Top 4 Areas to Find One-Bedrooms in West Toronto

We\’ve identified the areas in West Toronto with the highest number of one-bedroom apartments. While they may not always be the most budget-friendly options, this list will give you an idea of where to look. The results based on listings surprised us, even after having lived in Toronto for many years. In the world of apartment hunting, diligence is not just a virtue; it\’s a secret superpower!

Dundas and Spadina: A diverse rental landscape in downtown Toronto

The downtown Dundas and Spadina area offers a mixed bag of rental options. It is a lot like a box of chocolates – there\’s something for every taste and budget. Rent varies across the listings, catering to different budget levels. Some listings offer luxury or furnished accommodations, while others provide more affordable options.

One-bedroom apartments here command an average rent of about $2,500, reflecting demand for this central location. What\’s most striking is the prevalence of condos, which make up more than three-quarters of available rentals at a similar average price point.

Situated in the culturally-rich neighbourhood of Kensington-Chinatown, Dundas and Spadina is surrounded by seven neighbouring districts that collectively influence rental rates in this small but dynamic community.

The immediate vicinity of Dundas and Spadina offers some relatively affordable housing options, attracting a diverse range of renters. This area\’s main selling point is undoubtedly its location, which appeals to the preferences of the younger generations who appreciate the convenience of city living. Landlords usually restrict parties and overnight guests.

Many listings in this area highlight their proximity to key locations, from universities and colleges to the financial and entertainment districts, as well as popular amenities. This meets the needs of students and academic professionals seeking proximity to the University of Toronto, George Brown College, and Ryerson University. You might as well rent a space here just to be close to the city’s best takeouts.

Dundas-Spadina is notable for being densely populated, above the Toronto average, and for the fact that most residents are renters. It\’s a neighbourhood where walking and public transit are the primary means of getting around, with residents embracing the city\’s accessibility.

Notably, the average household income in Kensington-Chinatown is below the city average, reflecting the community\’s diverse demographics and significant immigrant population, primarily from Asia. To accommodate different tenant preferences, some listings offer furnished or unfurnished units, an important factor for students.

Ossington and College is a slightly cheaper alternative to downtown

In the immediate vicinity of Ossington and College, you\’ll find that the average one-bedroom rent hovers around $2,450, a trend that extends across a 2-km radius of this bustling intersection. The local rental landscape primarily comprises houses and condos, especially in the direction of Liberty Village. However, you\’ll also discover basement apartments and units in buildings that stand at five storeys or less.

For the budget-conscious, basement apartments shine as the best value proposition, boasting an average rent of $1,900. Additionally, rental ads clearly outline whether utilities like hydro, heat, and water are included, offering frugal renters a transparent view of what\’s covered in the rent. Furthermore, if you\’re fortunate like us, you might stumble upon a one-bedroom apartment under $2,000 featuring the ultimate indulgence – a jacuzzi tub.

Thanks to Time Out\’s 2022 rankings, Ossington Avenue has gained international recognition as one of the coolest streets globally. It is famous for its dining establishments, a thriving live music scene, and a nightlife ambiance favouring leather jackets over high heels. The crown jewel of Ossington Avenue lies between Dundas Street West and Queen Street West, offering carefully curated vintage items and fashion from emerging Canadian designers.

Dupont and Lansdowne offers budget-friendly options

Dupont and Lansdowne are situated in the Junction-Wallace Emerson neighbourhood, providing a well-rounded selection of unit types. With an average rent of $2,100, the area accommodates diverse budgets, making it accessible to a broad spectrum of tenants. Whether you\’re looking for a condo or a basement or house apartment, you\’ll find a good balance of options. What\’s interesting is that there is a healthy mix of renters and homeowners; no single group particularly dominates.

With an average monthly rent of $1,900 for basement apartments, the Junction-Wallace Emerson neighbourhood offers an attractive choice for those seeking both affordability and variety in Toronto\’s rental market. Apartment size varies from 350 to 700 square feet.

Basement apartments within a 2km radius can be found in various locations, including Ossington and Bloor, the Junction area, and Bloor and Dufferin. Budget-conscious individuals can discover monthly rental prices ranging from $1,500 to $1,800, with many including utilities such as hydro, heat, water, and Wi-Fi. Notably, many of these apartments are found in older buildings.

Furthermore, most listings for basement apartments specify that they are not suitable for pets, not even the tiniest eight-legged roommates are welcome. Basic appliances like a fridge/freezer are provided in most units, while select apartments offer additional amenities like in-unit laundry and air conditioning. Importantly, smoking is not allowed in any of the listed apartments and most are unfurnished.

Humber Bay Shores combines condos with car-centric living

The Humber Bay Shores area in Etobicoke primarily features high-rise condominiums with a limited number of traditional houses. Notably, a significant number of the apartment units have been constructed in the last decade, showcasing the area\’s modernization and growth.

The emphasis here is on luxurious and convenient living. Many listings feature in-unit laundry, dishwashers, and standard kitchen appliances, along with various building amenities such as gyms, pools, and concierge services. The average rent for one-bedroom condos starts at $2,200 though the average is $2,500.

You can find one-bedrooms for under $2,000, but they are usually basement apartments beyond the densely populated area. In the densely populated area, we observed lower prices in ads that were specifically looking for roommates to share 2-bedroom units, with prices around $1,500 each and half refrigerator and cabinet space.

A distinguishing feature of Humber Bay Shores is that approximately half of the households are composed of single individuals. This makes it one of the neighbourhoods with the smallest average household size in Toronto, closely following downtown. It\’s worth noting that a substantial senior population resides here, living independently.  The local library is the ultimate party destination for wild Saturday nights.

Many Humber Bay Shores residents clearly have a deep appreciation for public transit, with many treating it as a rare and exotic species. Who needs buses and streetcars when you can zip down Lakeshore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway? The neighbourhood is home to a large workforce and boasts individual incomes higher than the city\’s average, although household income aligns with the city\’s norm.

The rapid development in the Humber Bay Shores area has transformed it into a mix of retail, residential, and public spaces, complete with a scenic waterfront trail network. Several upcoming developments promise to further shape the skyline, with projects like \”Water\’s Edge at the Cove,\” \”2173 Lake Shore West,\” \”2189 Lake Shore,\” and \”2150 Lake Shore\” in the pipeline.

Furthermore, rental ads highlight the proximity of the properties to the waterfront – appealing to those who appreciate outdoor activities like biking and kayaking while also enjoying picturesque lake views. Additionally, easy access to public transportation, including the TTC bus and streetcar stops, makes commuting less challenging for those without a car.

Many rental units also offer parking spaces, bicycle storage, and storage lockers, catering to both residents with vehicles and those without. Moreover, some ads showcase views of the CN Tower and the Toronto skyline.

Author: torontoapartmentsforrent