King West: The Hotspot Worth Waiting For After TTC Construction
King West is one of those neighbourhoods everyone wants to be in. It’s got the vibe, the restaurants, the nightlife, the whole package. If I had a dollar for every one of my younger clients who says,
I want to be in King West…
I’d be retiring early. But before you go signing a lease right now, here’s the truth: King West is going through some serious construction.
The city’s putting in a new TTC subway station at King & Bathurst. Eventually, this is going to be awesome. For now? It’s going to mean a whole lot of noise, dust, and construction chaos. So let’s talk about what’s coming, what it’s really like to live near city construction, and some solid spots nearby if you’re still dead set on being close to the King West action.
What’s Happening at King & Bathurst?
If you haven’t noticed the signs and detours around King & Bathurst, here’s what’s going on…
Toronto’s adding a subway station to connect King West better with the rest of the city. On paper, it’s great news. More transit, less waiting for streetcars.
But we’re still years out from that the TTC station. The reality right now is construction—lots of it.
The Plan in a Nutshell
The city’s breaking this project down into a few big stages:
Preparation: Moving utility lines, closing lanes, rerouting traffic—you’ll start seeing more of this if you haven’t already.
Excavation: The city will be digging into the ground for months. Expect early mornings, blocked roads, and heavy equipment rolling in and out.
Station Build: Once they’re done digging, they’ll start on the actual station. More cranes, cement trucks, you name it.
Finishing Touches: After the main construction wraps, they’ll fix up the streets, redo the sidewalks, and maybe plant a few trees.
Timeline? The city says they’re aiming for 2029, but there may be some delays so be prepared.
What It’s Really Like Living Next to Construction
I regularly recommend the King West area to my clients who are looking for the city life.
But if you’re thinking about moving to this area during major construction, expect some challenges:
Constant Noise: Construction doesn’t keep regular hours. Mornings, sometimes weekends—you’ll hear it all. If you work from home, Zoom calls will come with a side of jackhammers.
Traffic & Streetcar Delays: King & Bathurst is already a busy spot. Throw in detours, reduced lanes, and construction vehicles, and it’s a recipe for gridlock. Not to mention, the King streetcar route will probably take a hit with all this going on.
Dust & Dirt: You might as well keep those windows closed. Between the dust and debris, let’s just say “fresh air” is going to be in short supply.
All in all, King West is an amazing neighbourhood, but this construction is going to be a huge presence. So if you’re a fan of peace and quiet, this might not be the best time to jump in.
Love King West? Here’s Where to Rent Nearby Instead
If you’re still set on the King West vibe but don’t want to deal with the chaos, there are a few neighbourhoods that can keep you close without putting you in the middle of the construction zone.
Queen West
Just up the street, Queen West is kind of like King West’s laid-back cousin. You still get the trendy spots, the restaurants, and Trinity Bellwoods Park right there, but without as much of the “under construction” soundtrack.
Liberty Village
Liberty Village is basically a self-contained neighbourhood just west of King West. It’s got condos, coffee shops, gyms, and grocery stores all within walking distance. Plus, you’re far enough from the construction madness but still close to downtown. Solid option.
Fort York
If you want a quieter vibe, Fort York down by the lake has you covered. You’re still super close to King West but get some green space and waterfront trails instead of construction detours.
CityPlace
CityPlace is another good bet if you’re looking for that sleek, modern condo life. It’s a bit busier but far enough from King West that you’ll avoid the heavy construction zone while still being right downtown.
Why King West Will Be Worth It (Eventually)
Here’s the silver lining: once the dust settles, King West is going to be even better than before. A subway stop at King & Bathurst is going to make the area more accessible, and that’s only going to drive up demand. Rents might go up, so if you’re thinking about King West long-term, you might have to act fast once the station opens.
But for now? Maybe live somewhere close by but keep King West on your radar.
