Driving on the Gardiner Expressway can sometimes trigger levels of anxiety akin to what you’d feel on a roller coaster, but few people realize that the Gardiner was in fact once the site of Sunnyside Amusement Park. And there was a roller coaster named the Flyer, which must serve as the inspiration for many of the left-lane driver’s who rapidly approach your rear bumper.

Sunnyside is a small neighbourhood, that’s nestled between Parkdale and High Park & Swansea. Residents of this neighbourhood enjoy all the perks that come with High Park — walking trails, playgrounds, High- Park Zoo, tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, gardens, and The Grenadier Café which is located in the middle of the park.

Residents have a small selection for restaurants, cafes, specialized retail stores, and pubs on Roncesvalles Ave, and also a variety of service based businesses; cleaners, salons, financial instructions, yoga studios, and more. For more substantial dining, nightlife, and shopping options, residents can venture east on Queen St W.

Sunnyside condos for rent are great for families; though Sunnyside is small, it does have a school within its borders: Garden Avenue Junior Public School. There are multiple daycares for parents with young children, and St. Joseph's Health Centre, Toronto is also found in Sunnyside, for any medical emergencies.

Condos for rent in Sunnyside can be quite exclusive, and as such, rent for high prices. There are only 3 buildings within the neighbourhood borders — 53 High Park Condos, The Abbey Lofts, and Park Lake Residences.

53 High Park condos is a boutique building with only 4 suites, all of which are in excess of 2000 square feet. The Abbey Lofts is a very desirable church conversion, with plenty of original features and 24 suites that range in size from 961 square feet to 2889. Park Lake Residences is the best bet for those seeking affordable Toronto condos for rent as it's home to 278 suites.

Sunnyside condos for rent don’t come with amenities, and tend to be geared towards successful professionals, empty nesters, and older families.

If you’re renting a condo in Sunnyside, you can likely accomplish most errands on foot — though you may need a vehicle or public transit from time to time. Public transit users have streetcars on Roncesvalles Ave, Queen, and The Queensway, and bus stops on Parkside Dr. For longer trips, streetcars on Roncesvalles connect to Dundas West Station for subway lines.

Car owners can avoid city traffic by going south on Parkside Dr for the Gardiner Expressway.

The Locals: Successful professionals, families, and empty nesters who are finally free.

Code of Conduct: Buy local.

What You’ll Find: A scenic waterfront neighbourhood — if you ignore the Gardiner Expressway.

What You Won’t Find: Condos that rent for affordable prices.

The Homes: Large single-family homes, some of which could be considered mansions.

Sealing the Deal: Being tucked away from the action without being far away.