The Annex, an eclectic block nestled in the heart of downtown Toronto, has been heralded as one of the globe’s “coolest” districts, coming in shining at 38th place in a recent international survey.
From north of Harbord Village, stretching west of Bathurst Street, The Annex shines amidst the 40 Coolest Neighbourhoods list, a compelling ranking ushered forth by the esteemed Time Out Group.
The neighbourhood boasts its comeback story, finally stepping into the sunlight after years caged by construction that followed the closing of Honest Ed’s, a local retail legend, etched in the memories of the residents. Glowing reviews equally extolled the district’s vibrant pubs, boutique retail offerings, an energetic music scene, and the lush landscapes of Mirvish Village Park.
The accolade brought a wave of joy to the Bloor Annex Business Association, which expressed exhilaration at the announcement, embracing the renewed sense of community pride that comes with such recognition.
Canada holds an esteemed second entry to the list – Montreal’s pulsating downtown core, seeded at a commendable 36th position, crossing just two ranks above Toronto.
The crown for the world’s trendiest neighbourhood was claimed by Laureles, a charming community rooted in the heart of Medellin, Colombia.
Time Out’s previous list highlighted Dundas West; a vibrant community stretching from Trinity Bellwood Park to Lansdowne Avenue. The neighbourhood clinched 12th place with 11 new entries from around the globe earning a spot on this acclaimed list.
The selection process constituted the participation of over 12,000 global citizens who lent their voices to the survey. Expert local advice progressively filtered the candidates before the finalists were meticulously examined, primarily for their street life prowess, proximity to verdant spaces, and active social ventures. The blend of these elements fuse together, creating not just a place to reside but a vibrant community to enrich the daily lives of its settlers.
