The Annex

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History and Description:

The Annex area got its name from being ‘Annexed’ into the City of Toronto in 1887.   The large Edwardian and Victorian homes were typically constructed just before 1900 and many of the original homes were huge.  As it is now right in the heart of the city, it has become very expensive neighbourhood appealing to businessman and academic alike.  As the Annex is just north of the University of Toronto many of the massive homes originally constructed for Toronto’s most affluent families have been subdivided and now accommodate students.   Meanwhile, a block away lives the former Governor General Adrienne Clarkson and John Ralston Saul.  Margaret Atwood calls the Annex home as did David Suzuki.  Marjorie Harris’s lush garden is on a prime Annex street.  Annex residents are in good company.

Lifestyle:

The quiet, tree lined residential streets are predominantly one-way and effectively divert non local traffic onto main roadways making living there very comfortable and less hectic than one might imagine.  Bloor Street offers trendy coffee shops (not just Starbucks), independent restaurants, bistros and patios, theatres, numerous arts venues, Bloor Subway, high end designer shops, interesting book stores, etc. Down the road is the daddy of all discount dollar stores, Honest Ed’s.  A daughter of one of the salespeople in our office decided to get married in one of the Annex’s numerous dog parks!

The affluent and budget conscious blend together to produce the unique, eclectic Annex vibe in which everyone can find a place.

With its vibrant tone, dynamic, thriving, and very urban lifestyle the Annex’s popularity is most understandable.

Boundaries:

Bloor Street on the South,
Avenue Road on the East,
Dupont Street on the North
Bathurst Street on the West