Best Neighbourhoods in Toronto for First-Time Buyers

November 14, 2025 | Buying a Home

As long-time West Toronto Realtors®, we simply can’t imagine a better place to live than in the west end. It’s peaceful and scenic, yet full of excitement and activity all at once!

Whatever your background may be, the West End has something you’re destined to love. Families are here for the outstanding schools, great parks and playgrounds. Artsy types flock to the west for its fun festivals and creative vibe. With an abundance of welcoming restaurants and cafes, it’s also a hot destination for foodies!

Despite the benefits of the West End lifestyle, it can be a challenging market for first-time home-buyers. That’s why we’ve assembled this list of some of our most accessible areas that aren’t just great for getting your first step on the property ladder; they’re also some of the best neighbourhoods to live in Toronto!

Searching for your perfect home in Toronto’s West End? You may just find it while browsing our latest listings.

Dovercourt/Wallace Emerson

If you want to live in one of the “cool neighbourhoods” in Toronto, Dovercourt/Wallace Emerson could be your first stop. This community lies between the west end and Midtown, north of Bloor, south of Dupont.

As far as locations go, it’s hard to ask for greater convenience. If the west end is known for its charm and Midtown is famous for its stunning green spaces, Dovercourt/Wallace Emerson offers the best of both.

The Bloordale Village shopping district is nearby for all of your retail, dining, and entertainment needs. It’s also the site of the annual BIG On Bloor Festival, a massive celebration of local art. One year, as many as 192,000 people attended!

If the fun and festive atmosphere of Dovercourt/Wallace Emerson doesn’t get you, the housing market will. With a wide mix of relatively accessible condos, townhouses, older detached homes and semis, this area provides first-time buyers with some solid options.

We have too much to say about great neighbourhoods in Toronto to fit in a single post! Learn about even more desirable communities in the related reading below:

Corso Italia

As perfect as Dovercourt/Wallace Emerson may be for a young buyer, not everyone wants to start out with a condo. What if you want a freehold home in one of the top neighbourhoods in Toronto, but lack the exorbitant budget it normally requires?

The lively Corso Italia neighbourhood is the answer! The name translates to “Italy Avenue,” and the community runs along St. Clair Avenue West. It also contains numerous amenities and is full of little bakeries, Italian restaurants, and gelato shops. It’s a foodie paradise and a haven for first-time buyers, all in one.

Since the housing stock primarily consists of more detached homes than condos, you typically need more of a budget than in Dovercourt/Wallace Emerson. Nevertheless, some of the older residences and bungalows are more accessible than elsewhere in Toronto. Detached, freehold living, here we come!

Parkdale

Parkdale doesn’t always pop up at the top of Google’s list for “nicest neighbourhoods in Toronto.” But don’t let the rankings fool you; Parkdale is one of our favourite areas, and not just for first-time buyers. (Shockingly, the Internet doesn’t know everything, at least not when it comes to the best Toronto neighbourhoods.)

Why do we love Parkdale so much? Let us count the ways:

Partly, it’s because of the scenery. As an older neighbourhood, there are mature trees and foliage everywhere, and it seems like nearly everyone has a garden. Then there’s the breathtaking architecture.

Picture a series of historic Victorian buildings all maintained and upgraded to a modern standard. It’s like a journey through the Victorian past, but with all the comforts and conveniences of today.

Mostly though, we love the incredible community spirit. Everyone looks out for you here, and it’s easy to feel as though you’re part of a giant, extended family. For a first-time buyer, Parkdale’s mix of condos and townhouses provides accessible price points. Buying a house here isn’t just feasible, it’s highly desirable.

Carleton Village

Ask someone outside of the West End about Carleton Village, and the response might be “where?” As a smaller and somewhat insular neighbourhood, it really doesn’t get the attention it deserves.

Carleton Village’s location near Davenport Road and St Clair Avenue West is highly convenient. Residents enjoy fast access to public transit as well as a host of shops and eateries along the St. Clair Gardens Business Improvement Area.

Overall, Carleton Village is peaceful and quiet, but never far from the action. It’s also more affordable than many other West Toronto neighbourhoods. This gives first-time buyers an advantage, whether starting out with a condo or a freehold.

Are you getting ready to make your first purchase? The posts below will help you be a well-informed buyer:

The Junction

At first glance, The Junction might seem a bit ambitious for a first-time home buyer. It’s easy to see why this trendy neighbourhood has seen a surge in demand over the last few years.

Parks and beautiful green spaces abound, thanks to proximity to High Park and Roncesvalles. The area is full of independent boutiques, fabulous restaurants, and there is always something to do.

Due to popular demand, The Junction might be out of reach for some first-time buyers. However, the area is still more accessible than some of the surrounding neighbourhoods. For a first-time buyer with a more generous budget, The Junction can be a dream come true.

The one thing about neighbourhoods in the west end is that there really is no such thing as “the absolute best.” Each has something to offer, and any one of these communities could be the perfect spot for a first-time home-buyer to get into the market – all while enjoying the thrilling lifestyle that only Toronto offers!

Do you have questions about the best areas to live in Toronto or how to buy your first home? West Toronto Realtors® are happy to guide you through the entire process. Contact us today at 416-788-1823 or email kim@kimkehoe.com to begin a conversation.