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Description
Kensington Market is a great 'hood for those looking for a boho vibe where the shops are all indie and people get to know their neighbours. But, perhaps ironically, property ain't cheap in this anti-establishment community.
The streets directly around Kensington Market are lined with small, Victorian row houses built between the 1870’s and 1890’s, representing some of the oldest homes in the city. Many of the homes are owned by local business proprietors who use them for a dual live/work purpose, transforming their lawns into market stalls.
Further out from the Market you can find more semi-detached and detached Toronto homes for sale. Houses for sale in this area often need a lot of work but make great condo alternatives for buyers who have the budget, looking to be as close to The Core as possible.
There are more affordable housing alternatives in the townhouses along Oxford and the Kensington Market Lofts on Baldwin. There are also a couple of condos in the area for much more reasonable entry prices.
If you're not yet ready to buy, Kensington Market is a great place to find apartments for rent in Toronto. The area has such a unique vibe and it really is steps to everything.
Best For
Young professionals and artistic types looking for houses for sale in Toronto in an eclectic and bohemian neighbourhood.
Overview
Kensington Market is probably the most unique and fun area to live in downtown Toronto if you love being surrounded by diverse cultures, mingling with progressive thinkers and, despite its lively streets, a laid back vibe. Kensington Market, a popular outdoor market and tourist attraction, is at the heart of this neighbourhood and it's been designated a National Historic Site.
Although property prices have increased sharply here over the last decade, Kensington is still very much a working-class neighbourhood and residents fiercly protect both the area's indie spirit and the rights of workers.
The most famous incident of backlash against a corporation occurred when Nike opened a gallery in the area back in 2002. Local business people and residents protested using props of Nike running shoes splattered with red paint and garbage to send a strong message of disapproval for what was seen as unfair treatment of workers around the world. Nike didn't stick around long but later partnered with OCAD on a gallery on Queen West to much less fuss.
The Kensington community has also protested against Walmart and other large corporations and view anti-globalization as an important and shared political stance of the neighbourhood.
Why We Love Kensington Market
Adventures in Shopping
Kensington Market is the commercial and spiritual heart of this neighbourhood. It’s Toronto’s only year-round outdoor market where merchants sell everything from organic food and clothing to second-hand records and books.
There are plenty of new and modern wares as well, but we like coming here to comb through the stalls and racks for that rare, vintage find.
It’s Bohemian Cool
Kensington has such a unique and diverse quality to it. We can’t think of anywhere else quite like it.
As the face of Toronto changes with each passing decade, we love that Kensington has maintained its quirkiness. It’s not an easy thing to do in the face of development. For example, it’s hard to imagine the Yorkville of today was once a hippie haven and epicentre of youth rebellion.
Dear Kensington, we love you just as you are. We hope you never change.