Premium Rentals without the Premium

Walkability, transit access, and incredible area amenities – these are just three of the hallmarks that have made Davisville Village notably one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto. Home to the original northernmost terminal of the TTC Subway line, this beautiful community is largely responsible for the Midtown residential expansion, and transit-friendly urban development in Toronto. Park Property Management is proud to offer excellent residential options within this prime community (221 & 265 Balliol Street) with a third, newly built community coming soon, Everworth 235 Balliol Street! With the perfect balance of neighbourhood charm and urban convenience, it’s hard to find another part of the city that’s more livable.

Connectability

First things first, Davisville has a long history and is a foundational stop on Toronto’s Subway line. It’s been the home of TTC headquarters for nearly 70 years. The concept of transit-focused urban development started here, providing greater access to housing and larger homes than those that were available downtown. You can get from Davisville to downtown in less than 11 minutes! Commuters here are also serviced by robust bus options. The get-anywhere commuter mentality of this neighbourhood makes living here an excellent choice for those who have places to go but opt for public transit, cycling or walking over driving.

Walkability

Commonly referred to as Davisville Village, the idea of a close-knit community is prevalent in this region enclosed by Bayview Ave., Eglinton Ave., Yonge St., and Merton Ave. This area has a walkability score of 94% meaning all daily errands can be easily completed on foot. Dining in this area is excellent with neighbourhood highlights including Dutch-Indonesian treasure Little Sister serving the best nasi goreng outside of Bali. Our community residents have the world at their feet with cafes, shops and conveniences lining Yonge and Bayview. A quick bite, errand, or a little treat is easy to accomplish while living here.

Livability

What makes Davisville one of the best neighbourhoods in Toronto is its enviable proximity to greenspace. The Kay Garner Beltline Trail provides scenic escapes for a daily walk or bike ride. Mount Pleasant Cemetery is a certified arboretum, so seeing deer or foxes on your morning jog is common. From our Balliol residences, you can be taking part in community events, playing pickleball or coaching baseball at June Rowlands Park in less than 2 minutes! Incredible area amenities like these make Davisville one of the easiest places to live well in Toronto.

Desirability

For families and professionals, Davisville is one of the most desired neighbourhoods in Toronto. With spacious two and three-bedroom suites available, 221 & 265 Balliol St are perfect for young families searching for a location to settle into with excellent schools close by. Professionals appreciate the easy commute and the excellent on-site amenities that our communities offer including an outdoor pool and sauna. With apartments in Midtown Toronto in high demand, there’s a little bit of everything in Davisville. Dining, shopping, recreation and social activities can all be found in Davisville, making this neighbourhood one of the best in the city.

With excellent transit access, vibrant local amenities, parks and trails, and a strong sense of community, Davisville represents one of Toronto’s most balanced and livable neighbourhoods. The ideal mix of city energy and neighbourhood comfort, this is a standout destination for those seeking the best of Midtown Toronto. Park Property is proud to be a long-established part of this community, offering Torontonians exceptional rental opportunities in this preferred neighbourhood – and we cannot wait to bring a new Everworth premium rental community here this summer!

Looking to move to Davisville? Register today!

What is the major thing that renters are looking for as part of the search for their next home? Apartments near transit. Easy access to transit. Flexible ways to get around and quick connections to public transit systems have become the top priority for those in the rental market.

For many, having access to a private vehicle isn’t part of their everyday. Getting to and from work or school, and running to appointments or errands, is! Yes, walkability is important, but when you’re looking to venture beyond your bubble, convenient access to public forms of transportation become indispensable. Most Park Property Management communities are conveniently located within a short walking distance of public transit, with many buildings featuring stops right outside their doors!

In a survey conducted by the City of Toronto, 64% of respondents rated proximity to public transit as “very important” (9–10 on a 10-point scale) for choosing where to live. The lack of a private vehicle does not diminish the need to commute. Many opt for public transit for personal, economic or environmental reasons. Students rely on public transit to get to activities or socialize. Many diners arrive by transit instead of driving. Alternative access to get around town is part of a holistic lifestyle – including city bikes or scooters in addition to buses, subways and streetcars.

Convenient access to transit options allows for greater choice when selecting a rental accommodation. More and more frequently, residents are choosing their preferred neighbourhoods like Davisville in midtown Toronto or Cherryhill Village in London, both with excellent public transit options, over the higher rents and smaller units they would find in apartments closer to their downtown workspaces. 221 Balliol St. or 3030 Pharmacy Ave. provide far better locations to raise a family and at a better cost than a small suite off King St.

27% of renters say that living close to public transit is a must when choosing a place to live – meaning they wouldn’t consider a house or apartment that isn’t near transit like a bus stop or train station. Luckily, at Park Property Management, residents don’t need to make that choice. With communities near transit across the Greater Toronto Area, as well as in other major cities across Ontario including Milton, Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo, Stratford, Tillsonburg, Guelph, and London, there’s an ideal rental suite for you. Conveniently located and connected to everything, students, professionals, families, and retirees can feel good about where they live in a Park Property Management rental community.

With 95 communities and growing, we have a rental near transit that's perfect for you. Find your next home with us!

In 2025, renting remains an attractive option for those seeking flexibility, affordability, and convenience. It offers the freedom to relocate easily, making it ideal for career changes or lifestyle adjustments.

With fewer upfront costs and no responsibility for major repairs or maintenance, renters can enjoy a stress-free living experience. Additionally, many rental properties now include modern amenities like gyms, coworking spaces, and smart home technology, providing added value.

As housing prices continue to climb in many markets, renting allows you to live comfortably while saving for future goals. In this blog, we’ll discover the benefits of renting vs owning in 2025 and how you can find your next rental today.

What to Consider: Weighing the Benefits of Owning a Home vs Renting

Deciding between renting and owning involves plenty of considerations, some of which are flexible. Let’s explore each one below:

• Home Prices: Home prices in Ontario are rising, making them too expensive and inaccessible for many. Aside from a mortgage, buyers also cover a down payment and hidden costs associated with buying a home
• Housing Inventory: The benefits of buying a home are contingent on the housing market and inventory. There isn’t always a suitable option for a buyer and their family. 
• Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates can shift, affecting a home’s affordability and sustainability.
• Rental Market: While rental rates and growth fluctuate, they’re still lower and more affordable than mortgage payments. In Ontario, average rental rates are currently declining.

Image source: Unsplash

The Benefits of Renting vs Owning in 2025

Being a renter comes with many benefits, especially when renting with renowned property management companies that value their residents.

Flexibility

Rentals offer more flexibility than homes. Whether for work, family, or a change of scenery, renters can move after their monthly or yearly contracts end without the hassle of selling and buying a home every time.

Fixed Finances and More Savings

When signing a lease, renters agree to fixed costs like rent, parking, storage, and utilities. They’re fully aware of their fixed monthly housing costs, allowing them to budget more accurately. Even if rent increases, it’s outlined in the lease with advanced notice. With predictable costs, renters can focus on savings for big investments or emergencies and build a comprehensive budget.

Reduced Responsibilities

Landlords are in charge of repairs and maintenance. Renters won’t have to worry about covering repair costs. However, this can be further discussed and outlined in the lease agreement. Some landlords don’t mind if the renter repairs or addresses maintenance issues, but that will vary depending on the situation.

Learn more: Benefits of Living in a Building Managed by Park

Lower Upfront Costs

Renters are likely only paying for a security deposit and the first and last month’s rent as upfront costs, but many costs apply to home buying. This makes it easier to find rentals and move in quickly when you want to.

Access to Desirable Neighbourhoods

Whether you want to live in one city for years or explore different neighbourhoods every couple of years, renting allows you the freedom to move around. If you’re seeking exciting activities, London is the place to be. Or, if you want to explore something more laid-back, Guelph has its own unique charm, making it a great option for renters as well.

Easier Relocation

By renting, you avoid the challenges of relocating. You won’t need to sell, stage, and buy a home, plus deal with all the legalities and the unpredictable real estate market. You can simply set a move-out date with your landlord and line that up with a move-in date at another location.

Challenges of Renting

Renters may experience the following challenges, depending on their circumstances:

• No Equity Building: Rent payments don’t go toward an investment that eventually becomes yours. Instead, it goes toward monthly living fees and utility bills. Renters won’t be building equity, however, they’ll still be able to build on their credit.
• Limited Control for Renovations: Renovations are at the landlord’s discretion. If a renter wants to change something in their apartment, they need the landlord’s permission, which won’t always be given. While this doesn’t prohibit all potential renovations, it limits what’s possible.
• Rent Increases: Landlords have the right—within reason—to increase rent for renters up to a certain amount, at certain times, with enough notice. Rent increases are possible, however, the limitations make it manageable and predictable for renters.

Our frequently asked questions about rentals tell you more about renting in Ontario. Check it out to answer your questions.

Image source: Unsplash

The Benefits of Owning a Home vs Renting in 2025

When weighing owning a home vs renting, consider these factors against your financial situation and lifestyle.

Building Home Equity

Renting doesn’t build equity the way that homeownership does. Homeowners invest money into property ownership, which becomes an asset in the future and contributes to a higher home value.

Renovation Freedom

As the homeowner, you’re free to make changes and updates to your property. This is sometimes possible with rentals when discussed with the landlord, but home ownership doesn’t require permission (so long as it doesn’t affect regional laws and building codes).

Investment Potential

Homeowners can invest in a property and earn more from it in the future. However, this can be unpredictable, considering how the real estate market fluctuates. If a homeowner wants to sell and buy another property, they might have to deal with property value fluctuations, meaning their home could be worth more or less than the initial price.

Image source: Unsplash

Disadvantages of Buying a Home

While home ownership has benefits, it comes with its fair share of challenges. Understanding them can help you choose between renting and owning depending on your stage of life.

• Higher Upfront Costs: While renters experience few upfront costs, homeowners shell out more with substantial down payments, legal fees, moving expenses, closing costs, and more.
• Higher Monthly Expenses: Aside from mortgage payments, homeowners also spend monthly on property taxes, maintenance, repairs, pest control, tree trimming, homeowners insurance, pool cleaning, snow removal, and more.
• Mortgage Interest: Mortgage interest can eat up most of your monthly payments for years before those payments start to take away from the principal balance. Mortgage rates are also subject to change. Homeowners can choose a fixed rate when purchasing their home, which could be a high rate, or a variable mortgage, which can change and be unreliable.
• Harder to Relocate: Homeownership can also make relocating difficult when needed. The selling process can be complex, let alone expensive. The real estate market is constantly changing, and your property value can go up or down. You may not be able to sell when you need to, or if you do, you could lose money from the transaction.

Rent vs Buy Calculator Canada 2025

On top of the benefits and challenges of renting vs owning, there’s a rent vs buy calculator Canada which can help you make the best financial decision. This rent vs buy calculator will ask you to input your ideal finances to provide you with a suggestion.

Experience the Benefits of Renting vs Owning with Park Property

Now that you know the benefits of renting vs owning, are you ready to find your next rental property? Live in desirable cities all across Ontario with access to luxury amenities and welcoming communities. Browse through our listings and find your next apartment with Park Property Today!