Nestled along Dundas Street West between Runnymede Road to the west and the railway tracks to the east, The Junction is a one-of-a-kind neighbourhood that’s on the up and up. Overflowing with historic charm, artistic flair, and some of the west end’s best amenities, The Junction has a vibe all its own – balancing a vibrant arts scene with a quaint, small-town atmosphere.
As a neighbourhood that’s steadily gaining more notoriety, The Junction is well on its way to becoming one of Toronto’s most iconic enclaves.
The History of The Junction
From a historical perspective, The Junction is one of Toronto’s most fascinating neighbourhoods.
Before it became one of Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, The Junction first sprouted up as a small village called West Toronto Junction back in the late 19th century. The ‘junction’ element of the village’s name was a reference to the meeting of four major railway tracks in the area. After further growth and eventual annexation into Toronto, The Junction became a major industrial hub known for its factories, warehouses, and stockyards.
With so many beloved craft breweries, bars, and restaurants there today, it’s hard to imagine that alcohol sales were actually banned in The Junction from 1904 all the way up to 2001, making it one of the last “dry” communities in all of Canada. The ending of this ban played a huge role in The Junction’s revival and redevelopment as it allowed businesses to thrive.
Today, The Junction still wears its industrial past on its sleeve. You can still find remnants of the old factories, including some that have been converted into condos, townhomes, shops and artist studios.
Types of Homes for Sale in The Junction
Real estate in The Junction has something for everyone. As a historic neighbourhood that’s currently experiencing an energetic revitalization, housing in The Junction uniquely reflects its heritage, present, and future.
For buyers who are on the lookout for detached or semi-detached homes, The Junction’s laid-back side streets are overflowing with charming Victorian and Edwardian gems. Local properties are adorned with charming features and details that highlight the neighbourhood’s heritage. Not to mention, The Junction homes often include spacious front and backyards, offering a private outdoor retreat within the city. These homes are one of the primary reasons that The Junction is so popular with families – and it’s certainly not hard to see why.
In addition to the neighbourhood’s heritage homes, The Junction’s recent gentrification has contributed a diverse range of modern housing options to the real estate landscape. One big example of this is condos. In recent years, the number of condos in The Junction has grown exponentially. These developments have proven popular with young buyers and even empty nesters who are drawn to the neighbourhood’s artsy vibe and local flavour.
Just like houses in The Junction, many of these condo developments reflect the neighbourhood’s past. As some have been converted from factories or warehouses, features like exposed brick, high ceilings, and open floor plans nicely add to the character of these homes.
Curious about what kinds of homes are currently available in The Junction? Check out some of our most recent listings here:
Who Lives in The Junction?
Just like real estate in The Junction, local demographics are diverse, with close ties to the neighbourhood’s past, as well as its continued evolution. With residents from all walks of life, The Junction has a welcoming and rich community dynamic.
One of the fastest growing groups of residents in The Junction are young professionals, artists, and couples, who are drawn to the neighbourhood’s trendy atmosphere. As the neighbourhood has welcomed a new wave of revitalization with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and trendy restaurants, it has (perhaps unsurprisingly) made it popular with younger generations.
Along with the local vibe, the community’s commitment to sustainability and local engagement initiatives such as The Junction Farmer’s Market and year-found street festivals also resonate strongly with younger buyers.
Like young professionals and creative types, families are an integral part of The Junction’s community fabric. The neighbourhood’s tree-lined streets, well-maintained parks, easy access to essential amenities, and of course, great schools make it an ideal place to raise children.
Finally, you’ll also find older residents such as retirees, downsizers, and empty-nesters in The Junction. These folks are usually drawn to the neighbourhood’s laid-back charm and accessible amenities, however, some older residents are active and engaged in the local creative scene.
Looking for locals-only tips on what to do in The Junction? Check out these blog posts!
- 5 Junction & BWV Coffee Shops for 5 Unique Experiences
- Breakfast in the Junction: Our Favourite Spots
- Happy Hour in The West End: Our Top 5 Picks
Things to Do in The Junction
The Junction is a happening place. With plenty of fun and exciting things to do, it’s easy to see why locals aren’t the only ones who hang out there.
Dundas Street West – aka The Junction Strip, has some of the best coffee shops, watering holes, and restaurants in the city. Whether you’re searching for a down-to-earth pub, healthy eats, mouth-watering pizza, a new date night go-to, or something else, there’s a good chance you’ll find it on The Junction Strip. Plus, in addition to serving up great food and drink, a number of these establishments play a role in The Junction’s dynamic live music scene, making them a one-stop shop for a great night out.
Along with being a foodie’s paradise, The Junction also boasts some of the best shopping in all of Toronto. While the word is slowly getting out, The Junction has been a best-kept secret among the city’s best-dressed for some time. You’ll find brick-and-mortar shops for household name brands, as well as a range of locally-owned boutiques, many of which highlight Canadian designers and Toronto-made clothing.
As if dining and shopping weren’t enough, The Junction is also an arts hub, with a strong collection of galleries, studios, and workshops across the neighbourhood.
Community Services in The Junction
When it comes to community services and amenities, The Junction has everything you need and more.
The Junction is home to a handful of high-rated medical and dental clinics, as well as pharmacies, ensuring that residents have access to quality healthcare. There are also veterinary hospitals in the neighbourhood to ensure furry family members are looked after.
Some of the top public schools are Annette Street Junior and Senior Public School (Jr. K – 8) and High Park Alternative School (Jr. K-8), which together share a space with The Junction Daycare. Indian Road Crescent Junior Public School (Jr. K-6) and St. Cecilia Catholic School are also good options. For older kids, Humberside Collegiate Institute (9-12) is one of the most reputable high schools in the west end.
The Junction is well served by public transit. With multiple bus routes, streetcar access, and quick proximity to subway stations, commuting into central Toronto and elsewhere around the city is quite simple. It’s also just a few minutes from Bloor GO Station, where you can catch the UP Express and get to Toronto Pearson International Airport in under 20 minutes.
Searching for more insights about real estate in The Junction? Explore these posts from the Nested blog.
- How to Choose The Right West End Toronto Neighbourhood For You
- Top 5 Reasons Why Families Love Living in The Junction
- Top 5 Reasons to Nest in The West
How to Pick the Right Junction Real Estate Agent?
There are thousands of real estate agents to pick from in Toronto. However, if you’re looking to buy or sell a home in The Junction, you’ll want to work with a professional who lives and breathes the neighbourhood.
As an ever-evolving community, real estate in The Junction is incredibly nuanced. The area’s diverse homes and residents, along with its unique atmosphere and amenities are constantly pushing the market in new directions. So, if you’re hoping to get the best result possible on your home purchase or sale, you’ll want to partner with an expert who is dedicated to all things Junction real estate – like us!
As passionate local agents and true west-enders, no one knows real estate in The Junction like us. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, our insider knowledge and unmatched level of service provide you with a distinct advantage in Toronto’s famously competitive market.
Looking to buy a home in The Junction? Click here to learn how our team can help you find the perfect place to nest:
Selling your home in The Junction? We have the winning formula to help you achieve a great sale.
Learn more about our selling services here:
Absolutely! The Junction is a great place to live, but it’s also a place where Torontonians come to spend an afternoon or evening, enjoying the local vibe and everything The Junction has to offer.
Yes. Thanks to The Junction’s top schools, numerous parks and green spaces, quiet residential streets, and easy access to community services, it’s one of the best neighbourhoods for families in the west end.
Real estate in The Junction is dynamic. As there is a diverse mix of housing types available, you’ll find options at a wide range of price points. That said, as Junction real estate becomes more sought-after, buying conditions can be competitive depending on the home. If you’re looking to find a great home within your price range, working with a local real estate team is your best bet.
The Junction has a strong selection of public and private schools including Annette Street Junior and Senior Public School, High Park Alternative School, Indian Road Crescent Junior Public School, Humberside Collegiate Institute and St. Cecilia Catholic Elementary School.
While The Junction’s vibrancy does give the neighbourhood a more urban feel, it’s generally just as safe as other suburban communities in Toronto. Overall the neighbourhood is quite welcoming and people feel comfortable to enjoy everything The Junction has to offer.
The Junction has plenty of amazing places to grab a bite to eat, whatever you may be in the mood for. That said, one of the things we love about the neighbourhood is the myriad of delicious breakfast options which range from diner-style classics to authentic takes on cuisines from around the world. During the warmer months, there are also plenty of cozy patios to enjoy a meal while you soak up the sun.
