Why Liberty Village Works Without a Car
Liberty Village is one of Toronto's most walkable and transit-accessible neighbourhoods, making car-free living not just possible—but actually preferable for many residents. With a Walk Score consistently above 90 and excellent TTC access, you'll find that ditching the car means more money in your pocket, less stress, and a more connected lifestyle.
The neighbourhood's compact design means daily essentials are within a 10-minute walk, and multiple transit options connect you to the rest of Toronto in under 30 minutes. Whether you're commuting downtown, heading to the gym, or grabbing coffee, you'll discover that car-free living in Liberty Village is surprisingly convenient.
TTC Access: Your Transit Backbone
Liberty Village residents have exceptional access to Toronto's public transit network. The King streetcar (504) runs along King Street West with stops every few blocks, providing rapid access to downtown in just 15 minutes. During rush hour, streetcars arrive every 5-7 minutes, making it easy to time your commute.
The Exhibition GO Station is a 10-minute walk from most Liberty Village addresses, connecting you to the broader GO Transit network. This is particularly valuable for commuters heading to the airport, Mississauga, or other GTA destinations. The station serves both Lakeshore West and UP Express lines.
For north-south travel, the Dufferin bus (29) runs along the neighbourhood's eastern edge, connecting to the Bloor-Danforth subway line at Dufferin Station. The Bathurst streetcar (511) is also accessible from the eastern parts of Liberty Village, providing another route north.
The upcoming Ontario Line will further enhance transit access when it opens in 2031, with the Exhibition Station becoming a major transit hub.
Bike Infrastructure: Growing and Improving
Liberty Village's bike infrastructure has improved dramatically in recent years. The Shaw Street bike lane provides a protected north-south route connecting Liberty Village to the Bloor Street bike network. From there, you can access the entire city's growing network of protected lanes.
The Martin Goodman Trail along the waterfront is accessible via Strachan Avenue, offering a scenic and safe route for recreational cycling or commuting to destinations along the lakeshore. Many residents use this trail to bike to work downtown, avoiding congested streets entirely.
For bike maintenance and purchases, Sweet Pete's Bike Shop is your local go-to. They offer repairs, tune-ups, seasonal storage, and expert advice on urban cycling. The shop has been serving Liberty Village cyclists for over a decade and knows the neighbourhood's cycling needs intimately.
Bike parking is available in most condo buildings, and many residents invest in quality locks and weatherproof gear to make year-round cycling practical. The bike-commuting guide offers detailed tips for winter cycling and route planning.
Walkability: Everything Within 15 Minutes
One of Liberty Village's greatest strengths is its walkability. Groceries, coffee shops, restaurants, fitness studios, and medical services are all within a 15-minute walk from any address in the neighbourhood.
For your daily coffee fix, Balzac's Coffee Roasters and Jimmy's Coffee are neighbourhood favourites, each offering comfortable spaces for remote work. Need to grab groceries? The Metro at 56 Gladstone is Liberty Village's primary supermarket, while the Loblaws at Liberty Market is a short walk south.
The neighbourhood's grid layout makes navigation intuitive, and wide sidewalks accommodate both pedestrians and the steady flow of residents moving through the area. Most residents report that they walk more than they ever expected, simply because it's faster and more pleasant than driving and finding parking.
For fitness enthusiasts, GoodLife Fitness Liberty Village and Orangetheory Fitness Liberty Village are both easily walkable, making it simple to maintain your workout routine without a vehicle.
Car-Share Options: When You Need Four Wheels
While car-free living works for daily life, there are times when you need a vehicle—IKEA runs, weekend cottage trips, or moving large items. Liberty Village residents have excellent access to car-share services that make occasional car use affordable and convenient.
Zipcar has multiple designated parking spots throughout Liberty Village, including locations on Hanna Avenue and East Liberty Street. Rates start around $12/hour or $85/day, including gas and insurance. You can reserve vehicles by the hour through the app, making it perfect for quick errands.
Communauto offers a similar service with competitive rates and a growing fleet of vehicles stationed in the neighbourhood. Their free-floating service allows you to pick up and drop off vehicles anywhere within their service zone.
For longer trips, traditional car rental companies like Enterprise and Budget have locations at nearby Liberty Market, offering weekend and weekly rates that are often more economical than car-share for extended use.
Cost Comparison: Car vs. Car-Free
The financial case for car-free living in Liberty Village is compelling. Consider the monthly costs:
Car ownership: - Condo parking: $150-250/month - Insurance: $150-300/month - Gas: $150-200/month - Maintenance: $100/month average - Car payment: $400-600/month - Total: $950-1,500/month
Car-free alternatives: - TTC Metropass: $156/month - Bike maintenance: $30/month average - Occasional car-share: $50-100/month - Occasional ride-share: $50/month - Total: $286-336/month
By going car-free, most Liberty Village residents save $600-1,200 monthly—that's $7,200-14,400 annually. Those savings can cover a significant portion of rent, build an investment portfolio, or fund regular travel.
Winter Strategies: Making It Work Year-Round
The biggest question about car-free living in Toronto is always: "What about winter?" Liberty Village residents have developed proven strategies for staying mobile during cold months.
For transit users, the key is layering and investing in quality winter gear. A warm, knee-length down coat, waterproof boots, and a good toque make waiting for streetcars tolerable even in -20°C weather. Many residents keep emergency gloves and hand warmers in their bags.
Winter cyclists in Liberty Village are more common than you'd think. Fat tire bikes, studded tires, and proper clothing make winter cycling safe and practical. The winter survival guide offers detailed advice on gear and route selection for cold-weather cycling.
For particularly brutal days, having ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft as backup options provides peace of mind without the fixed costs of car ownership. A $15 Uber ride home beats a $1,200 monthly car payment.
Making the Transition: Tips for New Residents
If you're moving to Liberty Village and considering giving up your car, here's how to make the transition smooth:
1. Test it for a month: If you currently own a car, commit to not using it for 30 days. Track how often you genuinely need a vehicle versus using it out of habit.
2. Invest in quality gear: A good bike, comfortable walking shoes, and weather-appropriate clothing make car-free living enjoyable rather than a sacrifice.
3. Learn the transit system: Download the TTC app, explore different routes, and give yourself extra time initially. You'll quickly develop efficient patterns.
4. Join car-share services: Sign up for Zipcar and Communauto before you need them. Having options ready reduces anxiety about giving up car ownership.
5. Connect with car-free neighbours: Many Liberty Village residents have successfully made the transition and are happy to share tips and strategies specific to the neighbourhood.
The moving guide offers additional advice for new residents adjusting to Liberty Village's car-free lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Liberty Village is genuinely one of the few Toronto neighbourhoods where car-free living isn't just feasible—it's actually easier and more enjoyable than car ownership. Between excellent transit access, improving bike infrastructure, and exceptional walkability, you'll find that a car is more burden than benefit.
The money saved, the eliminated stress of parking and traffic, and the health benefits of walking and cycling make car-free living one of Liberty Village's underrated advantages. Most residents who make the switch report they don't miss car ownership at all—they just wish they'd done it sooner.