Transit-Oriented Living in Toronto
With rising costs of car ownership and increasing traffic, many Toronto buyers prioritize transit access. This guide highlights neighbourhoods where you can live comfortably without a car—or use one only occasionally.
Understanding Transit Scores
Transit scores measure how well-served a location is by public transit:
- 90-100: Excellent transit, world-class
- 70-89: Great transit, convenient
- 50-69: Good transit, some wait times
- Below 50: Car often necessary
Top Subway-Adjacent Neighbourhoods
Yonge-Bloor Corridor
Transit Score: 100
The intersection of Lines 1 and 2 offers unmatched connectivity.
- Areas: Yorkville, Annex, Rosedale
- Average Condo: $750,000 - $1,500,000
- Commute to Financial District: 10-15 minutes
- Lifestyle: Urban, walkable, upscale
North York Centre
Transit Score: 95
Subway access with suburban amenities.
- Stations: Finch, North York Centre, Sheppard-Yonge
- Average Condo: $550,000 - $800,000
- Commute to Financial District: 25-35 minutes
- Lifestyle: Urban-suburban hybrid, family-friendly
Eglinton (with Crosstown LRT)
Transit Score: 85 (rising)
The new Crosstown LRT transforms this corridor.
- Areas: Yonge-Eglinton, Leaside, Don Mills
- Average Home: $1,200,000 - $2,000,000
- Commute to Financial District: 20-30 minutes
- Lifestyle: Established, professional, tree-lined
Danforth / Greektown
Transit Score: 90
Line 2 access with vibrant street life.
- Stations: Broadview to Victoria Park
- Average Home: $1,000,000 - $1,500,000
- Commute to Financial District: 15-25 minutes
- Lifestyle: Cultural, diverse, community-oriented
Best Streetcar Neighbourhoods
King West / Queen West
Transit Score: 97
The 504 King and 501 Queen lines serve this corridor.
- Average Condo: $600,000 - $900,000
- Commute to Financial District: 10-20 minutes
- Lifestyle: Trendy, vibrant, walkable
Leslieville / Riverside
Transit Score: 85
Queen streetcar plus proximity to Line 2.
- Average Home: $1,100,000 - $1,600,000
- Commute to Financial District: 20-30 minutes
- Lifestyle: Hip, family-friendly, artsy
Harbourfront / CityPlace
Transit Score: 94
510 Spadina and 509/510 lines plus Union Station.
- Average Condo: $650,000 - $900,000
- Commute to Financial District: 10-15 minutes
- Lifestyle: Waterfront, active, scenic
GO Transit Commuter Neighbourhoods
For those commuting from outside downtown:
Mimico
- GO Station: Mimico
- Commute to Union: 12-15 minutes
- Average Home: $900,000 - $1,300,000
- Appeal: Waterfront, value, improving
Long Branch
- GO Station: Long Branch
- Commute to Union: 20 minutes
- Average Home: $1,000,000 - $1,400,000
- Appeal: Beaches, charming, family-friendly
Exhibition / Liberty Village
- GO Station: Exhibition
- Commute to Union: 5 minutes
- Average Condo: $600,000 - $850,000
- Appeal: Creative hub, events, dog-friendly
Car-Free Living Tips
- Consider bike-share membership
- Use car-share services for occasional needs
- Shop local and use delivery services
- Factor transit savings into housing budget
Value Plays for Transit Access
Areas with good transit but lower prices:
- Scarborough Centre: Subway terminus, improving
- East York: Good bus/streetcar, undervalued
- Weston: UP Express, revitalizing
Contact us to explore transit-friendly neighbourhoods matching your budget and lifestyle.
