Liberty Village vs Dundas West: Where Should You Live?
Choose Liberty Village if you want cohesive modern housing and a tight-knit community. Choose Dundas West if you value subway access, cultural depth, and a walkable mix of old and new Toronto. LV averages $2,600/month for a 1BR vs Dundas West's $2,400 — a $200 difference. Dundas West offers Ossington station on Line 2, giving it a transit edge LV cannot match.
By the Numbers
| Category | Liberty Village | Dundas West |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR Rent | $2,600 | $2,400 |
| Avg 2BR Rent | $3,400 | $3,200 |
| Transit Score | 78/100 | 84/100 |
| Walk Score | 85/100 | 91/100 |
| Bike Score | 72/100 | 82/100 |
| Median Age | 31 | 33 |
| Median Income | $99,817 | $85,000 |
Cost of Living
Dundas West is about $200 cheaper per month than Liberty Village for a one-bedroom, and the savings extend to daily life. The neighborhood's Portuguese heritage means affordable bakeries, butcher shops, and casual restaurants that keep everyday food costs down. A pastel de nata at one of the Portuguese bakeries costs a fraction of a croissant at a trendy LV cafe. Liberty Village's cost of living reflects its newer condo stock and more curated retail environment. Housing in Dundas West varies widely — from renovated Victorian apartments to modern infill condos — while LV offers a more consistent condo experience with predictable amenities. For renters seeking the best value per dollar, Dundas West offers more bang for the buck, especially if you appreciate old-Toronto character over modern finishes.
Transit & Commute
Dundas West has a clear transit advantage thanks to the Dundas West TTC station, which provides direct access to the Bloor-Danforth subway line. This is a game-changer for commuters — reaching Yonge and Bloor takes about 12 minutes by subway, while the same trip from Liberty Village involves a streetcar-to-subway transfer and takes roughly 30 minutes. The 505 Dundas streetcar adds another east-west option, and north-south bus routes along Lansdowne and Dufferin serve the area well. Liberty Village's transit relies on the 504 King streetcar and the 63 Ossington bus, with no direct subway access. For cyclists, both neighborhoods offer good infrastructure, though Dundas West's central location provides shorter rides to more destinations. Liberty Village's Gardiner access is better for drivers.
Food & Nightlife
Dundas West's food scene is a fascinating mix of generations. Legacy Portuguese bakeries like Caldense and butcher shops sit alongside trendy newcomers serving elevated small plates and natural wines. This cultural layering creates a dining experience that Liberty Village, as a newer neighborhood, simply cannot offer. For nightlife, Dundas West connects seamlessly to the Ossington strip to the east, giving residents easy access to some of Toronto's best cocktail bars. Liberty Village has quality restaurants and pubs, but the scene is more homogeneous — brunch spots, burger joints, and neighborhood pubs dominate. If you want to eat at a 50-year-old Portuguese churrasqueira one night and a cutting-edge tasting menu the next, Dundas West delivers that range. Liberty Village is more consistent but less surprising.
Safety & Community
Liberty Village and Dundas West both have engaged communities, but they look very different. LV's community is predominantly young condo-dwelling professionals who connect through social media groups and dog parks. Dundas West's community is multigenerational, with long-time Portuguese families living alongside young renters and new homeowners. This creates a richer social fabric but also occasional tension as gentrification reshapes the neighborhood. Safety is comparable — both areas are solidly safe by Toronto standards, with petty property crime as the main concern. Dundas West's residential streets feel quieter and more established, while LV's condo-heavy streetscape has more foot traffic. For people who value cultural diversity and an authentic sense of place, Dundas West offers something that LV's newer development cannot manufacture.
Best For
Choose Dundas West if you crave a neighborhood with layers — old Portuguese bakeries next to hip wine bars, established families next to new arrivals, and a genuine sense of Toronto's cultural evolution. The subway access alone makes it a strong practical choice for commuters. Choose Liberty Village if you prefer a more cohesive, modern neighborhood where the housing stock is newer, the amenities are more consistent, and the community is built around a shared demographic rather than shared history. LV is the better pick for people who prioritize comfort and convenience, while Dundas West rewards those who value cultural richness and neighborhood character. Both are excellent west-end options, but they serve fundamentally different sensibilities.
What Liberty Village Wins At
- ✓More modern and consistent housing
- ✓More green space
- ✓Stronger neighborhood identity
- ✓Cleaner streetscape
What Dundas West Wins At
- ✓Subway access
- ✓More walkable
- ✓Richer cultural history
- ✓More affordable rent
The Bottom Line
Dundas West blends old Portuguese Toronto with new hipster culture — LV is a purpose-built modern neighborhood without that layered history. Liberty Village is best for more modern and consistent housing and more green space, while Dundas West shines with subway access and more walkable. Both are great Toronto neighborhoods — it comes down to your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dundas West have subway access?▼
Is Dundas West gentrifying?▼
Which is more affordable, Dundas West or Liberty Village?▼
Is Dundas West safe?▼
Compare Other Neighborhoods
Fort York is Liberty Village's waterfront neighbor — newer towers and lake access, but without the established community and local businesses.
Liberty Village vs King WestKing West is louder and pricier — LV gives you neighborhood charm at a lower price point.
Liberty Village vs NiagaraNiagara is a quiet residential pocket near King West — LV has more local businesses and community identity but is slightly farther from downtown.
Liberty Village vs CityPlaceCityPlace is cheaper but feels like a dormitory — Liberty Village has actual neighborhood identity and community.
Liberty Village vs Queen WestQueen West is Toronto's creative boulevard — Liberty Village offers a similar artsy spirit with more affordable rent and a quieter residential feel.