Emerging Neighbourhoods in the Greater Toronto Area in 2025
2 min read
Several neighbourhoods across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are gaining momentum, fueled by their affordability, convenient location, and lower competition. REMAX Canada’s 2025 Next Neighbourhoods Report explores these emerging neighbourhoods and the key factors impacting their growth.
Population growth continues to be a driving force of community development and long-term value in the GTA. With an annual population growth of over 4%, well above the average, 64% of Canadians consider this a positive characteristic and a strong indicator of a neighbourhood’s potential. This rapid growth is prompting municipalities, along with provincial and federal governments, to invest in new transit and housing infrastructure in undervalued areas.
New transit developments are transforming overlooked neighbourhoods into attractive, affordable options for homebuyers, providing greater value and long-term growth potential. According to the REMAX Canada Angus Reid survey, 31% of Canadians consider proximity to public transit a top priority when choosing a new neighbourhood, as it improves connectivity and access to downtown areas. 37% of Canadians are willing to make compromises, including higher housing costs, to live closer to urban centres, emphasizing how strongly transit access impacts a neighbourhood’s liveability and desirability.
Transit fuels community growth, as it is often accompanied by new residential developments to support the rising demand for housing. Planned and active housing projects often indicate a neighbourhood is up-and-coming. New homes located near public transit, known as "transit-oriented communities", attract higher demand and deliver long-term value, especially as commuting becomes a top priority for buyers. Government investments in new infrastructure present an opportunity for further development, including new businesses and local amenities, such as cafés and shops. This significantly improves the local economy and lifestyle, adding vibrancy and value to emerging communities.
The report revealed that affordability remains a top priority for 37% of Canadians, down from 44% in 2024, when choosing a neighbourhood to live in. Other factors include proximity to amenities such as restaurants, shopping, and grocery stores (36%) and convenient access to public transit (31%). As Canadians spend more time shopping at local stores, dining out, and socializing in their community, their chosen neighbourhood is an important factor in daily life.
Neighbourhoods across the GTA that are undervalued, and therefore overlooked, are often well-positioned for future growth. Scarborough is one of the most undervalued areas, offering a mix of housing options and a renowned art school. East York has also seen a rise in affordability and desirability, particularly around Birchmount, Victoria Park, Warden and Wexford, due to population and infrastructure growth, and proximity to public transit. Hamilton is attracting buyers from Toronto seeking greater affordability and more space.
The GTA has many hidden gems offering diverse housing options, new developments, infrastructure improvements, access to transit, and plenty of local shops, schools, parks, and cultural hubs. Some hidden gems across the GTA are:
Clairlea-Birchmount (Toronto)
Wexford-Maryvale (Toronto)
Crown Point (Hamilton)
Aldershot South (Burlington)
Downtown Markham
Seaton (Pickering)
Don Mills–Victoria Village (Toronto)
These neighbourhoods may not be a popular choice for buyers; however, they offer significant potential for growth, driven by new transit and housing projects, that contribute to strong long-term value.
References
RE/MAX Canada. (2025, June 25). Best Places to Buy in 2025: REMAX Next Neighbourhoods Report. https://blog.remax.ca/best-places-to-buy/
RE/MAX Canada. (2025, July 14). Buyer’s Guide to Emerging Neighbourhoods in Toronto and Vancouver. https://blog.remax.ca/buyers-guide-to-emerging-neighbourhoods-in-toronto-and-vancouver/
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