Fort York is a neighbourhood of unique proportions: more than half of the land is allotted to public parks, while residential and commercial blocks are the outliers. Also unexpected for a downtown Toronto neighbourhood, Fort York is home to a national historic site.

In fact, Fort York is named for this historic piece of land. The military landmark is home to buildings erected by Canadian troops during the war of 1812, although it was used as a battle site since as early as 1793. Today, visitors come to the Fort York National Historic Site in order to catch a glimpse of Canada’s largest collection of buildings created during the War of 1812.

Fort York was classified as a National Historic Site in 1923, and after nearly 10 years of planning and conservation work, the public was finally able to visit beginning in 1934. Fort York has set quite the precedent for preservation throughout the neighbourhood, as well. The Fort York Neighbourhood Public Realm Plan was put into place during the neighbourhood’s redevelopment, which concluded in 2005. The plan is concerned with future changes to the neighbourhood, ensuring that the nature of Fort York will stay the same for years to come.

It’s no wonder residents have a vested interest in keeping developers in check. Fort York is located in a rather perfect spot, with the Canadian National and Canadian Pacific railway lines comprising the neighbourhood’s northern barrier. Fort York reaches all the way down to Lake Ontario, and is spread out between Strachan and Bathurst.

Besides feeling self-contained thanks to the natural boundaries created by the lake and the railway line, Fort York condos for rent also happen to be surrounded by green. Residents have their pick between Garrison Common, the Gore, Coronation Park, and June Callwood Park, or they can rotate between all four.

Those interested in Fort York Condos for rent have plenty of choice, especially for such a small neighbourhood. Renters have 17 buildings to choose from, some of which overlook the Fort York National Historic Site, while others offer stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto Islands.

Anyone hoping to live close to the lake should jump at an opportunity to live in the Marina Townhomes of South Beach or the Quay West at 90 Stadium Road. Residents living in either of these buildings love being able to stroll along the Waterfront Trail, while those interested in setting sail on the open waters can become members at the Alexandra Yacht Club or the National Yacht Club.

History buffs interested in Toronto condos for rent in Fort York also have the chance to call the neighbourhood’s namesake historic site their neighbour. The 240 Broadway Avenue Townhomes and the Garrison at Fort York are both situated right next-door, meaning unobstructed views for units facing west or north.

The most iconic building of all, though, is none other than the Tip Top Lofts at 637 Lake Shore Boulevard West. Some might even argue that this building is more recognizable than Fort York itself. The 1920s-built warehouse, once used by Tip Top Tailors, is one of the rare examples of Art Deco architecture in Toronto. And while the façade is quite spectacular, it’s more likely the massive red sign atop the building that really gets the Tip Top Lofts noticed.

Thanks to its location in the heart of downtown Toronto, drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and users of public transit can all get around with ease when living in Fort York. A ride all the way over to Union Station takes just 15 minutes on the 509 streetcar, for example. And with Bathurst Street so close at hand, residents living in Fort York condos for rent can also head north toward the Bloor-Danforth line in no time.

Drivers, on the other hand, make great use of the Gardiner Expressway, which intersects the neighbourhood just to the south of Garrison Common. From the Gardiner, drivers have many options: they can head west toward the 427 in order to continue on toward Pearson International Airport; or they can ride east until they reach the Don Valley Parkway, with the ability to transfer onto the 401 from there.

Yet another perk for residents living in Fort York Condos for rent is the neighbourhood’s proximity to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The airport is just south of Fort York, on Centre Island, which makes life a whole lot easier for those who want to skip town on a whim.

The Locals: Nature lovers.

Code of Conduct: Explaining your new sailing hobby to friends who live far from the lake might be a bit of a challenge.

What You’ll Find: Some of the oldest buildings in the city.

What You Won’t Find: A huge selection of trendy bars and restaurants within the neighbourhood itself.

The Homes: Condos with some truly enviable views.

Sealing the Deal: All that green space.