Toronto’s neighbourhoods have some pretty distinct identities from one another and with that, the people themselves can range drastically across these invisible borders.
This is just some light-hearted fun, so don’t get offended. But it’s no secret that certain places in the city are a bit more snooty or artistic than the rest.
It’s also good to know the vibe before heading over to one of these neighbourhoods, so you aren’t shocked when you first explore the city.
So which Toronto archetype are you?
Yorkville: The luxury lover
If you live or go to Yorkville, you’re either wealthy or committed to window shopping.
Yorkville is one of the more aesthetic places in the city if you’re into luxury and name brands. It’s often stereotyped as the rich snob area in Toronto, where everyone wears matching Alo Yoga sets while drinking $12 matchas.
If you’re from Yorkville, you know all the luxury spots and don’t complain about your $3,000 rent. For those who don’t live in Yorkville, you know that one of the best Winners is in the neighbourhood.
Your personality: posh, polished and pilates-loving.
Signature activity: drinking an Aeset Coffee Co. drink after a sweaty workout.
King Street west: the finance bro
If you live, hang out or work on King Street West, you have a LinkedIn picture with your arms crossed and shiny, white teeth.
You spend your weekdays downtown, your Fridays at a rooftop bar and your weekends telling people you’re too old to party just to end up at a bar at 1 a.m.
You either work in finance, tech, consulting or you’re trying to find a hot, rich partner to give you access to that lifestyle. You also probably say “let’s circle back” whenever navigating conflict — which is just another way of saying “shut up.”
Your personality: ambitious, mildly overdressed and slightly insecure.
Signature activity: saying “I know a place” only to take everyone to a bar with a $19 cocktail and a mediocre dinner menu.
Kensington Market: The Thrifter
You probably have a tote bag from an independent bookstore or small coffee shop if you live or spend most of your time in this city pocket. You know at least three local musicians looking for their big break and still complain that Toronto is losing its arts scene.
Your apartment has at least one real plant even though you get no real sunlight. You like vintage clothing, spotting awesome murals in the city while also being some kind of an activist.
Your personality: artsy and kind of gatekeep-y.
Signature activity: thrifting and finding the best clothes possible.
St. Lawrence: The Farmers’ Market Lover
You’re an avid produce lover and an appreciator of old brick buildings. You’re always down to walk a little further to get something from a farmer’s market rather than buying something from a big chain grocery store — even if some of you just do it for aesthetics.
You probably have strong opinions about where to buy produce, you could be vegan, vegetarian or pescetarian, and you think the early bird gets the worm — even on a Saturday morning at 7 a.m.
Something tells me you have a face piercing or two and maybe even a couple tattoos.
You personality: quietly sophisticated, good with plants and positive.
Signature activity: going to the market saying you’re getting the best deals, but get too much to carry.
The Annex: The Academic
If you live in The Annex, you’re probably a University of Toronto student, an alumni or someone that just likes the university campus.
I’m not a student anymore, but I always say that The Annex is where I’d live if I could afford it. It always feels like I’m in a coming of age, autumn TV show there.
You probably own too many books, have empty journals sitting on your shelf waiting for the “right moment” to come to use them. You appreciate Victorian-esque buildings and try to avoid the Bloor Street traffic.
Your personality: academic, slightly entitled at times and opinionated.
Signature activity: going to a coffee shop to work, but actually spending hours talking about your thesis rather than doing it.
Those are some neighbourhood stereotypes for you to dwell on and hate me for. Got a bone to pick with me or a suggestion for the next list? Reach out to aia@thegreenline.to.
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