Liberty Village vs Leslieville: Where Should You Live?
Choose Liberty Village if you want a central west-end location with modern condos. Choose Leslieville if you want east-end beach access, more family-friendly streets, and character homes. LV averages $2,600/month for a 1BR vs Leslieville's $2,400 — a $200 difference. Leslieville mirrors LV's vibe on the opposite side of the city with more space for growing families.
By the Numbers
| Category | Liberty Village | Leslieville |
|---|---|---|
| Avg 1BR Rent | $2,600 | $2,400 |
| Avg 2BR Rent | $3,400 | $3,100 |
| Transit Score | 78/100 | 80/100 |
| Walk Score | 85/100 | 89/100 |
| Bike Score | 72/100 | 82/100 |
| Median Age | 31 | 34 |
| Median Income | $99,817 | $92,000 |
Cost of Living
Leslieville is moderately cheaper than Liberty Village for renters, with one-bedrooms averaging about $200 less per month. The savings are partly because Leslieville's rental stock includes more traditional apartments and basement units in addition to condos, providing more options across price points. Dining out costs are similar — both neighborhoods have a mix of casual spots and elevated restaurants. Groceries in Leslieville benefit from proximity to the East Chinatown markets, where fresh produce can be significantly cheaper. Liberty Village's cost of living is driven by its newer condo stock and proximity to the downtown west end. For buyers, Leslieville offers more houses and townhomes, though prices have climbed sharply. Overall, Leslieville provides more diverse housing at slightly lower price points.
Transit & Commute
Transit is a tale of two streetcar routes. Liberty Village relies on the 504 King, while Leslieville depends on the 501 Queen and 504 King east of the Don Valley. Commute times to the Financial District are comparable — about 25 to 30 minutes from either neighborhood. The key difference is direction: LV commuters head east into downtown, while Leslieville commuters head west. Neither neighborhood has direct subway access, though the planned Ontario Line will significantly improve Leslieville's connectivity. Cyclists in Leslieville benefit from excellent east-west bike lanes and direct access to the Lower Don Trail. Liberty Village connects better to the Martin Goodman waterfront trail. For drivers, Liberty Village has easier Gardiner access heading west, while Leslieville benefits from the DVP for northbound commutes.
Food & Nightlife
Both neighborhoods are brunch capitals, and the competition is fierce. Leslieville pioneered Toronto's brunch culture with spots like Lady Marmalade and Bonjour Brioche, while Liberty Village counters with Mildred's Temple Kitchen and School. For dinner, Leslieville has a slight edge in variety, with Queen East offering a long strip of diverse restaurants. Liberty Village's dining is more concentrated and tends toward pub fare and contemporary comfort food. Nightlife is quiet in both neighborhoods — these are places where people have dinner and a drink, not where they go clubbing. Leslieville's wine bars and cocktail spots have a slightly more refined feel, while LV's pubs are more casual. Both neighborhoods reward people who appreciate a good meal in a relaxed setting over bottle service and dance floors.
Safety & Community
Both neighborhoods score well on safety and community engagement, but the communities differ in composition. Leslieville has a larger family population, with stroller-friendly sidewalks, nearby schools, and kid-oriented businesses. Liberty Village skews younger and more single, with a social scene built around condo amenities and dog parks. Both have active online communities and engaged local business associations. Crime rates are comparable and low by Toronto standards. Leslieville's community is more established, with some families having been in the neighborhood for decades, while Liberty Village's community is newer and more transient as a rental-heavy condo neighborhood. Both foster a genuine sense of belonging, but Leslieville feels more like a settled residential neighborhood while LV feels more like an urban village in constant evolution.
Best For
Choose Leslieville if you love the idea of a charming east-end neighborhood with beach access, great brunch spots, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It is perfect for couples thinking about starting families and people who prefer character homes over condo towers. Choose Liberty Village if you want a central west-end location, modern condo living, and a younger social scene. LV is better for single professionals and couples who prioritize proximity to downtown and the Entertainment District. The choice often comes down to east versus west — both neighborhoods offer a similar quality of life, so pick the side of the city where your job, friends, and preferred hangouts are located.
What Liberty Village Wins At
- ✓Closer to downtown core
- ✓More modern housing stock
- ✓Better highway access
- ✓Younger social scene
What Leslieville Wins At
- ✓Beach and lake access
- ✓More family-friendly
- ✓Better bike infrastructure
- ✓More charming streetscape
The Bottom Line
Leslieville is LV's east-end mirror — similar vibe but with more families, character homes, and beach access. Liberty Village is best for closer to downtown core and more modern housing stock, while Leslieville shines with beach and lake access and more family-friendly. Both are great Toronto neighborhoods — it comes down to your priorities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leslieville or Liberty Village better for young families?▼
How long does it take to get from Leslieville to Liberty Village?▼
Which neighborhood has better brunch, Leslieville or Liberty Village?▼
Is Leslieville cheaper than Liberty Village?▼
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.