s recently seen many construction projects as older bungalows have been demolished to allow for newer, larger homes to go up in their place. Ravines separate this area from Yonge and Sheppard, and are also what gives this area its beautiful and relaxing natural feel. However, residents are always just a stone’s throw from the most bustling parts of the city to eat and shop. Some of Toronto’s most elite schools are here too, including the private Little Owl Preschool Elementary, University Preparatory Academy, Don Valley Preparatory Academy, the Toronto Cheder, and Cameron Public School.

Dufferin Grove
Dufferin Grove has gotten somewhat of a bad rep over the past couple of decades. But since the parks have been reinvigorated and rejuvenated, the undesirable activity happening within them has also come to an end. In the place of unremarkable landmarks have gone up trendy boutiques and some of the finest galleries and cafes. This is what first lured writers and university professors to the area, especially those looking for more affordable housing than what could be found in the Annex and High Park. This neighbourhood is attracting a new crowd today, with families looking to take advantage of the affordable $600,000 properties.

Leslieville
It’s true that you can find just about anything in Toronto, and any kind of culture. When you want to live in your own little villa in France, or at least feel like you do, Leslieville is the neighbourhood for you. The heart of the area is the intersection of Queen and Carlaw; and Boston, Brooklyn, Bertmount, and Coady Avenues are all quaint side streets that make the area’s amenities just a hop and a skip away from just about any home here. Morse Street Junior Public School is also located here.

These of course, are just a few of the hottest spots currently making an appearance in today’s Toronto market. With over 80 neighbourhoods, and hundreds of small pockets and suburbs within those, buyers can take heart that they can still find exactly what they’re looking for, and that they needn’t settle for the first thing that comes along. Even if it takes a little while longer than it would have during last year’s spring market.