New Toronto neighbourhoods ranked best to worst

Toronto's newest neighbourhoods didn't crop up organically; rather, they're the product of developers and marketing departments intent on changing how we perceive certain parts of the city. Since the condo boom shows no signs of slowing down, developers need to get us to buy into "up-and-coming" or "emerging" neighbourhoods; this is one way to do it.

Here are five newly branded Toronto neighbourhoods ranked best to worst.

Canary District
In July, we called this one of the best legacies left over from the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. And for good reason. Yes, this east side area will be home to tons of condos, but it'll also include affordable housing, a YMCA, George Brown College residence as well as slew of restaurants, cafes and shops - basically, all the marks of a bona fide neighbourhood.

Bricktowne
Bricktowne, named after the brickyards that made up this east side neighbourhood in the 19th and early 20th century, is the brainchild of local cafe owner, renovator and Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) member Lefteris Karagiannis. This area is bordered by Queen Street East, Danforth and Highfield Road in a location many think of as Upper Leslieville.

Bayside
This Saved by the Bell-inspired neighbourhood (not confirmed, but one can hope) is located right by the water between Parliament and Sherbourne. Created by real estate firm Hines, this brand new community will include luxurious-sounding condo developments such as Tridel's Aqualina and Aquavista.

East Core
Many accept South Core as a Toronto neighbourhood. But what about East Core? This new designation refers to the area between Parliament and Berkeley on Adelaide. Currently, there isn't much there except for a new art gallery and the entrance to the DVP, but a couple of new condos should change that. Will they herald in a new neighbourhood? Only time will tell.

Lower East Side
New York's famed Lower East Side has a storied history and remains a trendy Manhattan neighbourhood. Geographically, Toronto my have a lower (southern) east side (which technically would be in Scarborough), but we'll never have a Lower East Side despite what East 55 Condo's marketing material may say.

What's your favourite new neighbourhood? Let us know in the comments.

by Amy Grief via blogTO