High-end boutiques, trendy restaurants, and lively cafés line one of Toronto’s most popular streets. Who wouldn’t want to live in thriving King West?
This neighbourhood is all about style—from the impressive architecture to the innovative food scene to the chic and sophisticated people who call the area home.
The Lifestyle
Is King West a good place to live?
The liveliness of King West can't be overstated. Whether you're looking to try one of the city's latest dining hotspots or sip a pitch-perfect cocktail surrounded by like-minded locals, you're in the right area.
Formerly an industrial and manufacturing hub, the neighbourhood has retained some of its original character. Old buildings have been transformed into high-end residential spaces. The stretch known as "Millionaire's Row" is found here, along Wellington Avenue. The truly stunning buildings that line the avenue are opulent inside—and close to the action outside. Here are a few reasons to fall in love with King West.
• The exciting vibe - There's nothing quite like being at the centre of it all
• Trendy hotspots - An abundance of must-visit restaurants and nightlife
• Elegant boutiques - Find streetwear, antiques, textiles, and more
• Incredible buildings - From soft and hard lofts to soaring condos
• The convenience - A walkable area with easy streetcar access
The Buildings
You won't find many single-family homes in King West (though there are some). This area is the land of lofts and condos. Here you'll find sleek glass towers that are brimming with luxury. You'll see hard lofts filled with character and authentic details. Newer soft lofts are also cropping up, and they contain many of those features that make their hard counterparts so special.
The Demand
In recent years, we've seen an abundance of new buildings constructed in King West. The intersection of King and Bathurst has been a hotspot for development, as has the area south of King on Portland.
From ambitious young professionals to uber-successful business types, there's no shortage of renters and buyers who want to live in the area.
The Opportunity
King West is an area of intense growth, benefitting from the continued development of the nearby downtown core. Local demand and the promise of further expansion are strong indicators that buying a suite in the area is a great investment.
The Amenities
Living in King West means having quick access to everything you need. That means grocery stores (including some stellar organic options) as well as buzz-worthy eateries, bars, and boutiques. It's all at your fingertips!
Where to eat in King West
The food scene in King West is worth exploring. The neighbourhood is known for its diverse eateries with global influences. What so many of these restaurants share is their use of high-quality ingredients, perfectly prepared.
• Buca - Italian inspired by an artisanal approach—stop in for incredibly flavourful pizza, pasta, and house-cured meats.
• Patria - Authentic Spanish tapas and pitch-perfect paella, which is ideal for sharing (along with the perfect bottle of vino)
• WVRST - This contemporary beer hall is known for its sausages—including plant-based options—along with its leveled-up bar snacks.
• Kiin - The cuisine at this Thai gem is both beautiful and intoxicating, and it has to be enjoyed to be believed.
What to do in King West
If it's a bit of retail therapy you seek, you'll find it in King West. Local favourites include Livestock (for cutting-edge streetwear), Cynthia Findlay (for high-quality antiques and jewellery), and Lorne's Coats (for stylish women's and men's outerwear).
Looking for an incredible view? If you're searching for the best rooftop patio in town, look no further than the Thompson Hotel. The food here is incredible, but seeing the skyline from the roof is an experience unto itself. Make sure you put this on your must-do King West list.
Sometimes, you just need a little greenery in the concrete jungle. Massey Harris Park is a charming little meeting space where you can surround yourself with paths, trees, and flowers. The area feaures both paved and grassy terrain. If you have little ones, there's another green space you'll want to check out. Stanley Park is home to a multi-purpose sports field, basketball courts, playground, and splash pad (all of which make it a great place to go with the family).
The Highlight
Where is King West?
This neighbourhood may be part of the trendy west end, but it's a lot more central than you might think. The boundaries of King West are Wellington Street West, University Avenue, Richmond Street West, and Tecumseh Street.
Who lives here?
King West is home to a large contingent of young, ambitious singles and couples. You'll also find plenty of successful residents who have "arrived" and want to stay in the heart of the city. Many of them are on Millionaire's Row. In the simplest terms, the area attracts people who work hard—and play hard.
The transit
There's nothing easier than hopping on the King Streetcar, which connects to a number of subway stations. If you have a vehicle, you may have to deal with some less-than-pleasant traffic. That said, if you time your trips right, you can take advantage of quick access to Lakeshore and the Gardiner.