Toronto’s emerging neighbourhoods are often a collection of neglected housing stock and forgotten main streets. That is, until the artists, restaurants and dog-and-baby crowd start to take over. This process does not unfold at the same rate or at the same time in a given location.

Emerging neighbourhoods are all about what is possible where early indications suggest a neighbourhood once stagnant or in decline has turned a corner and is heading back up. It requires that you have your potential goggles on. They are not as central as some Toronto neighbourhoods these days. Still, if you are a first time buyer or a shrewd investor, you may want to consider these neighbourhoods.

Emerging neighbourhoods will be on the upswing for several reasons. There may be new transportation developments on the way like a new GO station or a new transit line. Crime statistics are down and income statistics are going up. There’s development in the area for new condos. The emerging neighbourhood is adjacent to a more expensive and in –demand neighbourhood. If you would like to know how you could spot an emerging neighbourhood, click here to watch my video.

In terms of where to look in Toronto, here are the early emerging neighbourhoods that I find most promising and currently more affordable.