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Living in the Financial District: Discover the Centre of it All

Thinking about moving to the Financial District? Learn how to live large (and stylishly) in the area with our neighbourhood guide…

Do you have an appreciation for the finer things in life? Would you like to enjoy them in one of the most fast-paced and exciting neighbourhoods in the city? If so, the Financial District may be the perfect place for you. Home to the corporate headquarters of some of the most powerful companies in North America, this dense section of downtown Toronto is dominated by gleaming office towers and magnificent condo buildings. No doubt about it: living here is all about convenience and luxury. If you’re thinking of making the Financial District home, here’s what you should know.

The basics

For many Torontonians, the Financial District defines downtown. It’s easy to see why. Bordered by Yonge Street to the east and University Avenue to the west, the area couldn’t possibly be more central. Queen Street West and Front Street are generally considered to be the district’s north and south boundaries, respectively. Within this urban pocket, you’ll find not only office towers and luxury condo buildings, but high-end restaurants, night clubs, and shops. Bay and King Streets connect to form what’s generally considered to be the area’s central intersection, though recent growth has pushed much of the action further south. As a result, property closer to Union Station has become a hot commodity for companies looking to open up new headquarters.

Who lives in the Financial District?

Executives, stock brokers, entrepreneurs, and other ambitious professionals call the Financial District home. Area residents tend to be young and single. What you won’t find are many families (but if it’s great schools and a kid-friendly lifestyle you’re after, there’s no shortage of Toronto neighbourhoods that will be a better match.)

Where to eat & shop

For fine dining, upscale cocktails, and shops curated with refined tastes in mind, you can do no better than the Financial District. Here’s just a small taste of what you’ll find in the area.

Bay Street gourmets will want to check out Local Mercatto. Pair a divine modern Italian dish with the perfect wine (and enjoy the softly-lit ambiance while you’re there). If you’re a seafood fan, you’ll fall in love with the Chase Fish and Oyster. Tuna, halibut, scallops—all of your favourites are perfectly-prepared, and combined with other unique ingredients to provide a phenomenal dining experience. Meanwhile, Greek food is taken to the next level at Estiatorio Volos, while Speakeasy 21 serves up dishes with a diverse array of influences—from humus plates to gourmet tacos.

If you’re looking for great retail options in the Financial District, visiting the PATH is a must. At over 30 kms long, this series of corridors is the largest underground shopping network in the world. Transit hubs, office buildings, and other major sites in the area are connected through these pathways, where you’ll find over 12,000 shops. If you work in the district, there’s no more convenient way to find that brand new suit or statement necklace than on your walk home along the PATH.

Things to do

When you’re not hard at work—or enjoying a gourmet meal or round of retail therapy—there’s still plenty to do in the Financial District. On the weekends, busy professionals who call the area home like to unwind. Spas like Senses and Pearl on King provide luxurious massages, facials, and all the pampering you’ll need to make it through the work week. A perfectly-crafted cappuccino can be just as relaxing, which is why locals also regularly hit up top-notch java joints like Boxcar Social and Sam James Coffee Bar.

While you’re out and about, why not take a walk around and marvel at the district’s stunning architecture? From the glass towers of Royal Bank Plaza to the steel and granite simplicity of TD Centre (which is over 50 years old), there’s no shortage of must-see buildings in the area. Don’t forget about Cloud Gardens, an award-winning conservatory that features a beautiful little waterfall.

Getting around

Many Financial District residents get around on foot or bicycle, but the TTC is the primary mode of transportation for commuters who live outside the area. Subway stops that serve the district include King, Andrew, and Union. The latter is also a major hub for rail travel, and it sees a whopping 200,000 travellers every day (thanks in part to the important role it plays in the GO Transit system).

Real estate

Living in the Financial District is all about luxury, and that mentality extends to the housing market. Making the area home usually means settling into a gorgeous condo or penthouse. Think high-end building amenities, opulent finishes, and panoramic views. Needless to say, homes in the area tend to be on the pricey side, with condo prices regularly surpassing the $1M mark.

Looking for your dream condo in the Financial District? Reach out to learn more about the area—or check out some of the gorgeous listings on the market!