Neighbourhoods · October 17, 2026 · 5 min read

Where to Live in Toronto as a Founder: Four Neighbourhoods Compared

Toronto's startup scene is spread across the city, and where you sleep shapes your week: how you commute, who you run into, and how easily you can switch off. These are the four neighbourhoods VHive operates in, and who each one suits.

King West: the tech strip

King West is where much of downtown's tech and design energy sits. Our Minto Westside condo at 27 Bathurst has Stackt Market across the street, the 511 streetcar at the door and Billy Bishop airport about a 10-minute walk away. It is a good fit if you fly often or want restaurants, coffee and meetups on your doorstep.

Minto Westside, 27 Bathurst St, King West, Toronto — Minto Westside, 27 Bathurst St, King West.

Entertainment District: the startup and VC corridor

N°55 Mercer sits in the middle of Toronto's startup and venture corridor, with a Walk Score of 99 and PATH access about 150 metres away. OMERS Ventures, Shopify's Toronto office and the TIFF ecosystem are all within a short walk. The building has a co-working lounge, a fitness studio and a yoga room, so it suits founders who want to stay close to investors and events.

N°55 Mercer, 55 Mercer St, Entertainment District, Toronto — N°55 Mercer, Entertainment District.

St. Lawrence and the Financial District: wellness and calm

The Saint at 89 Church is a 47-storey LEED and WELL certified tower from Minto, completed in 2025. Its amenities lean toward recovery: an infrared sauna, soaking tubs, a salt rock lounge and a full gym, plus a co-working lounge. Union Station is about a 10-minute walk, which helps if you travel to Ottawa, Montreal or New York.

The Saint, 89 Church St, St. Lawrence / Financial District, Toronto — The Saint, 89 Church St.

Cabbagetown: the founder house

The Carlton House at 226 Carlton Street is a heritage Victorian on a tree-lined street, two blocks from Riverdale Park. It trades tower amenities for community: a shared kitchen and lounge, a backyard patio, private desks in every room, fibre internet and weekly house dinners. It suits founders who build better when they live alongside other builders.

The Carlton House, 226 Carlton St, Cabbagetown, Toronto — The Carlton House, 226 Carlton St, Cabbagetown.

How to choose

Want to be near investors and events: Entertainment District.
Travel a lot: King West or the Financial District, both close to Billy Bishop or Union.
Want recovery and quiet after long days: the Financial District tower.
Want a peer group at home: Cabbagetown.

Every VHive residence is furnished, with flexible terms and coworking included. Browse current availability on the residences page, or apply directly and we will match you to a building.